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Avoca The Complete Wart & Verruca 95% Silver Nitrate Treatment

Avoca The Complete Wart & Verruca 95% Silver Nitrate Treatment

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  • ✔️ Cauterises warts and verrucas with 95% silver nitrate
  • ✔️ Destroys wart tissue directly on contact
  • ✔️ Complete kit includes pencil, plasters, and emery board
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over
  • ✔️ Fast-acting caustic treatment — results within days

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What Is Silver Nitrate Wart Treatment and Does It Work?

 

Warts and verrucas are incredibly common. In fact, the NHS estimates that most people will develop at least one wart at some point in their lives. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which triggers an overgrowth of skin cells, creating those familiar rough, raised lumps. While they are harmless in most cases, they can be uncomfortable — particularly verrucas on the soles of the feet — and many people simply want them gone. That is where silver nitrate wart treatment comes in. Avoca The Complete Wart & Verruca 95% Silver Nitrate Treatment is a clinically established, over-the-counter option that has been used by healthcare professionals and patients alike for decades. You can browse our full range of foot care products if you are looking for additional support alongside your treatment.

At just £4.49, this product offers a straightforward, no-fuss approach to tackling warts and verrucas at home. The kit includes a silver nitrate caustic pencil, protective plasters, and an emery board — everything you need to get started.

 

How Does Avoca Silver Nitrate Treatment Work?

 

Silver nitrate is a well-established caustic agent. When applied directly to a wart or verruca, it chemically destroys the abnormal tissue by denaturing the proteins within those cells. Think of it as a targeted chemical burn — controlled, localised, and effective when used correctly.

  • The silver nitrate pencil is moistened with water before application.
  • It is then pressed gently onto the surface of the wart for 1–2 minutes.
  • The caustic action begins immediately, turning the treated tissue brown or black — this is completely expected.
  • Over the following days, the destroyed tissue gradually breaks down and separates from the healthy skin beneath.
  • The process may need to be repeated over up to three consecutive days per treatment course.

It is a direct, chemical approach — quite different from salicylic acid treatments, which work more slowly by softening the wart over weeks.

 

Who Should Use Avoca Wart and Verruca Treatment?

 

This product is suitable for most adults and older teenagers dealing with common warts or verrucas. However, it is not appropriate for everyone, so it is worth checking the following before you buy.

Avoca is suitable for:

  • Adults and children aged 12 years and over.
  • People with common warts (verruca vulgaris) on the hands or feet.
  • Those with plantar warts (verrucas) on the soles of the feet.
  • Individuals who have not responded to salicylic acid treatments and want a faster-acting alternative.

It is not suitable for use on facial warts, genital warts, warts near the eyes, or on mucous membranes. People with diabetes or poor circulation should consult their GP before using any caustic wart treatment, as healing may be impaired.

 

How Does Avoca Compare to Other Wart Treatments?

 

Feature Avoca 95% Silver Nitrate Salicylic Acid (e.g. Bazuka)
Active ingredient Silver nitrate 95% Salicylic acid (12–26%)
Mechanism Caustic — destroys tissue directly Keratolytic — softens and peels skin
Treatment duration 1–3 days per course Weeks to months
Suitable for children 12 years and over Varies by product (some from 2 years)

 

Is Avoca Safe to Store at Home?

 

Yes, provided you follow the storage instructions carefully. The silver nitrate wart treatment pencil should be stored below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. The cap must be replaced immediately after each use — silver nitrate is reactive and can stain surfaces, clothing, and skin on contact. Keep it well out of reach of children and pets. If you are also managing other skin conditions, our skin care collection includes a range of products that may complement your routine.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Avoca The Complete Wart & Verruca 95% Silver Nitrate Treatment specifications
Treatment category Wart and verruca removal
Active ingredient Silver nitrate 95%
Mechanism of action Caustic — chemically destroys wart tissue
Suitable for Adults and children aged 12 years and over
Strengths 95% silver nitrate
UK classification General Sale Medicine (GSL)
Preparation Caustic pencil (solid stick)
Route of administration Topical (external use only)
Pack contents Silver nitrate pencil, protective plasters, emery board

Specifications of Avoca The Complete Wart & Verruca 95% Silver Nitrate Treatment

 

What Is Avoca Silver Nitrate Treatment and What Is It Used For?

