Everyone you talk to has a home remedy for these buggers. My first question is, are you sure it's just a wart? Let me know about any skin findings so me or another physician can make sure you do not have something dangerous.
Here's my approach for treating warts:
Most skin warts (again, not on your private parts, if you have those let me know) are from a virus, specifically one called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types or "strains" of HPV, some can even cause certain cancers, which is why we vaccinate our pre-teens against the more dangerous strains of HPV. But those warts on you are not cancerous. They're just annoying.
The first option is to just wait it out. 50% of warts will be gone within a year.
The best home remedy for warts (or verruca vulgaris if we want to sound sophisticated) is Salicylic Acid 17%. There are many different types of this medication including bandages and creams. Use whichever formulation you prefer, but don't get too aggressive. This liquid is strong stuff!
Let's say the wart does not go away with salicylic acid and you want it treated by a physician? In that case, we will likely use Liquid Nitrogen to try to destroy the wart and the local virus.
In my Practice Information page, I promised to be honest with you as my patient. The truth is, this spray is not comfortable. It stings. A lot. The best way to use liquid nitrogen is to spray for 10 seconds or more, and it often takes 3 or 4 treatments spaced out every 2 weeks. Success rates are about 50-70% There will be blistering, soreness and redness at the area that will start soon after the treatment and may continue for a few days.
For children who may not tolerate this treatment, ask me about the Wart Clinic where other treatments are available. What about Duct Tape?! Some say applying duct tape works, but there is no good data. So I cannot in good conscious recommend it. Sorry duct tape fans.
How to prevent warts? Avoid touching them on other people and avoid biting your nails, as those are known ways to get them. (Tosti A, Pinoccini BM. Nail disorders. In: Dermatology. London, United Kingdom; Mosby:1061–1078.)