What are some natural remedies for foot warts. How can you treat warts at home using common household items. Which home treatments are most effective for removing warts on feet. Are there affordable alternatives to medical wart removal procedures.

Understanding Foot Warts: Causes and Conventional Treatments

Foot warts are harmless skin growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. While these benign lesions can resolve on their own, the process may take weeks, months, or even years. Conventional treatments like chemical peels, cryotherapy, laser surgery, and surgical excision are effective but can be costly and potentially irritating to the skin.

Many individuals seek natural, at-home remedies as an alternative to medical interventions. These home treatments often utilize common household items with antiviral, acidic, or enzymatic properties that may help combat the HPV virus or remove infected skin layers.

Apple Cider Vinegar: A Popular Acidic Treatment

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a widely used home remedy for wart removal. Its acidic nature is believed to function similarly to salicylic acid, a common over-the-counter wart treatment.

How does apple cider vinegar work on warts?

The acetic acid in ACV may help peel away infected skin layers, gradually eliminating the wart. Additionally, ACV’s natural antimicrobial properties might assist in fighting the HPV virus, although more research is needed to confirm this effect.

Application method:

1. Mix 2 parts apple cider vinegar with 1 part water.
2. Soak a cotton ball in the diluted solution.
3. Apply the cotton ball to the wart and secure it with a bandage.
4. Leave the treatment on for 3-4 hours.

It’s crucial to always dilute ACV before applying it to the skin, as its high acidity can cause irritation or chemical burns. Never use this treatment on open wounds or sensitive areas like the face or genitals.

Garlic: Nature’s Antiviral Powerhouse

Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various skin conditions, including viral infections like warts. Its potent compound, allicin, is known for its antimicrobial and potential antiviral properties.

Is garlic effective against warts?

A 2014 study found that garlic extract successfully eliminated warts within four weeks, with no recurrence observed. While more research is needed, this suggests garlic may be a promising natural treatment for warts.

How to use garlic for wart removal:

• Crush one clove of garlic and mix it with a small amount of water to form a paste.
• Apply the paste directly to the wart and cover with a bandage.
• Leave the treatment on overnight and rinse in the morning.
• Repeat daily for 3-4 weeks or until the wart disappears.

Alternatively, you can apply fresh garlic juice or rub a cut garlic clove directly on the wart. Be aware that garlic may cause skin irritation in some individuals, so it’s wise to test on a small area first.

Banana Peel: An Unconventional Approach

While scientific evidence is lacking, anecdotal reports suggest that banana peel may help in wart removal. This remedy has gained popularity due to its simplicity and the readily available nature of bananas.

Why might banana peel work?

Some theorize that enzymes or other compounds in banana peel may have antiviral properties or help soften the wart, making it easier to remove. However, these claims are not supported by scientific research.

Using banana peel for warts:

1. Cut a piece of banana peel slightly larger than the wart.
2. Place the inner side of the peel against the wart.
3. Secure the peel with medical tape or a bandage.
4. Leave the treatment on overnight and remove in the morning.
5. Repeat daily until the wart disappears.

While this method is harmless to try, keep in mind that results may vary, and there’s no guarantee of effectiveness.

Pineapple: Enzymatic Wart Removal

Pineapple contains bromelain, a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes that may help remove dead and damaged skin. While bromelain has shown promise in treating certain medical conditions, its efficacy in wart removal is not scientifically proven.

How to use pineapple for warts:

• Method 1: Soak the affected area in fresh pineapple juice for 5-10 minutes daily.
• Method 2: Apply a small piece of fresh pineapple directly to the wart and secure with a bandage. Leave on for several hours or overnight.

Repeat your chosen method daily until you see results. Be cautious, as the high acidity of pineapple may cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Potato: A Surprising Wart Remedy

Some people claim that potato juice can “dehydrate” warts, leading to their removal. While this method lacks scientific backing, it’s a harmless and inexpensive option to try.

Using potato for wart treatment:

1. Cut a small piece of raw potato.
2. Rub the cut side on the wart for a few minutes.
3. Alternatively, secure a thin slice of potato over the wart with a bandage.
4. Leave on overnight and rinse in the morning.
5. Repeat daily until you see improvement.

The effectiveness of this method may vary, and it may take several weeks to see results, if any.

Orange Peel: Citrus-Based Wart Removal

Orange peel is another popular home remedy for warts, though scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is lacking. Proponents of this method believe that compounds in orange peel may have antiviral properties or help exfoliate the wart.

