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Home remedy for plantar wart on foot: Plantar Wart Home Remedy: 7 Treatments

Plantar Wart Home Remedy: 7 Treatments

Plantar warts may go away on their own or with home remedies and over-the-counter products, such as salicylic acid.

Plantar warts occur from a viral infection in your skin called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can enter damaged skin more easily, such as cuts, scrapes, or severely dry skin. Plantar warts are common on the soles of the feet.

These types of warts can be painful, and the resulting raised bumps uncomfortable. Plantar warts may also have tiny black spots that some people call “wart seeds.” These spots are actually blood vessels. While not necessarily harmful, plantar warts can grow and eventually make it uncomfortable to stand and walk.

It’s often possible to treat plantar warts at home, but it’s also important to know when you should see a doctor for medical treatment.

While plantar warts aren’t typically dangerous, you might want to get them removed due to discomfort and aesthetic reasons. Warts can get larger over time or spread to other areas. Most wart removal treatments will take several weeks, if not longer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Duct tape

Some people claim you can get rid of plantar warts by using duct tape.

The evidence to support this method is mixed, according to experts. But even if it doesn’t help, using duct tape probably won’t cause harm. To try it, stick a small piece of tape over the wart, and then change the tape every few days.

The idea behind duct tape for warts is that it could help “peel away” the layers of the wart. In theory, the wart could eventually peel completely away. But it’s not known if duct tape really works this way.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid often used in acne treatment. It works by removing dead skin cells, which can sometimes clog your pores.

Higher concentrations of salicylic acid can be found in over-the-counter (OTC) wart creams 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 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

Aside from 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 — this may include 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 vingar 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 are caused by repeated friction against the skin. These are most common on your hands and feet. With a callus, you may notice a flat area of thickened skin.

Calluses aren’t the same thing as plantar warts. However, sometimes the two look alike. It’s also possible to have plantar warts inside of a callus.

In some cases, you may be able to tell the difference by looking at the lines on your skin. With warts, you may see interrupted skin lines (your skin lines do not continue on the wart). With a callus, the skin lines are not interrupted.

Calluses can go away on their own when friction against the skin has stopped, such as when changing tight shoes for a better-fitting pair. The outer skin of the callus may also be cut off or filed away.

While plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus, there are other risk factors to consider. You might be at an increased risk of getting plantar warts if you:

  • have a history of plantar warts
  • are a child or a teenager
  • have a weakened immune system
  • frequently walk barefoot, especially in germ-prone areas like locker rooms

With the right precautions, plantar warts can often be prevented, even if you’re at a higher risk of developing them:

  • Avoid touching warts, including your own.
  • Wash your hands before and after touching a wart.
  • Don’t pick at a plantar wart with your fingers.
  • Avoid using the files and pumice stones you used on affected areas of skin for nonaffected areas.
  • Don’t walk barefoot in public areas.
  • Keep your feet clean and dry.
  • Change your socks and shoes frequently.

Plantar warts that don’t go away or keep coming back despite home treatments should be looked at by a doctor. They can treat the warts in the office with cryotherapy or other treatments. They might also recommend prescription medications to help treat the wart.

For chronic plantar warts, your doctor may refer you to a foot specialist.

If you have any of the following conditions, see your doctor before starting a home wart treatment:

  • diabetes
  • a weakened immune system
  • HIV or AIDS
  • solid brown or black warts (these could be cancerous)
  • plantar warts that change in color and size
  • severe discomfort due to the warts
  • changes in your gait

Plantar warts tend to go away eventually, and you may be able to treat them at home.

When in doubt, always ask a doctor for advice, especially if the plantar warts worsen or affect your daily mobility.

Plantar Wart Home Remedy: 7 Treatments

Plantar warts may go away on their own or with home remedies and over-the-counter products, such as salicylic acid.

Plantar warts occur from a viral infection in your skin called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can enter damaged skin more easily, such as cuts, scrapes, or severely dry skin. Plantar warts are common on the soles of the feet.

These types of warts can be painful, and the resulting raised bumps uncomfortable. Plantar warts may also have tiny black spots that some people call “wart seeds.” These spots are actually blood vessels. While not necessarily harmful, plantar warts can grow and eventually make it uncomfortable to stand and walk.

It’s often possible to treat plantar warts at home, but it’s also important to know when you should see a doctor for medical treatment.

While plantar warts aren’t typically dangerous, you might want to get them removed due to discomfort and aesthetic reasons. Warts can get larger over time or spread to other areas. Most wart removal treatments will take several weeks, if not longer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Duct tape

Some people claim you can get rid of plantar warts by using duct tape.

