Warts are raised bumps on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be uncomfortable, contagious, and painful, but about 65% of warts clear up on their own within two years without medical intervention. 

There are a number of treatments that can help warts go away faster, including:

• Topical chemicals

These chemicals, such as salicylic acid or lactic acid, are applied to the skin to kill affected skin cells. They are available from pharmacies in creams, gels, paints, and medicated plasters, and you usually need to use them every day for many weeks. Your doctor can also prescribe stronger wart medicine.

• Cryotherapy

In this treatment, liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart to freeze and destroy affected skin cells. Cryotherapy can make warts on the hands go away more quickly, but it can be painful and often leaves a blister. Nonprescription medicines that freeze the wart include Compound W Freeze Off and Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away.

• Surgical procedures

These include curettage and electrocautery, which are performed under local anesthesia.

• Laser therapy

A laser is used to burn off the warts.