Previous studies have observed that for plantar warts, intervention may not be different from a wait-and-see-approach; the rates after intervention in the current study are comparable with the rates of spontaneous resolution. Salicylic acid may be more cost effective. Plantar warts are more resistant than hand warts, and will likely need retreatment or a combination of different therapies.
Clinical Decision
Because he is limping, you tell the patient to come in for another cryotherapy treatment. Before he arrives at the appointment, you tell him to obtain a salicylic acid–containing wart removal product and bring it into the appointment so that you can instruct him on its use. After freezing the wart this time, you will have him apply the salicylic acid for several weeks.
Dr. Ebbert and Dr. Tangalos are with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. They both reported having no conflicts of interest.