Warts around the nails in children: home treatment with salicylic acid
General information for parents. This page does not replace individual medical advice. Last updated 30 September 2026.
About warts
Warts are caused by a common skin virus (human papillomavirus, HPV). They are harmless and very common in children. Many go away on their own: about half within a year and two-thirds within two years. Warts around the nails can be stubborn, and biting or picking spreads them to other fingers.
The treatment
Wart-Off Stick contains 40% salicylic acid, which slowly softens and peels away the wart. It is available from pharmacies without a prescription. It works slowly, so expect to use it for several weeks.
How to use it
Once a day, ideally in the evening:
- Soak the finger in warm water for 5 minutes, then dry it well.
- Apply a thin layer to the wart only.
- Cover with a waterproof plaster, such as Band-Aid Waterproof Tough Strips or an Elastoplast waterproof plaster (from any pharmacy). Wrap it around the finger so the edges stick to dry skin. Keep it covered; this helps the treatment work and stops your child biting or picking the wart.
Every few days, gently file away the white, softened skin on top of the wart with an emery board. Use that emery board only for the wart, never for nails or other people, and throw it away when treatment is finished.
Take a break if
- The skin around the wart becomes red, sore or raw.
- The wart or skin cracks or bleeds.
Stop for a few days until it settles, then start again. Some mild whitening and peeling is normal.
Do not
- Use it on the face, including the nose, lips or near the eyes. Warts on the face are treated differently.
- Put it into the skin fold at the base of the nail, or under the nail.
How long
The packet says not to use it for more than 2 weeks without medical advice. For warts around the nails, doctors often advise continuing daily until the wart is gone, usually within 12 weeks. Check with your doctor before using it for longer than the packet says.
See a doctor sooner if
- The area becomes very red, swollen, hot or painful, or has pus (possible infection).
- The nail becomes lifted, ridged or discoloured.
- The wart is spreading quickly despite treatment.
If the wart is still there after about 12 weeks, other treatments are available, including freezing, which can work better combined with salicylic acid.