What should you know about Compound W for warts?

Many Compound W products use salicylic acid to loosen thickened keratin in a wart. The treated surface gradually sheds, while repeated applications may be needed. A wart is caused by a skin virus and can spread through contact or shared personal items. A rough spot is not automatically a wart: corns, calluses and other lesions can look similar. Treatment is therefore more suitable when the appearance and location have been assessed.

Follow the package directions and protect nearby healthy skin from the product. Keep the area clean, avoid picking, and do not share towels, nail tools or footwear. Do not use wart acid on the face, mucous membranes, moles, irritated skin or areas with reduced sensation unless a clinician specifically advises it. If home treatment is unsuitable or has not helped, a clinician may discuss [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/), [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/) or [Wart Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/wart-removal/). Imiquimod is a different prescription treatment with different uses; see [Imiquimod Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/imiquimod-therapy/).

Stop and seek advice if the treated skin develops severe pain, spreading redness, marked swelling, pus or a blister that is worsening. Arrange review if the lesion bleeds, changes, multiplies quickly, is on the genitals or face, or has not been clearly diagnosed. People with diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage or weakened immunity should obtain medical guidance before treating a foot or hand lesion.

Ask whether the lesion is definitely a wart, which formulation suits its site, how long to continue, and what irritation is expected. Check whether you need a clinic treatment if the wart is painful, recurrent or located near a nail.