What is the difference between a salicylic peel and wart remover?

Question

What is the difference between a salicylic facial peel and over the counter wart remover of roughly the same strength? (20% and 17% respectively.) The wart remover says it should not be used on the face or be used for acne. Aren't they the same product?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Wart removers that are over the counter are made of a strong plasters that is specifically designed for warts and should never be used on the face. Facial Peels are less strong and made of a certain type of solution that is made specifically for the skin on the face.I recommened  peels like the RevePeels which have a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, phenol and TCA which will help improve your overall color, tone and texture of your skin more than just a normal salicylic acid peel. Depending on the strength of the peel I recommend getting regular chemical peels in combination with medical grade facials and laser treatments to improve your results. I recommend getting a formal evaluation for a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

You are right in that they are both the same basic chemical, but solutions for facial peels are usually only left on according to the instructions that come with the peel for a short period of time, and wart remover is to be left on the wart for a much longer time.  Either way, sal acid can burn the skin and cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so you want to be careful with either.  I would not recommend using any wart remover pads on the face at all.  If you have facial warts, they should be evaluated by your board certified dermatologist and possibly biopsied to make sure they are not a skin cancer.

Brenda LaTowsky, MD · Answer

Over-the-counter wart remover and a salicylic peel both contain salicylic acid, but the over-the-counter wart remover may have specific ingredients that targets warts, while a salicylic peel has specific ingredients that can be used on the face. I recommend following the instructions of each product.

What is the difference between a salicylic peel and wart remover?

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