13.7 Preparations for warts and calluses

General Guidance
 

• Warts may regress on their own and treatment is only required if the warts are painful, unsightly, persistent or cause distress.
• Several preparations are available for purchase by the public which are suitable for use on hand and feet warts.
• Salicylic acid should be considered as the first line option, it is also suitable for the removal of corns and calluses. Some people may develop allergy to the colophony containing formulation (collodion presentations)
• Seek specialist advice for anogenital warts.

​Recommended drugs

Salicylic Acid paint (Salactol)

Salicylic acid ointment 50% in a paraffin basis (Verrugon)

Drug Traffic Light Key:

Green – On Formulary

Amber – Restricted use, see local guidelines      

Purple – Specialist use/initiation

Red – Non Formulary

Relative Costs Key (where indicated):

£££££ - high

£££ - moderate

£ - low