Home Treatment of Warts

Buy a bottle of Duofilm (17% salicylic acid) at the drugstore.  It is over the counter and does not need a prescription. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic and works by killing and removing the skin cells infected with the wart virus.

1. Soak the wart in hot water for at least 5 minutes.
2. Use a pumice stone or nail file to remove the dead skin cells in the area of the wart.
   
3. Dry thoroughly.
   
4. Apply Vasoline concentrically around the wart onto the normal skin to prevent irritation of the normal skin by the salicylic acid.
   
5. Apply 2-4 drops of Duofilm directly to the wart once a day using the plastic applicator. Each drop should be permitted to dry before the next is added.
   
6. Cover the treated area with a Band-Aid.
   
7. Repeat treatment every 24 hours.  If any skin irritation develops, postpone the next application of Duofilm until the irritation goes away.
   
8. Normally, improvement can be seen after 2-4 weeks.  Maximum effect occurs by 6-12 weeks. 
   
9. Duofilm is for external use on skin warts only. It should not be applied to mucus membranes.
   
10. If Duofilm gets into eyes or mucus membranes, flush immediately with copious amounts of water for 10-15 minutes and see your physician, especially if the eyes are involved.