How to use orange peel on warts:

• Cut a small piece of fresh orange peel.
• Place the inner white part of the peel against the wart.
• Secure with a bandage and leave on overnight.
• Remove in the morning and rinse the area.
• Repeat daily for at least two weeks.

According to anecdotal reports, the wart may change color, darken, and eventually fall off. However, this process can take several weeks, and results are not guaranteed.

Duct Tape: An Unconventional Occlusive Treatment

While it may seem unusual, duct tape has gained attention as a potential wart treatment. Some studies suggest that occlusion therapy with duct tape may be as effective as cryotherapy for wart removal.

How does duct tape work on warts?

The exact mechanism is unclear, but it’s thought that covering the wart with duct tape may deprive it of oxygen and stimulate the immune system to fight the virus.

Applying duct tape to warts:

1. Cut a piece of duct tape slightly larger than the wart.
2. Clean and dry the affected area.
3. Apply the duct tape directly over the wart, ensuring good adhesion.
4. Leave the tape on for 6 days.
5. Remove the tape, soak the area in warm water, and gently exfoliate with a pumice stone or emery board.
6. Leave the wart uncovered overnight.
7. Reapply fresh duct tape the next morning and repeat the process for up to 2 months.

While this method is inexpensive and relatively safe, it may cause skin irritation in some individuals. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Tea Tree Oil: Natural Antiviral Properties

Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial and potential antiviral properties. While scientific evidence specifically for wart treatment is limited, some people report success using this essential oil.

Using tea tree oil for warts:

• Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil (1 part tea tree oil to 3 parts carrier oil).
• Apply the diluted oil directly to the wart using a cotton swab.
• Cover with a bandage and leave on overnight.
• Rinse in the morning and repeat daily.

Always perform a patch test before using tea tree oil, as it can cause skin irritation in some people. Never apply undiluted tea tree oil directly to the skin.

Aloe Vera: Soothing and Potentially Antiviral

Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing properties and potential antiviral effects. While research on its efficacy against warts is limited, some individuals find it helpful in managing these skin growths.

Applying aloe vera to warts:

1. Extract fresh aloe vera gel from a leaf, or use pure aloe vera gel.
2. Apply a generous amount directly to the wart.
3. Cover with a bandage and leave on for several hours or overnight.
4. Rinse and repeat daily.

Aloe vera is generally safe for topical use, but some people may experience allergic reactions. If you notice any irritation, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

Importance of Persistence and Professional Guidance

When using home remedies for wart removal, it’s crucial to remember that results may vary, and treatment can take weeks or even months. Consistency and patience are key to seeing potential benefits from these natural approaches.

When should you seek medical advice?

• If the wart is painful, bleeding, or rapidly changing in appearance
• If you have multiple warts or they spread to other areas
• If you have a weakened immune system
• If home treatments haven’t shown improvement after several weeks
• If you’re unsure whether the growth is actually a wart

A healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include prescription medications or in-office procedures for stubborn or extensive warts.

Preventing Wart Recurrence and Spread

While treating existing warts is important, preventing their recurrence and spread is equally crucial. HPV, the virus responsible for warts, is highly contagious and can easily spread through direct contact or shared surfaces.

How can you prevent warts from spreading?

• Avoid touching or picking at existing warts
• Keep warts covered with a bandage, especially in public places
• Wear shoes or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas
• Don’t share personal items like towels, socks, or shoes
• Wash hands thoroughly after touching warts
• Keep feet clean and dry to prevent new warts from developing

By combining effective treatment methods with good hygiene practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of wart recurrence and transmission to others.

Understanding the Limitations of Home Remedies

While home remedies can be an attractive option for treating warts, it’s important to approach them with realistic expectations. Many of these treatments lack robust scientific evidence and may not work for everyone.

What are the potential drawbacks of home remedies?

• Inconsistent results: What works for one person may not work for another
• Time-consuming: Many home treatments require weeks or months of consistent application
• Risk of skin irritation: Some remedies, especially acidic ones, can cause burns or allergic reactions
• Delayed professional treatment: Relying solely on home remedies may postpone more effective medical interventions

If you choose to try home remedies, monitor your progress closely. If you don’t see improvement after several weeks, or if the wart worsens, consult a healthcare provider for professional treatment options.

