Dr. Goldenberg discusses treatment of warts on Prevention.com

Warts are caused by a few of the over 150 different types of the human papilloma virus, says Gary Goldenberg, MD, a dermatologist, professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and medical director of the Dermatology Faculty Practice in New York City. “This type of HPV infection is usually picked up from the environment or another person.”

Try this: Over-the-counter salicylic acid helps soften the skin and shrink warts, says Dr. Goldenberg.