Common warts, among other types of warts, are considered as local growths on the skin that are known to be caused by the infection identified as Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. The virus itself is contagious and can be passed from one person to another although, there are little chances that the wart can affect the entire family, oftentimes, there is only one affected. More so, warts are seen only in one part of the body like the feet with minimal chances of spreading.

For one who is already annoyed seeing a wart, treatment is of great importance. Information about treatment can’t be applied with venereal or genital warts for they have a separate way of dealing with it. For conditions like these, OTC drugs are already sufficient base on the product that will be used. There are also different newer drugs which are non-prescribed to freeze the wart.

1. Salicylic acid
Preparations of salicylic acid come in pads, drops, plasters and even gels. These are designed to be applied to different wart size either lumpy or tiny or the bigger ones. Salicylic acid is known as a keratolytic medication which has the capability to dissolve the protein making up the wart component and the layer of thick skin that covers it.

2. Taping
There have been claims about duct tapes or other tape classifications suffocating the wart. Taping is a method that needs further evaluation and attention because for the idea to work, one has to put the tape after a few hours most especially if it has fallen off. Putting it back and maintaining it on that area is the hard part.

3. Non-prescribed freezing
Over-the-counter treatments like aerosol warts are made available and can be used as sprays to freeze the wart in a given temperature of negative 70 Fahrenheit which is equivalent to negative 57 degrees Celsius. This is same with liquid nitrogen that is used by majority of dermatologists which is colder compared to the OTC treatment.

Issues regarding using drugs taken over-the-counter are aired out. Some treatments have resulted to unwanted reactions on the person’s skin which is evident through redness or a burning sensation which are said to be the positive side effects of the drugs. On the other hand, scarring and infection will not be present.

One common mistake that people make is applying the drug around the wart including the surrounding skin which should not be. In order to stop the burning skin sensation, all you have to do is to stop the usage of the drug until the skin returns to its normal state.

For sensitive areas like the groin or face, salicylic acid is not recommended because of a more uncomfortable feel. For generalities, diabetic people are not advised to use salicylic acid products because of the poor circulation that happens in diabetes and due to the inflammation that can happen when salicylic acid is used. In order to fully appreciate the good effects of the treatment, one must follow religiously the instructions printed on the package. Only then will the safe usage of the drug is maximized.

Wart treatments are effective but needs patience on the part of the person using the drug. There will be cases that warts disappear easily even without manipulation and some need further attention by drugs and skin experts.