Although plantar warts may eventually clear up on their own, most patients desire faster relief. The goal of treatment is to completely remove the wart. The doctor may use topical or oral treatments, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), acid treatments or surgery to remove the wart.

Regardless of the treatment approaches undertaken, it is important that the patient follow the doctor’s instructions, including all home care and medication that has been prescribed, as well as follow-up visits with the doctor. Warts are stubborn and may return, requiring further treatment.

If there is no response to treatment, further diagnostic evaluation may be necessary. In such cases, the doctor can perform a biopsy to rule out other potential causes for the growth.

Although many folk remedies for warts exist, patients should be aware that these remain unproven and may be dangerous in some cases. Patients should never try to surgically remove warts themselves- this can do more harm than good.