 

Avoca The Complete Wart & Verruca 95% Silver Nitrate Treatment is a topical caustic medicine used to remove common warts and verrucas. Warts are benign skin growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Verrucas — also called plantar warts — are the same type of growth but found on the soles of the feet, where pressure from walking can push them inward, making them particularly uncomfortable. The NHS notes that warts usually clear up on their own, but this can take months or even years, which is why many people choose an active treatment. Silver nitrate wart treatment works by cauterising the wart tissue, offering a faster resolution than watchful waiting alone.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Avoca Treatment?

 

Before using this product, read the following carefully. There are situations where this treatment is not appropriate, and using it incorrectly can cause unnecessary skin damage.

Do not use Avoca if:

  • You are under 12 years of age.
  • The wart is on your face, genitals, or near your eyes or mouth.
  • You have diabetes or poor peripheral circulation — impaired healing increases the risk of complications.
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding — consult your GP before use.
  • The skin around the wart is broken, inflamed, or infected.
  • You are allergic to silver nitrate or any component of the product.

Warnings and precautions:

  • Silver nitrate will stain skin, clothing, and surfaces brown or black — protect surrounding areas with petroleum jelly or the plasters provided.
  • Avoid contact with healthy skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
  • If accidental contact with the eyes occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
  • Do not use on moles, birthmarks, or any skin lesion you are unsure about — consult your GP first.

Drug interactions:

  • No significant drug interactions are currently known for topically applied silver nitrate at this concentration.
  • Avoid using alongside other caustic or keratolytic wart treatments on the same area simultaneously.

 

How Should You Use Avoca Wart and Verruca Treatment?

 

Always follow the instructions included in the pack. The steps below reflect standard guidance for this type of caustic pencil treatment.

  1. Soak the wart or verruca in warm water for 2–3 minutes to soften the skin.
  2. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel.
  3. Use the emery board provided to gently file away any hardened surface skin.
  4. Apply petroleum jelly or the protective plasters to the healthy skin immediately surrounding the wart — this protects it from accidental contact.
  5. Dip the tip of the silver nitrate pencil in water for 2–3 seconds to activate it.
  6. Press the moistened tip gently onto the wart surface for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Allow the treated area to dry completely before covering with a plaster.
  8. Repeat once daily for up to 3 consecutive days per treatment course.
Indication Age Group Dose Frequency
Common warts 12 years and over Apply pencil tip to wart for 1–2 minutes Once daily for up to 3 days
Verrucas (plantar warts) 12 years and over Apply pencil tip to verruca for 1–2 minutes Once daily for up to 3 days
Children under 12 Under 12 years Not recommended without medical supervision

If you are also dealing with a fungal skin condition alongside your wart, our athletes foot and fungal infections range may be worth exploring separately.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Avoca Treatment?

 

Like all medicines, Avoca can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are localised to the treated area and are expected as part of the cauterisation process.

Common side effects:

  • Brown or black staining of the treated skin — this is a normal reaction to silver nitrate and will fade over time.
  • Localised burning or stinging sensation during and shortly after application.
  • Temporary darkening of the nail if used near a nail bed.

Less common side effects:

  • Irritation or redness of the surrounding healthy skin if contact occurs.
  • Superficial skin erosion if the product is applied too aggressively or for too long.
  • Allergic skin reaction — if you notice significant swelling, blistering, or spreading redness, stop use and seek medical advice.

Stop using the product and contact your pharmacist or GP if you experience any unexpected or severe reactions.

 

How Should You Store Avoca Silver Nitrate Treatment?

 

Correct storage is important — silver nitrate is a reactive compound and must be handled with care even when not in use.

  • Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Replace the cap firmly and immediately after every use.
  • Keep out of reach and sight of children at all times.
  • Do not store near food, drink, or other medicines.
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
  • Dispose of the used pencil safely — do not place in household recycling. Check with your local pharmacy for safe disposal options.

If you are managing multiple health conditions and need a broader range of products, our first aid collection includes a variety of useful items for home health management.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Avoca silver nitrate wart treatment online in the UK?

You can buy Avoca The Complete Wart & Verruca 95% Silver Nitrate Treatment directly from Cured Pharmacy, a UK GPhC-registered online pharmacy, for just £4.49. It is available without a prescription as an over-the-counter medicine. Simply add it to your basket and it will be dispatched to your door quickly and discreetly.

