What are the best home remedies for plantar warts? How can you get rid of plantar warts on your feet. What treatments work for plantar warts.

Duct Tape

Some people claim that using duct tape can help get rid of plantar warts. The evidence to support this method is mixed, according to experts. However, even if it doesn’t help, using duct tape probably won’t cause any harm. To try this home remedy, simply stick a small piece of duct tape over the wart and change the tape every few days. The idea behind using duct tape for warts is that it could help “peel away” the layers of the wart, potentially leading to the wart peeling away completely. But it’s not known if duct tape really works this way.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid that’s often used in acne treatments. It works by removing dead skin cells, which can sometimes clog pores. Higher concentrations of salicylic acid can be found in over-the-counter (OTC) wart creams and treatments. These products shed the skin around the wart little by little, until it’s eventually cleared up completely. To get the most out of this treatment, you’ll need to apply the salicylic acid product on your plantar warts according to the instructions on the packaging, and continue the treatment for as long as directed. Some products may advise you to prep the skin by soaking the affected area in warm water before applying the acid. It can take several weeks of treatment for the warts to completely go away.

OTC Freezing Sprays

In addition to salicylic acid, you can also buy “freezing sprays” at the drugstore for plantar warts. The spray works by creating a small blister-like injury that may help destroy the wart. This is different from the cryotherapy wart treatments that are available at a doctor’s office. To use freezing spray, carefully follow the instructions on the packaging. You might have to repeat the process several times to kill the wart. Check the instructions to see if it’s safe to do so. If OTC treatment doesn’t get rid of the wart, talk with your doctor about other treatment options.

Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral that’s most often associated with thyroid health. But certain formulations can be used for other purposes too, including wart removal. One small study found that a povidone-iodine topical solution helped clear up warts after twice-daily applications over the course of 12 weeks. Researchers are conducting clinical trials to test povidone-iodine’s safety and effectiveness for wart treatment. In the meantime, you should only use povidone-iodine for warts under a doctor’s supervision.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has historically been used as a topical antiseptic. It’s primarily used for fungal infections, wounds, and acne. One case report from 2008 found that tea tree oil successfully removed warts on a person’s hand when applied once daily for 12 days. While this single report is promising, much more research is needed before experts can recommend this approach. Tea tree oil can cause irritation or contact dermatitis for some people. If you use topical products containing tea tree oil, stop using them if you notice a rash or other symptoms.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar continues to be studied for a wide range of health claims. It contains a type of acid called acetic acid. Some older reports suggest that concentrated acetic acid can be used to treat warts. However, these treatments took place in a clinic with careful medical management. The amount of acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar is much less than the acetic acid preparations used in these studies. There’s also no evidence to suggest that apple cider vinegar is safe or effective for treating warts. Because undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause chemical burns, you should not apply it to your skin. All in all, this wart “remedy” is likely one to avoid.

Calluses and Warts

It’s important to note that calluses are caused by excessive pressure or friction on the skin, while warts are caused by a viral infection. Treating a callus with a home remedy for warts is unlikely to be effective, as the underlying causes are different. If you have a callus on your foot, it’s best to address the root causes, such as poorly fitting shoes or high-impact activities, rather than trying to treat it like a wart.