Warts

This collection covers treatment for warts, which are small skin growths linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus family. Ships from Canada to US, with options that span at-home topicals, prescription therapies for selected cases, and prevention tools; shoppers can compare brands, forms (liquids, gels, creams, patches), and typical strengths. Product selection can change with supply, regulations, and manufacturer updates, so listings may vary over time; are warts contagious is a common concern, and browsing by location and type can help narrow choices.What’s in This CategoryThis category groups products and guidance often used for common skin warts, plantar warts, and virus-linked lesions, including information related to Common Warts and Plantar Warts. Many items are keratolytics, meaning skin-softening agents that gradually lift thickened skin over repeated applications. Salicylic acid is a common keratolytic, and it appears in liquids, pads, and plasters with different percentages. Some kits pair medicated steps with simple tools, like disposable files or protective covers, to reduce friction.Other options are clinician-directed, including immune response modifiers that prompt a local immune reaction on certain lesions. Those therapies are more common for genital or stubborn cases and may require prescriptions. Preventive options may also appear, including HPV vaccination resources linked to protection against certain virus strains; see HPV for related context. This mix supports different needs, from first-time shoppers seeking a basic wart remover to people comparing forms for sensitive skin, thicker soles, or recurring lesions.How to Choose Treatment for WartsStart by matching the approach to the likely wart type and body location, since skin thickness and moisture change how products work. Non-genital warts on hands or feet often respond to keratolytics used consistently for weeks, while genital-area lesions need different evaluation and product selection. Consider comfort, skin sensitivity, and the time available for daily or every-other-day routines. For shared households, choose packaging that reduces cross-contact, and plan for dedicated applicators or single-use tools.Strength and format matter, especially when comparing liquids, gels, and patches. Higher-strength salicylic acid plasters may suit thicker plantar skin, while lower strengths or shorter contact times may be preferred for delicate areas. Storage and handling can also affect results, since caps that seal tightly reduce evaporation and keep dosing consistent. Common selection mistakes include starting on broken skin, stopping too early after visible flattening, and treating uncertain growths that need clinician review.Do not treat moles, bleeding lesions, or rapidly changing spots.Avoid spreading tools between sites without cleaning or disposal.Do not combine multiple harsh methods in the same week.Popular OptionsPrescription imiquimod is an immune response modifier sometimes used for external genital or perianal warts under clinician guidance. A representative option is Aldara P Cream, which is typically applied on a set schedule and can cause redness or irritation that may limit use. This route is usually considered when lesion location, recurrence, or prior response makes OTC approaches less suitable. It also highlights why diagnosis matters, since different growths can look similar but require different care.Prevention and risk reduction may also be part of browsing, especially when HPV exposure is a concern. A representative vaccine listing is Gardasil and Gardasil 9, which is used for prevention of certain HPV strains and is not a direct treatment for existing skin lesions. For non-genital skin lesions, topical keratolytics remain common, and some shoppers compare a medicated liquid versus a warts removal cream based on ease of use and skin sensitivity. Across formats, consistent application and realistic timelines usually matter more than small strength differences.Related Conditions & UsesWart-like lesions can overlap with other conditions, so browsing related pages can support safer selection. For lesions in the genital area, see Genital Warts, where evaluation and product choices differ from hand or foot lesions. For broader virus context, HPV explains why recurrence can happen even after a visible lesion clears. If a growth does not match typical wart features, consider differential options like Skin Tags, which are not the same condition.Location often shapes day-to-day impact, including friction, tenderness, and cosmetic concerns. For warts on hands, routine exposure to water, detergents, and shared surfaces can complicate adherence and raise household spread concerns. Thick plantar lesions can feel like stepping on a pebble, so cushioning and footwear choices may matter alongside topical care. Seek clinician input promptly for facial lesions, immune suppression, pregnancy-related concerns, or any growth that is painful, bleeding, or changing quickly.Authoritative SourcesBackground on HPV and spread patterns from CDC HPV resources.Clinical overview of wart types and care from American Academy of Dermatology.Consumer safety guidance for salicylic acid products from MedlinePlus salicylic acid monograph.Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.