Combining Home Remedies with Lifestyle Changes

Enhancing your overall health and immune function can complement home remedies for wart treatment. A strong immune system is better equipped to fight off the HPV virus and prevent new warts from forming.

How can you boost your immune system to fight warts?

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Get regular exercise to improve circulation and overall health
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
• Ensure you’re getting adequate sleep each night
• Consider supplements like zinc or vitamin C, which may support immune function (consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements)

By combining targeted wart treatments with overall health improvements, you may increase your chances of successfully eliminating warts and preventing their recurrence.

16 Home Remedies for Warts You Can Try Today

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You may be able to remove a wart at home with over-the-counter products and inexpensive home remedies, including diluted apple cider vinegar.

Warts are harmless growths on the skin. They’re caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

Warts are contagious. They can go away on their own, but it can take weeks, months, or years.

Conventional treatments include chemical peels, surgery, freezing, and laser surgery, but these treatments can be expensive and cause skin irritation.

Another option is to try natural home remedies for warts.

Not for genital warts or warts on your face

If you have genital warts or warts on your face, do not try these remedies. The skin in these areas is extremely sensitive, so visit your doctor instead.

Why certain home remedies may work

Natural remedies to get rid of warts include using foods, plants, or other products that have either antiviral or acidic properties or enzymes that inhibit the HPV virus.

Natural antiviral remedies might help suppress the virus that causes warts, while natural acids can help remove layers of infected skin. However, you should know that the evidence for many of these remedies is anecdotal, at best.

People swear by it

Many home remedies have little or no reliable scientific evidence to back them up; however, individuals report success using them to remove warts.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an acidic substance made from fermented apple juice. It’s thought to work like salicylic acid, a common wart treatment that peels away infected skin, eventually removing the wart.

Vinegar also has natural antimicrobial properties that may help fight HPV, but more studies are necessary.

To try it, mix 2-parts apple cider vinegar and 1-part water. Soak a cotton ball with this mixture. Place it on the wart, and cover it with a bandage. Leave it on for three to four hours.

Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water. The acidity may cause irritation and chemical burns. Also, don’t apply it on open wounds.

Shop for apple cider vinegar.

Banana peel

Anecdotal evidence suggests that banana peel might help get rid of warts.

However, there’s not actually any research linking banana peels to the treatment of warts or viral skin infections, nor is there scientific evidence that banana peels fight HPV.

If you want to try it, cut a piece of banana peel and tape it over the wart before bed, so that the inner part of the peel is touching your skin. Leave on while you sleep and repeat daily.

Garlic

Garlic, a traditional home remedy

Garlic has a long history of being used to heal skin conditions like psoriasis, keloid scars, and corns. It’s also used for bacterial, fungal, and viral infections such as warts. In an older 2014 study, garlic extract got rid of warts within four weeks. The warts didn’t come back.

Allicin, a key component of garlic, has antimicrobial effects and is often studied for its antiviral and immunomodulating properties.

To treat warts with garlic, crush up 1 clove and mix it with water. Apply to the wart and cover with a bandage. Repeat daily for three to four weeks. You can also apply garlic juice or rub a clove on the wart.

Orange peel

Another popular wart remedy is orange peel. It’s an inexpensive option, but there isn’t scientific data to back it up.

This remedy involves rubbing an orange peel on the wart once a day. Supposedly, the wart will change color, darken, then fall off. This may take two weeks or more.

Pineapple

Pineapple is rich in bromelain, a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes that may help remove dead and damaged skin.

While there is some data to support the potential effectiveness of bromelain in treating a few medical conditions, there aren’t any scientific studies supporting its use to remove warts.

People have reported success removing warts using pineapple juice in several ways. One method is to soak the wart in pineapple juice every day. Another technique is to apply fresh pineapple daily.

Potato

People claim that potato juice can “dehydrate” a wart, but no studies exist regarding its effectiveness.

To try this method, cut a small potato in half. Rub the cut side on the wart until it’s covered in potato juice. Repeat twice a day.

Dandelion weed

Many people think of dandelions as pesky weeds. However, ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine use dandelions for their medicinal properties.

Dandelions have antimicrobial properties, which may be useful for fighting warts, but more research is needed to confirm.

To try this method, break apart a dandelion and squeeze out the sticky white sap. Apply to the wart once or twice a day. Repeat for two weeks.

