Does duct tape really remove warts?

Out of 3 studies, one study had a positive effect when duct tape was compared to freezing the wart (cryotherapy), but 2 studies did not see any advantage of duct tape compared to a placebo (a corn pad or moleskin). There are conflicting results in studies about the effectiveness of duct tape for common warts.

Don't use duct tape if you have diabetes, nerve damage, loss of sensation or poor circulation to your feet, peripheral artery disease, or are prone to skin allergies or irritation, as sores or infection may occur.

If your wart bleeds, forms pus, grows rapidly or develops serious or long-lasting redness or pain in other ways, contact your doctor. Genital warts must be treated by your doctor. Do not try to treat this type of wart yourself. Dermatologists can diagnose and treat common, flat and plantar warts. Podiatrists (foot doctors) can treat plantar warts.

The virus that causes warts is the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is contagious and can be spread by contact with the wart itself or items that touched the wart. Warts are often acquired in public showers, locker rooms or pool areas. Wear water-proof flip flops or shower shoes when walking or showering in these areas.

If you choose to use duct tape to help remove a common, flat or plantar wart, here is the general process, as outlined in the studies:

• Cut a piece of silver duct tape (not clear) as close to the size of the wart as possible. The silver tape sticks to the skin better and the adhesive in silver duct tape may have an advantage. You can cover the duct tape with a band-aid if needed, to help keep it in place.
• Leave the duct tape in place for 6 days.
• After 6 days, remove the tape and soak the area in water for 10 to 20 minutes. Gently rub the wart surface down with an emery board or pumice stone. Leave the tape off overnight.
• Repeat this process until the wart is gone, but not longer than 2 months.
• If this works for you, your skin warts should be treated within four weeks. The treatment is considered ineffective if you do not see any improvement within two weeks.

What can I use to treat my warts besides duct tape?

Some warts may go away on their own, but it may take months or even years for them to disappear. Many people choose to treat them for cosmetic reasons.

An over-the-counter (OTC) medicine called salicylic acid is available to treat warts. It is a mild, acidic topical agent that you put over the top of the wart. It comes in various forms like a liquid, gel, patch/pad or stick. The salicylic acid is absorbed and causes peeling of the skin that contains the wart virus. You can find these products at pharmacies or other retail shops.

Common OTC brand names for salicylic acid include Compound W, DuoFilm and Dr. Scholl’s, but it’s also available as a generic or store brand that may be less expensive.

Follow the package directions. Don’t use this product if you have diabetes or nerve damage (neuropathy), contact your doctor instead.

OTC products that freeze the wart are also available. They break down the wart but can be painful to use.

Other options available from your doctor, podiatrist (foot doctor) or dermatologist may include:

• Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
• Electrosurgery and curettage (burning and scraping off (curetting) the wart with a small blade or spoon)
• After numbing the area, shave the wart off with a small blade
• A prescription cream applied to the wart: for example: fluorouracil cream (Efudex) or imiquimod cream (Aldara)
• An injection into the wart to help clear the virus that causes warts
• Treating wart with a liquid medicine called cantharidin

Learn more: See different types of warts and Medications Used to Treat Warts

This is not all the information you need to know about this condition or treatment for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

Related questions

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• I used Compound W on a plantar wart for a month and it has fallen off. Do I need to keep using it?