How does silver nitrate remove warts and verrucas?

Silver nitrate is a caustic chemical agent that destroys wart tissue on direct contact by denaturing the proteins within the abnormal skin cells. This causes the treated tissue to turn brown or black and gradually break down over the following days. It is a well-established mechanism used in clinical settings for decades and is distinct from the slower keratolytic action of salicylic acid treatments.

How do I use Avoca wart treatment step by step?

Start by soaking the wart in warm water for 2–3 minutes, then dry the area thoroughly. Protect the surrounding healthy skin with petroleum jelly or the plasters provided, then moisten the silver nitrate pencil tip and press it gently onto the wart for 1–2 minutes. Allow the area to dry before covering with a plaster, and repeat once daily for up to three consecutive days.

How many times do I need to apply Avoca silver nitrate treatment?

Avoca is applied once daily for a maximum of three consecutive days per treatment course. If the wart or verruca has not fully resolved, you may begin a second course after a short rest period — always follow the instructions in the pack. Do not apply more frequently than directed, as this increases the risk of skin irritation and damage to surrounding tissue.

What are the side effects of Avoca silver nitrate wart treatment?

The most common and expected side effect is a brown or black discolouration of the treated skin, which is a normal reaction to silver nitrate and will fade over time. You may also experience a localised burning or stinging sensation during and shortly after application. Less commonly, irritation of the surrounding skin can occur if the product makes contact with healthy tissue — this is why protecting the area beforehand is so important.

Is Avoca silver nitrate treatment safe for children?

Avoca is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over. It should not be used in children under 12 without direct medical supervision, as the caustic nature of silver nitrate requires careful application that younger children may not tolerate safely. Always keep the product stored securely out of reach of children at all times.

Can I use Avoca on facial or genital warts?

No — Avoca must not be used on facial warts, genital warts, or any warts located on or near mucous membranes. These areas require specialist assessment and treatment, and using a caustic agent like silver nitrate in these locations could cause serious tissue damage. If you have genital warts, please consult your GP or a sexual health clinic for appropriate care.

What are the alternatives to Avoca silver nitrate wart treatment?

Common alternatives include salicylic acid-based treatments such as Bazuka or Wartner gel, which work more slowly by softening and peeling away wart tissue over several weeks. Cryotherapy products that freeze the wart are also available over the counter. Your pharmacist can help you decide which option is most appropriate based on the size, location, and persistence of your wart — you can also explore our foot care range for related products.

How long does it take for Avoca to work on a wart?

The silver nitrate begins acting on the wart tissue immediately upon application, and you will typically notice the treated area turning brown or black within minutes — this is the expected caustic reaction. The destroyed tissue then gradually separates over the following days. Some warts may require more than one three-day treatment course to resolve fully, particularly larger or more established verrucas.

Will Avoca silver nitrate stain my skin permanently?

The brown or black staining caused by silver nitrate is temporary and will fade as the treated skin naturally sheds and regenerates. It is not a permanent stain, though it may take a week or two to fully disappear. Silver nitrate can also stain clothing and surfaces, so take care to protect fabrics and work surfaces during application.

Can I use Avoca if I have diabetes?

People with diabetes should not use Avoca or any caustic wart treatment without first consulting their GP or diabetes care team. Diabetes can impair circulation and wound healing, particularly in the feet, which means even minor skin damage carries a higher risk of complications. Your doctor can advise on the safest treatment approach for your individual circumstances.

What should I do if Avoca accidentally touches healthy skin?

If silver nitrate contacts healthy skin, rinse the area immediately and thoroughly with plenty of water. The skin may still stain brown or black, but prompt rinsing can minimise irritation. If the contact was with the eyes or mucous membranes, rinse with water for at least 10–15 minutes and seek medical advice promptly.

How should I store Avoca silver nitrate treatment safely?

Store Avoca below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and always replace the cap firmly immediately after use. Keep it out of reach and sight of children at all times. Do not use the product after the expiry date printed on the packaging, and dispose of used pencils responsibly — your local pharmacy can advise on safe disposal.

Is Avoca available on the NHS?

Silver nitrate caustic pencils can be used in NHS clinical settings, but Avoca as a branded over-the-counter product is not typically prescribed on an NHS prescription for self-treatment of warts. The NHS generally advises that most warts will resolve without treatment, but if you prefer to treat them actively, products like Avoca are available to buy without a prescription from pharmacies including Cured Pharmacy.