Never use dandelions that have been sprayed with chemicals.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera gel is commonly used for skin conditions like burns and psoriasis. If your wart is itchy or painful, the gel may provide relief.

Aloe vera gel is also known to fight pathogens, including viruses. A 2016 study found that it works against herpes simplex virus type 1, but no studies exist on its effectiveness against fighting HPV.

To use aloe, remove a leaf from an aloe vera plant and cut it open. Apply the gel to the wart. Repeat daily.

Shop for Aloe vera gel.

Aspirin

Aspirin is made of salicylic acid, a common ingredient in over-the-counter wart treatments.

Salicylic acid works to heal warts by peeling away the infected skin. Over time, this removes the wart.

Aspirin is thought to have a similar effect. The suggested method is to crush aspirin tablets and mix with water. Apply the paste on the wart and cover with a bandage overnight.

Shop for aspirin.

Clear nail polish

Clear nail polish is another anecdotal wart remedy. It’s said to “suffocate” the virus, but there isn’t hard evidence on its effectiveness.

At the very least, clear nail polish can act as a protective coating.

The method involves coating the wart with clear nail polish. Some people do this every other day, while others do it two or three times a day.

Shop for clear nail polish.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has immune-boosting properties and is essential for wound healing and healthy skin tissue. An older natural history study from 2003 suggests that higher amounts of Vitamin C consumption are inversely associated with persistent HPV infection, but more reliable evidence is needed.

To try Vitamin C as a topical treatment for warts, crush up a vitamin C tablet and mix it with water. Apply the paste to the wart, cover with a bandage, and leave overnight. Repeat daily.

Some people claim that lemon juice and vitamin C make a more effective paste. This could be from the acidity of lemon juice. Lemon juice may cause skin irritation, so use it with caution.

Shop for vitamin C.

Vitamin E

Another home remedy for warts is vitamin E. This nutrient is vital for a healthy immune system. It’s thought to improve your body’s reaction to HPV, but there aren’t any studies to support this claim.

You can puncture a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil to the wart. Protect the wart with a bandage and keep it on overnight. Repeat daily for two weeks.

Shop for vitamin E.

Bee propolis

Honey bees produce a resin-like substance called propolis. It’s made of plant substances, beeswax, pollen, and bee enzymes.

Bees offer wart relief

Research suggests that Propolis has antiviral properties and promotes skin cell production. It’s used to treat acne, wounds, and the herpes simplex virus. These benefits may also help heal infected skin and fight HPV.

To use propolis, apply it on the wart. Place a bandage on top and leave overnight. Repeat daily.

Shop for bee propolis.

Castor oil

Castor oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used as a natural remedy for warts, ringworm, dandruff, and other skin conditions.

Apply castor oil on the wart every day. It might take two or more weeks for the wart to fall off.

Shop for castor oil.

Duct tape

Duct tape is one of the most popular home remedies for warts. It’s inexpensive and easy to find. Duct tape is said to remove the infected skin over time.

Most of the research on duct tape’s effectiveness is outdated. A 2002 study found that duct tape is more effective than freezing, but a conflicting 2007 study suggested that duct tape isn’t any better.

A 2020 study concluded that while cryotherapy has a higher efficacy than duct tape for treating plantar warts in adults, duct tape may be a practical and convenient alternative for treating plantar warts in adults in some circumstances.

To use duct tape, stick a small piece on the wart. Remove it every three to six days. Soak the wart in water and scrub it with pumice stone or emery board. Leave it uncovered for 10 to 12 hours. Repeat the process.

If you have sensitive skin, use duct tape with caution. It may cause redness, irritation, and bleeding.

Shop for duct tape.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat skin conditions like acne and athlete’s foot. Researchers are currently studying if the oil’s antiviral properties may also help get rid of warts.

Some methods suggest applying tea tree oil on the wart, but undiluted oil can cause skin irritation. You should always dilute it first.

To do so, combine 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of a carrier oil, like almond oil or castor oil.

Add 3 to 4 drops of this mixture on a cotton ball. Place it on the wart for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat two or three times a day.

If you experience irritation, you might need to dilute it even more.

Shop for Tea tree oil.

If natural remedies aren’t working to rid you of warts, you may want to pursue conventional medical treatment with a doctor.