The evidence to support this method is mixed, according to experts. But even if it doesn’t help, using duct tape probably won’t cause harm. To try it, stick a small piece of tape over the wart, and then change the tape every few days.

The idea behind duct tape for warts is that it could help “peel away” the layers of the wart. In theory, the wart could eventually peel completely away. But it’s not known if duct tape really works this way.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid often used in acne treatment. It works by removing dead skin cells, which can sometimes clog your pores.

Higher concentrations of salicylic acid can be found in over-the-counter (OTC) wart creams 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 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

Aside from 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 — this may include 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 vingar 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 are caused by repeated friction against the skin. These are most common on your hands and feet. With a callus, you may notice a flat area of thickened skin.

Calluses aren’t the same thing as plantar warts. However, sometimes the two look alike. It’s also possible to have plantar warts inside of a callus.

In some cases, you may be able to tell the difference by looking at the lines on your skin. With warts, you may see interrupted skin lines (your skin lines do not continue on the wart). With a callus, the skin lines are not interrupted.

Calluses can go away on their own when friction against the skin has stopped, such as when changing tight shoes for a better-fitting pair. The outer skin of the callus may also be cut off or filed away.

While plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus, there are other risk factors to consider. You might be at an increased risk of getting plantar warts if you:

  • have a history of plantar warts
  • are a child or a teenager
  • have a weakened immune system
  • frequently walk barefoot, especially in germ-prone areas like locker rooms

With the right precautions, plantar warts can often be prevented, even if you’re at a higher risk of developing them:

  • Avoid touching warts, including your own.
  • Wash your hands before and after touching a wart.
  • Don’t pick at a plantar wart with your fingers.
  • Avoid using the files and pumice stones you used on affected areas of skin for nonaffected areas.
  • Don’t walk barefoot in public areas.
  • Keep your feet clean and dry.
  • Change your socks and shoes frequently.

Plantar warts that don’t go away or keep coming back despite home treatments should be looked at by a doctor. They can treat the warts in the office with cryotherapy or other treatments. They might also recommend prescription medications to help treat the wart.

For chronic plantar warts, your doctor may refer you to a foot specialist.

If you have any of the following conditions, see your doctor before starting a home wart treatment:

  • diabetes
  • a weakened immune system
  • HIV or AIDS
  • solid brown or black warts (these could be cancerous)
  • plantar warts that change in color and size
  • severe discomfort due to the warts
  • changes in your gait

Plantar warts tend to go away eventually, and you may be able to treat them at home.

When in doubt, always ask a doctor for advice, especially if the plantar warts worsen or affect your daily mobility.

How to remove warts at home with simple remedies

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Warts are a nuisance that can overtake anyone. They are quite harmless, but, to put it mildly, they do not color the skin. Rough to the touch, they have a pattern of tiny black dots that represent clogged blood vessels. We will show you how to get rid of these growths, and which method to use – everyone can decide for himself.

Photo: atlascompany\Freepik.

Causes of warts

Common warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is quite common and has more than 150 types, but only a few cause warts on the hands and other parts of the body. It can take two to six months for a wart to develop after the skin has been exposed to the virus.

Some strains of HPV are sexually transmitted. However, most forms are spread by casual contact with the skin of an infected person or through shared items such as towels, tissues, or washcloths. The virus usually spreads through breaks in the skin, such as hangnails or scratches. Biting your nails can also lead to warts on your fingertips and around your nails.

Each person’s immune system reacts differently to HPV, so not everyone who comes into contact with HPV develops warts. Most often, the virus simply does not take root on the healthy skin of a person with strong immunity, but exceptions still occur.

Treatment of warts with folk remedies

Exfoliation with pumice stone. One of the easiest and most effective ways to remove warts is to exfoliate them with a pumice stone. Pumice stone is naturally abrasive and is well suited for scraping or sanding warts, especially those found on the feet, so-called plantar warts, which form thick layers of calluses.

Pumice stone is an inexpensive way to remove warts from the surface of the skin, but be aware that warts have “roots”. Therefore, after exfoliating most of the wart with a pumice stone, you need to apply a composition that will destroy the roots and prevent their growth. It is best to apply a drop of salicylic acid.

Before using a pumice stone as an exfoliator, soak the surrounding skin in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften it. Be very careful when using a pumice stone on genital warts due to their increased sensitivity and thinner skin. People with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy should not use a pumice stone because they have reduced sensitivity and may damage surrounding tissue.

