Compound W Gel: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Compound W Gel is an over-the-counter topical gel containing salicylic acid, used on the skin to remove common and plantar warts. It works as a keratolytic by increasing moisture in the skin and breaking down the substance that holds skin cells together, helping the wart shed over time. It is applied directly to the wart once or twice daily for up to 12 weeks and is for external use on the skin only.

What is Compound W Gel

Compound W Gel is an over-the-counter topical gel containing salicylic acid. It is used on the skin to remove common and plantar warts.

Compound W Gel uses

• For the removal of common and plantar warts.
• The common wart is easily recognized by the rough "cauliflower-like" appearance on the surface.
• The plantar wart is recognized by its location only on the bottom of the foot, its tenderness, and the interruption of the footprint pattern.

Benefits of Compound W Gel

• Warts are growths on the skin caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Common warts and plantar warts are generally harmless.
• Compound W Dual Power is used for the over-the-counter removal of common and plantar warts.
• Contains 17% salicylic acid.

How Compound W Gel works

The active ingredient, salicylic acid, is a keratolytic. It works by increasing moisture in the skin and breaking down the substance that holds skin cells together, which helps the skin shed more easily and removes the wart over time.

Compound W Gel dosage

Wash the affected area before applying. You may soak the wart in warm water for 5 minutes, then dry the area thoroughly. Squeeze the tube gently and apply one drop at a time to sufficiently cover each wart, then let it dry. Repeat this procedure once or twice daily as needed until the wart is removed, for up to 12 weeks.

Wipe the tip of the tube with a paper towel between uses. Do not touch the tip of the tube or place it directly on the skin, since a contaminated tube can infect your skin. Do not take by mouth; this medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not bandage treated skin or expose it to heat, since your skin may absorb more medicine and cause harmful effects. Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with this gel unless your doctor tells you to. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

Available forms and strengths

• Gel
• 17% salicylic acid

Side effects of Compound W Gel

Common

• Minor skin irritation, rash, itching, stinging, dryness
• Color changes in treated skin
• Skin discoloration may occur during or after use

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as wheezing, hives, itching, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Severe burning, stinging, peeling, dryness, or irritation after using this medicine
• Signs of an infection, such as pus and bloody discharge
• Sores at treatment site
• Spreading skin redness

Warnings and precautions

• This product is for external use only on the skin.
• The gel is flammable, so keep it away from fire and flame.
• Do not use on irritated skin or on any area that is infected or reddened.
• Do not use on moles, birthmarks, warts with hair growing from them, genital warts, or warts on the face or mucous membranes.
• Do not use if you have diabetes or poor blood circulation.
• Avoid contact with the eyes. If the product gets into the eye, flush with water for 15 minutes.
• Avoid inhaling the vapors from the product.
• Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a poison control center right away.
• Do not use this gel on a skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
• Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have liver or kidney disease.
• No important direct interaction with drinking alcohol is expected.
• Does not normally affect driving.

Storage

• Store at room temperature.
• Avoid excessive heat 37°C (99°F).
• Cap tightly and store at room temperature away from heat.
• Keep out of reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Stop use and ask a doctor if discomfort persists.
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as wheezing or trouble breathing, hives, itching, feeling light-headed, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe burning, stinging, peeling, dryness, or irritation after using this medicine.
• Seek emergency medical help or contact poison control if someone accidentally swallows the medicine.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Alternatives

• Salicylic acid wart-remover liquid
• Salicylic acid wart-remover pads
• Other clinician-selected wart treatments