Some of the most effective and popular medical treatments for wart removal include:

• Cantharidin. Your doctor may treat your wart by covering it with cantharidin, a substance that will cause a blister to form under the wart. About a week after treatment, your doctor will be able to cut off the dead wart
• Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment and involves a doctor freezing off your wart, but you may need to repeat treatments. It can cause dark spots in people who have dark skin.
• Electrosurgery/Curettage. Electrosurgery involves burning the wart after a local aneshetic is applied, while curettage involves scraping off the wart with a sharp tool. These two procedures are often used together.
• Excision. Your doctor may cut out the wart with a sharp tool.
• Laser treatment. This is an option for warts that have not responded to other therapies. Your wart may be numbed before the procedure.
• Chemical peels. This treatment involves applying a peeling medication like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or tretinoin at home every day.
• Bleomycin. Your doctor may inject your wart with an anti-cancer medication called bleomycin. The shots may be painful and can cause nail loss if given in the fingers or toes.
• Immunotherapy. This treatment uses the immune system to fight warts. It involves applying a chemical to the warts, which causes a mild allergic reaction, and may cause the warts to go away.

Warts usually go away on their own, but natural home remedies for warts may help speed up the process.

Most home remedies for warts aren’t backed by evidence-based research. However, some people claim that these remedies have worked for them.

Always do a patch test first. Even natural treatments can cause skin irritation.

Natural Wart Removal Tips

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

What are warts?

Warts are harmless skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 100 types of HPV exist. The virus causes warts to appear on the face, genitals, and hands, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

A variety of wart treatments are available. They vary in effectiveness based on the wart type and location.

Most natural treatments for warts don’t have a lot of research behind them. They have, however, helped people in the past. Because these treatments usually aren’t expensive or harmful, they can be worth a try.

An important exception:

1. Don’t treat genitals warts at home using topical treatments. Genital skin is delicate and can be subject to injury through topical treatments. Talk to your doctor about options for treating genital warts, including taking antiviral medications.

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Also known as “watchful waiting,” this method suggests you wait and let the wart go away with time. Most warts will go away on their own. However, if the wart is bothersome or unsightly to you, you may wish to treat it using natural methods.

Tea tree oil or Melaleuca alternifolia has antimicrobial and exfoliating properties. A small study found topical wart treatments with tea tree oil helped to reduce warts in a young patient within 12 days. However, there are no large-scale studies to backup these findings.

Read about seven other essential oils used for wart treatment.

Apple cider vinegar is a popular wart treatment that circulates on internet sites. This approach involves soaking a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and applying it to the skin each night before going to bed. Placing a bandage over the wart can help to protect the wart and keep the vinegar in place.

While apple cider vinegar is a natural treatment, it’s still acidic and can cause some pain and discomfort when applied to the skin. Undiluted apple cider vinegar shouldn’t be used on the face because it may be too strong.

Some herbalist and natural health experts have promoted certain herbs in the treatment of warts. Examples of herbs that may be effective in treating warts include:

• Echinacea. Also known as the purple cone flower, Echinacea can be taken as an oral supplement to help reduce the incidence of warts. Echinacea is also available as a tea.
• E. walachii. The juice from this herb can be consumed to help treat warts as well as skin infections.
• Ficus carica. Latex from this type of fig tree helped to reduce the incidence of warts in study participants, according to an article in the journal Pharmacology Review.
• Garlic ointments. When applied topically, garlic ointments have been rumored to reduce the incidence of warts. However, there isn’t enough evidence to prove they work.

Researchers haven’t conducted large-scale studies on how these treatments can effectively reduce warts. Carefully review all supplements with a doctor or a pharmacist before taking them.

While this may seem like an unusual approach to wart treatment, some people maintain that applying duct tape regularly to a wart can help to treat it. Doctors don’t know exactly why duct tape works, but it may protect against friction and provide some exfoliation when the tape itself is removed.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, there isn’t enough evidence to prove that duct tape can treat warts. Still, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends it as a wart removal treatment.

One small study comparing duct tape to cryotherapy treatment found wart removal occurred after about two months for participants using duct tape. Participants who used duct tape also reported fewer negative side effects than those who treated their warts with cryotherapy.

Applying clear nail polish to a wart is rumored to deprive the skin of oxygen, causing the skin cells to “die” and the wart to go away. While doctors haven’t proven this approach, it may create a protective barrier between the wart and the environment.