Acid dissolve

Another method for removing the fleshy part of the wart that is protruding from the surface of the skin is to use an over-the-counter salicylic acid preparation, which is widely available in pharmacies. Most warts are treated with a 17% salicylic acid solution or a 40% salicylic acid patch.

Salicylic acid is a type of keratolytic, which means that it dissolves the keratin (protein) of the surface of the wart and any calluses that may cover the growth from above. Getting rid of a large wart with salicylic acid can take several weeks, so patience is key.

Apply a little salicylic acid directly to the wart to dissolve it. Do it twice a day, morning and evening. Before applying salicylic acid, moisten the surrounding skin so that the medicine can better penetrate the roots of the wart. Remember that keratolytics irritate healthy skin, so be careful not to damage healthy tissue. The growth will gradually disappear within 1-2 weeks.

Cryotherapy method

Try the cryotherapy method to freeze the wart and remove it. Cryo (Greek kryos – cold, frost, ice) is a component of words denoting a connection with cold, professional dermatologists often use this procedure to get rid of warts. However, there are some over-the-counter nitrogen products available in pharmacies in liquid or aerosol form that you can use at home. The application of liquid nitrogen initially causes a blister to form around the wart, and after about a week, both the blister and the wart simply fall off. Usually it is required to apply such a tool at least twice in order to avoid that a new one does not grow in place of the fallen “beauty”.

This technique is virtually painless, causing only mild discomfort, but requires caution – liquid nitrogen can leave a slight scar on very fair skin or cause dark spots on people with dark skin, so be careful when applying it to a wart.

Although it is considered a folk remedy to use real ice to remove warts, by no means try to freeze warts with ice cubes from refrigerator molds or taken from the street! It is practically ineffective, and you can just freeze your skin.

Taping and tying with threads

Many people believe that applying ordinary duct tape to warts is an effective method of removing them, although how this works is largely a mystery. Most likely, the tape imperceptibly pulls the fibers out of the wart and removes its layers one by one, gradually reaching the roots. You just need to cover the wart with silver duct tape in the morning and change it every 2 days. When only a stain remains at the site of the wart, it also needs to be sealed for a couple of days to remove the roots. Due to its low cost, ease of use and lack of risk, the method is definitely worth a try.

One cannot ignore the well-known “grandmother’s” method, which consists in tying the wart tightly with threads at the very base. Thus, it loses its blood supply, gradually dries up and disappears after a while. However, there is no guarantee that a new one will not grow in this place.

Use of herbal remedies against warts

Garlic . Garlic is a well-known home remedy that has been used for many ailments since antiquity. In the twentieth century, it was found that its antimicrobial properties are associated with the chemical allicin, which can kill various microorganisms, including viruses, including human papillomaviruses.

Raw minced garlic or a store-bought extract can be applied directly to warts a couple of times a day for a week or two. After you have applied it, cover the area with a bandage for several hours. It is best to do this in the evening before going to bed so that allicin can be deeply absorbed into the wart and reach its roots. A 2005 scientific study found that garlic extract completely healed warts in a few weeks and no recurrence was noted even after 4 months. Alternatively, if less effective, garlic dry extract capsules or fortified garlic oil capsules can be taken orally if you are confused by the prospect of “smelling” garlic.

Thuja oil

Thuja oil contains compounds that can stimulate certain cells of the immune system to effectively cleanse the skin and kill viruses or virus-infected cells, which is useful for removing warts. Apply thuja oil directly to the warts, let it soak in for a few minutes, then cover with a bandage for 2-3 hours. Repeat the procedure twice a day for two weeks.

This oil is obtained from the leaves and roots of red cedars and is effective in many diseases and conditions due to its strong antiviral properties. But keep in mind that thuja oil is quite potent and can irritate sensitive skin. Therefore, it makes sense to dilute it with mineral oil or cod liver oil.

However, thuja oil is often recommended for chronic warts that are resistant to other treatments. Significant results are usually seen with 1-2 months of daily use.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is an antimicrobial agent that is great for boosting immunity. It can help eliminate the human papillomavirus and prevent it from re-infecting. Treatment for topical treatment of warts can be started with 2-3 drops of tea tree oil applied to the wart 2 times a day for at least 3-4 weeks. This oil has been a popular natural anti-inflammatory for many centuries in Australia and New Zealand, and in recent decades has become widely used throughout the world.

However, it is worth knowing that it can cause both irritant and allergic skin reactions in some particularly sensitive people, although these are extremely unlikely. An important point: never take tea tree oil orally, as it can be poisonous.

