What is Salicylic acid?
Salicylic acid is a topical treatment for plantar warts, also known as verrucas. Plantar warts are painful growths that develop on the soles of your feet, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and they are contagious.
While most plantar warts heal on their own without treatment, using a medication like salicylic acid can help speed up the recovery process.
How does Salicylic acid work?
Salicylic acid is a strong acid that helps break down the thick, infected skin of the wart. It’s keratolytic, meaning it softens keratin, the protein that makes up the wart. This helps to shed the layers of the wart. Additionally, as it works to break down the wart, it also removes infected skin cells and the virus, preventing new skin from forming.
How well does Salicylic acid work for warts?
Studies have shown that salicylic acid is an effective treatment for warts.
One study found that 39 people who used salicylic acid no longer had warts (compared to 25 in the placebo group).[1] Another study found that the cure rate for warts treated with salicylic acid was 69%.[2]
Additionally, it’s a well-tolerated medication, with patients typically only getting mild side effects.
What doses of Salicylic acid are there?
At Treated, salicylic acid comes in two doses of 17% and 40%. The 17% comes as a solution, while the 40% comes as pads. The concentration you get depends on how severe and persistent your wart is, as well as the sensitivity of your skin.
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