A survey of wart treatments finds that only topical salicylic acid is likely to be effective.

Warts are unsightly lesions on the hands and feet which are caused by a virus. There's a range of treatments on offer - from freezing (cryotherapy) to chemicals that are painted onto the affected area.

Researchers at Ipswich, England, have found that none of these treatments is backed by hard scientific proof - save for those containing salicylic acid. Cryotherapy, which is often done, is no more effective than salicylic acid. Those with warts could just wait for them to go away - which they often do. Or they can wait for promising new treatments like photodynamic therapy, laser therapy, or approaches based on the immune system.

Source

British Medical Journal 31st August 2002