A survey of wart treatments finds that only topical salicylic acid is likely to be effective.
Warts are unsightly lesions on the hands and feet which are caused by a virus. There's a range of treatments on offer - from freezing (cryotherapy) to chemicals that are painted onto the affected area.

Researchers at Ipswich, England, have found that none of these treatments is backed by hard scientific proof - save for those containing salicylic acid. Cryotherapy, which is often done, is no more effective than salicylic acid. Those with warts could just wait for them to go away - which they often do. Or they can wait for promising new treatments like photodynamic therapy, laser therapy, or approaches based on the immune system.