What is the latest research on silver nitrate for wart treatment?

Silver nitrate has been used as a caustic agent in dermatology for well over a century, and its mechanism of action is well understood. Published clinical literature supports its use as an effective option for common warts and verrucas, particularly when other treatments have not produced results. If you are interested in broader skin health support alongside your treatment, our skin care collection includes a range of complementary products.

How Should You Use Avoca Wart and Verruca Treatment?

Using Avoca correctly is essential — not just for effectiveness, but for your safety. Silver nitrate is a caustic substance, so careful, precise application protects the healthy skin around the wart while targeting the affected tissue directly.

Follow these steps each time you apply the treatment:

What Is the Correct Dose of Avoca Silver Nitrate Treatment?

There is no oral dose for this product — it is applied topically, directly to the wart or verruca. The "dose" refers to the duration and frequency of application per treatment course. Do not apply the pencil for longer than 1–2 minutes per session, and do not use more than once per day.

When Is the Best Time to Use Avoca Wart Treatment?

There is no strict time of day requirement, but many people find it easiest to apply Avoca in the evening, after bathing or showering. This naturally softens the skin beforehand, reducing the need for a separate soaking step. Applying at night also means you can leave the plaster in place overnight without it interfering with daily activities.

Consistency matters. Try to apply at the same time each day during your treatment course to maintain a regular routine and avoid accidentally missing a day.

How Long Can You Use Avoca Silver Nitrate Treatment For?

Each treatment course lasts a maximum of three consecutive days. If the wart or verruca has not fully resolved after one course, you may begin a second course after a short rest period — always refer to the pack instructions for specific guidance. Do not use the product continuously beyond the recommended course length without seeking advice from your pharmacist or GP.

If your wart has not responded after two or three treatment courses, it is worth speaking to a healthcare professional. Some warts are more resistant and may benefit from alternative treatments such as cryotherapy or salicylic acid preparations.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

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What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Avoca Silver Nitrate Treatment?

The most frequently reported side effect of Avoca is a brown or black discolouration of the treated skin. This is a completely expected reaction — it is the visible result of the silver nitrate cauterising the wart tissue. The staining will fade naturally as the skin sheds and regenerates over the following days to weeks. You may also notice a localised burning or stinging sensation during and immediately after application, which is normal and usually brief.

  • Brown or black skin staining at the treatment site
  • Localised burning or stinging during application
  • Temporary darkening of the nail if used near a nail bed
  • Mild tenderness of the treated area in the hours following application

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Avoca Treatment?

Less commonly, some people experience irritation or redness of the healthy skin surrounding the wart, particularly if the silver nitrate pencil makes accidental contact with unprotected tissue. This is why protecting the surrounding skin with petroleum jelly or the plasters provided is so important before each application.

  • Redness or irritation of surrounding healthy skin
  • Superficial skin erosion if the product is applied too aggressively or for too long
  • Staining of clothing, bedding, or surfaces if contact occurs

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Avoca Silver Nitrate Treatment?

Serious side effects are rare when Avoca is used as directed, but they can occur if the product is misused or if an individual has an underlying sensitivity. An allergic reaction to silver nitrate, while uncommon, can present as significant swelling, blistering, spreading redness, or intense pain beyond the treated area. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the product immediately and seek medical advice. Accidental contact with the eyes is a medical emergency — rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 10–15 minutes and attend your nearest urgent care centre or A&E.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects of Avoca?

For mild, expected side effects such as skin staining or brief stinging, no specific action is needed beyond continuing to protect the surrounding skin during future applications. If you experience irritation of healthy skin, rinse the area with water and allow it to settle before your next application. For any unexpected, severe, or worsening reactions — including signs of an allergic response — stop using the product and contact your pharmacist or GP promptly. Do not attempt to continue treatment if you are concerned about your skin's reaction.

Can Avoca Silver Nitrate Interact With Other Medicines?

No significant drug interactions are currently known for topically applied silver nitrate at the concentration found in Avoca. However, you should avoid using other caustic or keratolytic wart treatments — such as salicylic acid preparations — on the same area at the same time, as this could increase the risk of skin damage. If you are using any prescription medicines or have an underlying skin condition, speak to your pharmacist before starting treatment.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

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Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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