What are the recommended first-line treatments for common warts in children and adults?

First-line treatments for common warts in children and adults typically include topical salicylic acid and cryotherapy. Salicylic acid is widely recommended as a safe, effective, and accessible treatment that works by gradually peeling the wart tissue, suitable for both children and adults ¹. Cryotherapy, involving the application of liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, is also a common first-line option, especially in adults, due to its efficacy in destroying wart tissue ¹.

In children, topical salicylic acid is often preferred initially due to its ease of use and lower discomfort compared to cryotherapy. Cryotherapy may be reserved for warts that are resistant to salicylic acid or for adults who can tolerate the procedure better ¹.

Other treatments such as topical immunotherapy or laser therapy are generally considered second-line or for refractory cases. While some recent literature on genital warts suggests alternative approaches, these are not routinely recommended as first-line for common warts in general practice (Bourcier et al., 2013).