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Are there any prescription treatments for plantar or common warts?

Plantar and common warts are small, dry growths on the skin caused by a virus called human papillomavirus. The choice of treatment depends on the type and size of the wart, its location, and how many warts you're treating. While over-the-counter salicylic acid products may be effective, it can take many weeks for the wart to completely disappear. A doctor can perform treatments that usually work faster than over-the-counter products. Warts may come back, even after successful treatment.

Physicians use surgery, freezing, or an application of chemicals to remove warts. Surgical removal of warts is a very effective approach. Freezing (also called cryosurgery) is also effective. With this method, the doctor applies liquid nitrogen to "freeze" the warts off. In resistant cases, the doctor can apply chemicals such as acids, formalin, or dinitrochlorobenzene to dissolve the wart.

As you can see, doctors have many alternatives for removing warts. Your doctor can determine which method is most appropriate for you.

Sources:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Habif, Thomas. Clinical Dermatology. Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1996.

This answer prepared 7/18/00.