Body

How to Get Rid of Warts

Give those unsightly bumps the heave-ho with these at-home and professional wart remedies

by Leslie George | COMMENT

PHOTO 0/8

Associated with witches and toads, warts aren't exactly something anyone aspires to have. While warts are harmless and might go away on their own after several months, we can't blame you for wanting to learn how to get rid of warts ASAP. After all, they can be contagious to you and others.

The good news about removing warts is that you can usually get rid of warts at home, using over-the-counter products. The bad news: It could take several weeks. The best way to remove warts? Depends on where they are, says Doris Day, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center and the author of "Forget the Facelift." "If the wart is on your hands or feet you can start with an at-home treatment regimen," she says, "but if it's on your face you should get it removed in your doctor's office to reduce the risk of scarring."

Though it's okay to start an at-home regimen to remove warts without seeing a doctor, if you have any questions about whether or not your skin growth is a wart, make an appointment to be sure. And it should go without saying that you should definitely see a doctor you can't get rid of a wart after home treatment or it spreads, becomes painful or changes color or appearance. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of warts for good.

SEE NEXT PAGE: What Causes Warts?

EDITORS' BEST OF

12 Best Acne Products for Your Clearest Skin Yet

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Easy, On-the-Go Coverage