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HPV Treatments and Medications

Medically reviewed by Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist
Updated Aug 5, 2026
Fact Checked

Key takeaways

  • There is no treatment that cures HPV, but prescription topical medicines and in-office procedures can help control warts. Most HPV infections clear up on their own.

  • Although over-the-counter medicines for common warts include products with salicylic acid, there are no OTC medicines for genital warts, which are treated with prescription options.

  • No natural remedies can cure HPV, but the Gardasil 9 vaccine can help prevent some cancers and genital warts.

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), with most people who are sexually active getting it at some point. For many people, HPV infections cause no symptoms and can clear up on their own within a couple of years. However, some types of HPV can lead to genital warts and, in severe cases, cervical cell changes that can develop into cancer. Other types of HPV are not sexually transmitted, with some causing common warts that many people see on their hands and feet. No medications can cure HPV, but medicines can help treat warts, and vaccines can help prevent the types that cause cancer or genital warts.

How is HPV diagnosed?

Since genital HPV doesn’t often have symptoms, it is usually discovered through screenings for cervical cancer. Abnormal findings may be evaluated further with colposcopy or biopsy. Screening options for people with a cervix include the following:

  • An HPV test that checks for high-risk types

  • A Pap smear test that checks for any abnormal cervical cells 

These tests are often done together in what’s known as co-testing. Screening usually starts between the ages of 21 and 25 and continues until age 65. A primary HPV test is recommended every five years for people ages 30 to 65, with some options available that let patients collect their own vaginal sample. 

There is no approved HPV test for the vulva, penis, anus, or throat, which means it can be hard to detect HPV in those areas for people without a cervix. Warts on the hands and feet are diagnosed based on their appearance, without additional testing.

HPV treatment options

Treatment for HPV focuses on managing the warts it causes, depending on where they are and how severe they are. Genital or skin warts may be treated with topical drug products or removed by a healthcare provider. Common warts on the hands and feet can also be treated with over-the-counter medicines. For precancerous cervical cells, procedures such as cryotherapy and LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) can help remove abnormal cells.

Types of HPV medication

Medications are available to help treat visible warts. Some topical treatments can be applied at home, while others require application by a healthcare provider in a clinic. 

Self-applied topical treatments

Prescription topical treatments include creams, gels, and ointments that can be applied at home. Imiquimod, known by the brand names Aldara and Zyclara, works by activating the local immune response against the wart. Podofilox directly destroys wart tissue and is available as the brand-name Condylox. In addition, Veregen is a brand-name product containing sinecatechins, which is a green tea extract approved for genital warts. 

Topical treatments applied by a healthcare provider

Genital warts in harder-to-treat or sensitive areas may require other treatments administered in a clinic. A healthcare provider might apply trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or bichloroacetic acid (BCA), which are strong acids that destroy wart tissue. Freezing the wart with cryotherapy or removing it surgically are other options. 

Over-the-counter HPV medicine

Over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid, such as Compound W (salicylic acid), may help clear up common warts on the hands and feet. Freezing kits may also be available over the counter. However, these products should not be used on genital warts, since they can cause severe irritation. For those with genital warts, it is best to see a healthcare provider for prescription options.

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Best medicine for HPV

Drug nameSee SingleCare price
Aldara
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Imiquimod
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Zyclara
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Condylox
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Podofilox
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Veregen
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Gardasil 9
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Compound W
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This is not an exhaustive list of HPV medications. Always ask your healthcare provider for the best treatment for HPV based on your health condition and medical history.

Common side effects of HPV medicine

Side effects may not be the same for everyone, and their severity may vary. Topical medications have side effects that are generally limited to the area of application. Potential side effects of HPV medication may include: 

  • Redness

  • Itching

  • Burning

  • Irritation

  • Swelling

  • Tenderness

This is not a complete list. Always consult a healthcare provider regarding potential risks when starting a new medication. 

Home remedies for HPV

There are no home remedies that can cure the HPV virus or replace medical care for genital warts. Since a healthy immune system can often clear HPV infections over time, certain lifestyle habits and other methods may help support this process.

  • Maintain healthy habits: Factors such as sleep, exercise, and stress can affect the immune system’s ability to clear an HPV infection. Healthy habits like getting enough sleep and staying active may help support the immune system. 

  • Eat a nutritious diet: Nutrition may be linked to improved immune function, with some studies showing that a diet rich in vitamins such as vitamin D, folate, and vitamin B12 can reduce inflammation and reduce persistent HPV. 

  • Try supplementation: Vitamin C and zinc may also help support the immune system. In addition, studies suggest that active hexose correlated compound (AHCC), a mushroom-derived supplement, may clear persistent HPV with beneficial effects on the immune system. 

  • Use the duct-tape method for common warts: Cover the wart with duct tape and change it every few days to help stimulate the immune system to clear non-genital warts. However, the evidence is mixed.

Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant or have other health conditions. Home remedies may not work for everyone and may even carry safety risks. 

Expert takeaway 

Avoid putting any over-the-counter wart removers on genital warts, since these removers are meant for common warts on the hands and feet. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider for treatment options for genital warts. 

Frequently asked questions about HPV

Can you get rid of HPV once you have it?

Yes, most HPV infections go away on their own within one to two years as the immune system naturally clears them. No medicine can cure the virus itself, but treatments are available to manage warts, and vaccines can help prevent infections caused by more serious types. 

What is the best treatment for HPV?

The best treatment for HPV depends on what the infection is causing. For genital warts, prescription topical medications like imiquimod, podofilox, and sinecatechins are available. Precancerous cervical cells can be treated with cryotherapy or a LEEP, and common warts on the hands and feet can be treated with over-the-counter products with salicylic acid. A healthcare provider can also remove warts with in-office procedures. 

Does HPV cause warts on my hands and feet?

Yes, warts on the hands and feet are caused by HPV. However, there are over 200 types of HPV, and common warts differ from those caused by sexually transmitted HPV.

Is HPV an STD?

Yes, the types of HPV that infect the genitals are sexually transmitted. Genital HPV is the most common STD that can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as close skin contact between the genitals. 

Is there a vaccine for HPV?

Yes, Gardasil 9 is the only HPV vaccine currently approved in the U.S. It is recommended at ages 11 to 12, although it may be given to children as young as 9, with catch-up vaccination through age 26. Some adults ages 27 to 45 may also benefit. 

Sources

Medically reviewed by Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D.
Licensed Pharmacist

Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D., graduated from the University of Florida. He has worked in both community and hospital settings, providing drug information and medication therapy management services. As a medical writer, he hopes to educate and empower patients to better manage their health and navigate their treatment plans.

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