Should I see a doctor about warts

If you’ve tried to get rid of warts and they don’t go away, see a dermatologist at your local clinic or visit a private clinic. But remember that warts are not considered a serious medical problem and you may not be offered any treatment unless they look suspicious or cause pain – sometimes warts go away on their own. Still, sometimes it makes sense to make an appointment with a dermatologist. Perhaps he will suggest an effective method of getting rid of this problem.

You should definitely consult a doctor if you have a lot of warts and they interfere with your daily life. Sometimes these growths can develop in large clusters on the arms and legs, making it difficult to do daily activities. If this happens, talk to your doctor about treatment options that may help in this particular case.

It is best to seek medical attention if warts are painful, ooze fluid, or change appearance or color. Initially, you should not worry, but this may be a sign that a person has a more serious disease than just a wart. It is necessary to visit a doctor for a skin examination in order to get the correct diagnosis.

It is also worth talking to a doctor if multiple warts of different colors and sizes suddenly appear on closed areas of the body. This may be a sign that the immune system is not working properly. If the immune system has failed, the doctor must find out the cause of this condition. For example, it can be a serious infection that requires treatment, or an autoimmune disease, which also cannot be ignored.

Expert opinion. Regina Lukovnikova, doctor:

– It has been observed that warts most often appear on skin with a rough and grainy texture. From my point of view, the best procedures for their removal are home cryotherapy or the application of salicylic acid in high concentration. I note that a 40 percent concentration has proven to be the most effective in the treatment of warts.

However, this does not mean that you should immediately jump to the maximum strength dosage. It is best to start with lower percentage doses and gradually increase every four weeks to a higher concentration if needed.

If your skin becomes red, irritated or starts to peel, stop using this product and consult a dermatologist. Laser cryotherapy may be used in the doctor’s office. I also think that it is definitely necessary to contact a dermatologist if the warts are large or located on the face.

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Warts, causes, types, methods of removal, treatment, prevention

Why not remove it yourself?

If the neoplasm is disrupted, the virus will begin to spread to neighboring areas of the skin, scars or non-healing ulcers will form. This also happens when the wart is injured by clothes, jewelry, and a washcloth. In addition, self-bandaging, cutting or tearing off the sore can lead to its degeneration into a malignant neoplasm.

There are a number of restrictions for self-control of neoplasms. In order not to cause yourself more harm, it is preferable to use professional help. But sometimes, for a number of reasons, going to the hospital is impossible, and the patient has to deal with the disease on his own. It is very important to know when you can try to use folk advice, and in what cases it is strictly prohibited. Contraindications to self-medication are:

  • localization of warts on the face, neck, hands or other exposed parts of the body;
  • rapid growth of education, change of its color;
  • cases of lesions in children;
  • occurrence of bleeding from the wart.

Self-medication in these cases can cause serious complications such as sepsis or malignancy. Particular attention must be paid to children. Their immune system is not yet developed, so it cannot cope with even minor provocations. Thus, folk remedies for warts must be used very carefully. Preference should always be given to qualified medical assistance.

Prognosis and prevention

In completely healthy people with good immunity, warts go away on their own within 1-2 years. If, after this period, the neoplasm remains, it must be removed. With the careful work of the doctor, it is possible to eliminate pathogenic tissue, preventing the formation of a scar. Multiple warts are best removed immediately.

With low immunity, warts may reappear after removal. To minimize the risk of this, you need to remember the following recommendations:

  • Always wear shoes in public places: do not stand on tiles in shower pools, gyms, saunas;
  • Choose shoes of good quality, suitable in size;
  • Manicure only in approved places where instruments are sterilized;
  • Do not neglect the rules of personal hygiene;
  • Eat right and balanced, give up harmful foods;
  • Eliminate bad habits;
  • Avoid casual sex.

Vaccination against HPV will help prevent the appearance of anogenital warts. There are no vaccines for other types of neoplasms.

If you notice that you have a wart on your body, contact the Open Clinic medical center. Our doctors will examine the neoplasm and tell you what to do with it.

Q&A

Can a wart become cancerous?

The growth and spread of warts significantly increases the likelihood of a malignant neoplasm. In addition, some types of human papillomavirus cause serious diseases, including squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal or cervix.

Which doctor deals with warts?

Warts are treated by a dermatologist.

What happens if you don’t get rid of the wart?

If left untreated, the wart can grow in size over time. It’s best to remove it.

Cases when you should definitely consult a doctor.

It is necessary to visit a dermatologist if the number of warts increases, they change color or shape, they are in places where they are constantly injured, inflamed, and bleed.