How do I use Compound W (salicylic acid) Freeze to treat a wart?

How to Use Compound W Freeze for Wart Treatment

Apply Compound W Freeze directly to the wart using the included foam applicator, holding it firmly against the wart for 40 seconds (or as directed on the package), then allow the area to thaw naturally and repeat treatment every 2 weeks until the wart is gone, typically requiring 1-3 applications for complete clearance. 1

Pre-Treatment Preparation

• Wash the affected area with mild soap and water before application 2
• Debride or pare down the wart surface (especially for plantar warts) to improve treatment penetration and efficacy 2
• Ensure you can easily see and reach the wart for proper application 2
• Dry the area completely before applying the freeze treatment 2

Application Technique

• Hold the foam applicator firmly against the wart for the full recommended duration (typically 40 seconds for over-the-counter freeze products) 1
• The nitrous oxide-based Compound W Freeze achieves temperatures around -80°C, which is colder than some other home cryotherapy devices 1
• Apply only to the wart itself, avoiding surrounding healthy skin 3
• Allow the treated area to air dry completely before contact with clothing 3

Treatment Schedule and Expected Outcomes

• Repeat treatment every 1-2 weeks as needed 2, 4
• Most patients require 1-3 applications for complete wart clearance 1
• After one application, approximately 29% of warts clear completely 1
• After up to three applications, cure rates reach approximately 71% 1
• If no substantial improvement occurs after 3 treatments, or if warts haven't cleared after 6 treatments, consider switching to a different treatment modality 4

Post-Treatment Care

• Pain, blistering, and necrosis are common after cryotherapy and should be expected 3, 4
• A scab will form and should be allowed to fall off naturally, typically within 1-2 weeks 2
• Keep the area clean and dry; washing is permitted but avoid scrubbing 2
• Do not pick at or remove the scab prematurely 2

Expected Side Effects

• Temporary pain at the treatment site is normal 3, 4
• Blistering may occur and is a typical response to cryotherapy 3, 4
• Skin discoloration (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation) is common, especially in darker skin tones 2, 4
• These color changes may be permanent 2, 4

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Contact a healthcare provider if signs of infection develop: increasing pain, warmth, redness, swelling, or discharge 2
• If the wart is located in a sensitive area (genital, facial, or mucosal surfaces), do not use over-the-counter freeze products—consult a healthcare provider instead 2, 4
• Scarring is possible, particularly if treatment is too aggressive 2

Contraindications and Special Populations

• Do not use if you have poor circulation to extremities 2
• Avoid use if you have cold intolerance disorders such as Raynaud's disease, cryoglobulinemia, or cold urticaria 2
• Patients with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease may experience delayed healing 2
• Safety during pregnancy has not been well established, though cryotherapy is generally considered safer than chemical alternatives 2

Combination Therapy Option

• After cryotherapy, you may apply salicylic acid daily to enhance wart destruction 5
• Wash the area with mild soap and water before applying salicylic acid 2
• Combined cryotherapy with daily 70% salicylic acid application shows cure rates of approximately 89% 5
• However, for anatomically sensitive areas, consult a specialist before combining treatments 2

Follow-Up and Recurrence

• Most recurrences occur within the first 3 months after treatment 2
• Monitor the treated area during this period 2, 4
• If warts recur, treatment can be repeated following the same protocol 4

Important Caveats

The nitrous oxide-based Compound W Freeze (marketed as EndWarts Freeze in Europe) demonstrates superior efficacy compared to dimethylether-based home cryotherapy devices, with nearly three times more warts clearing after a single application 1. This is due to its colder temperature (-80°C) and skin-conforming polyurethane foam applicator 1. However, warts on moist surfaces and in skin folds generally respond better to topical treatments like salicylic acid than to cryotherapy 4.