When dealing with plantar warts, several effective treatment options are available, primarily focused on topical medications and procedures. Here’s an overview:

1. Topical Treatments

• Salicylic Acid: This is one of the most common over-the-counter treatments for plantar warts. It works by exfoliating the layers of skin that make up the wart, helping to gradually diminish it. Products containing salicylic acid are available in liquid, gel, or patch forms.
  • Examples: Many brands, such as Dr. Scholl's and Compound W, offer formulations containing salicylic acid specifically for wart removal. You can find products like Compound W NitroFreeze and CVS Health Maximum Strength Wart Remover Liquid.
  • Dr. Scholl's Wart Treatment

2. Cryotherapy

• Cryotherapy: This is a procedure often performed by a healthcare provider that involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This method can be effective for removal but may require multiple sessions.

3. Other Options

• Topical Solutions from Healthcare Providers: Doctors may also prescribe stronger topical treatments, including various acids and other agents, to treat stubborn cases.
• Oral Medications: Although not commonly used, there is research on the effectiveness of certain oral medications such as valacyclovir, although further studies are needed to establish their effectiveness.

4. Pain Relief

• For any discomfort associated with plantar warts, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can be used to manage pain.

5. Seeking Professional Help

• If over-the-counter treatments do not yield results, or if the plantar wart is particularly painful, it may be wise to consult a healthcare professional to explore other treatment options or procedures.

Useful Links

• For more detailed information on treatments, you can check resources like:
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • WebMD
  • Frankel Foot

Conclusion

There are effective treatment options available for plantar warts, including topical treatments like salicylic acid, cryotherapy, and oral medications in specific cases. If self-treatment is ineffective, it’s advisable to seek medical advice for further management.

Sources

Plantar Warts: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & RemovalTopical treatment for plantar warts: A systematic review - PubMedCommon & Plantar Warts – DrSchollsUnderstanding Plantar Warts -- Treatment - WebMDTreatment of plantar warts with oral valacyclovirPlantar Wart Removal - CVS PharmacyThe Best Topical Treatments for Plantar Warts

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