Over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments. This treatment may take several months to be effective. Cryotherapy. This treatment involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, which destroys the wart tissue and causes it to peel off. Several treatments may be needed. Prescription topical medications. This may involve a combination of salicylic acid and other medications that gradually strip away the wart tissue. Immunotherapy. For this treatment, a chemical is applied to the wart that causes an allergic reaction. This causes your body’s immune system to attack and destroy the wart. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Excision, where the wart is cut away with a scalpel. This is often done if the wart is small and hardened, or if the warts have joined together to form a cauliflower shape. Electrosurgery, where the wart is cut with a scalpel and then burned off with an electric current. It is often used to treat large warts around the anus or vulva. Laser surgery, where a laser is used to burn away the wart. It is recommended for large warts that are difficult to access, such as on the bottom of your feet or in your genital area.
Your doctor will usually only recommend surgery if the wart is very painful and keeps coming back even with medication or non-surgical treatments.
In most cases, you will be under general anesthesia and will not feel much pain during the procedure. However, recovery from the surgery can be painful and uncomfortable.
If the wart is on your feet, wear socks at all times. If the wart is on your genital area, keep it covered by wearing underwear.
Depending on your medical state, you may also ask someone to drop you off so you do not have to drive yourself there, or worry about leaving your car at the hospital.
A wart located in your genital area may take longer to heal than a wart on your arm or hand. You should also avoid sexual intercourse until the area is healed and no longer sore, usually one to four weeks.
Keep in mind that there is a small chance that the wart will return even after surgery. Your doctor may recommend medication or another round of surgery to help keep the wart from returning.