Salicylic acid is a treatment sold in many drugstores that can help to remove warts. This beta hydroxy acid encourages exfoliation of the layers of skin over the wart. The product is sold in gels, lotions, and patches that can be applied to the skin. Salicylic acid is also a common component in aspirin, dandruff shampoos, and pimple treatments.

To work most effectively, salicylic acid must be applied daily, usually after soaking the skin in water for five minutes or taking a bath. A person can use other treatments, such as putting duct tape over the wart after applying the salicylic acid, to help to get rid of the wart.

While some people use salicylic acid on their face to treat pimples, salicylic acid for warts is in much stronger percentages and shouldn’t be used on the face. This treatment can usually take up to three months to get rid of the wart.

Shop online for salicylic acid wart removers.

Because warts are a virus, a compromised immune system may lead to greater outbreaks of warts. Taking steps to boost your immune system may help to reduce the incidence of warts.

Here are some ways you can keep your immune system strong:

• Eat a healthy diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly to maintain excellent heart health. Walking, taking an aerobics class, or riding a bike are all good physical activity options.
• Get enough rest at night to promote immune function and recovery.

Taking care of yourself is not only good for your overall health, chances are it may help to reduce the likelihood of a warts breakout.

Doctors know that some people are more likely to get warts. These include:

• people who walk around barefoot frequently
• meat handlers and butchers
• people who bite their nails
• those who are immunosuppressed, sometimes due to cancer or HIV treatments

While you can’t prevent all these factors, there are some (such as refraining from nail biting) that you can.

Additional ways to prevent warts include:

• Always wear shoes in public bathroom areas, such as the gym.
• Frequently wash your hands to prevent the spread of HPV.
• Refrain from sharing personal items, such as towels, razors, or even pumice stones, with other people.

If you do have a wart, cover it with a bandage and avoid picking at it. This can keep HPV from spreading to others accidentally.

While many warts will go away on their own if left untreated, you can try at-home and natural remedies to help treat them. However, these treatments do not cure the virus that causes warts. As a result, you can get the warts again.

Wart removal at home

Flesh-colored growths on different parts of the body appear in many people. They look
not aesthetically pleasing, and sometimes cause discomfort, especially if located on
feet. Let’s figure out why these formations appear, how to remove a wart at home

Flesh-colored growths on different parts of the body appear in many people. They look unaesthetic, and sometimes cause discomfort, especially if they are located on the feet. Let’s figure out why these formations appear, how to remove a wart at home.

About warts

These are light-colored formations, on the surface of which many nodules form. Warts are benign growths that can appear at any age. Most often they are found in children of school age.

The diameter of the warts can be different, on average it reaches 10-20 mm. Formations can be single or multiple.

Before using home remedies for warts, you need to visit a doctor and make sure that the education is really benign. Often warts are confused with other dermatological diseases.

Causes of warts

The formations are viral in nature. The causative agent is HPV – papillomavirus. The localization of formations depends on the serotype of the virus that is in the body.

The virus is very common among people, infection occurs by contact, for example, by shaking hands, as well as in transport, shops and other public places. Intact skin is a reliable barrier to the pathogen, but any crack or scratch can become an entry gate for HPV.

If the virus has entered the body, warts do not necessarily appear. This requires triggering factors. These include defects in immunity, infectious diseases, diabetes, high humidity. Also, constant contact of hands with fish, meat can lead to the appearance of warts, which is why butchers often ask how to smear skin warts at home.

How warts appear: symptoms

Many believe that any formation in the form of a tubercle or growth is a wart. Actually it is not. There are many types of skin diseases. Before using home remedies for warts, you need to make sure that it is really a wart.

Warts are usually round, protrude above the skin and practically do not differ from it in color. Their surface is usually dry, often cracking. There is no skin pattern on the surface of the formation, this is especially noticeable on the fingers. The most typical places for formations are feet, hands, knees. This is due to frequent damage to the skin in these places.

The main sign of a wart is dark brown dots on the surface. These are clogged arteries. Often they cannot be distinguished with the naked eye, but are clearly visible when viewed with a dermatoscope. It is this sign that is important in differential diagnosis, therefore, before removing warts at home, show education to the doctor. You can independently confuse this disease with a keratoma or molluscum contagiosum.

Warts on the feet usually hurt. This is due to the constant pressure when walking. At the initial stage, the plaques have a smooth surface, which soon becomes keratinized. To see the dark dots formed by the capillaries, you need to remove the layer of dead cells. Formations are usually single, but can also be multiple. Warts on the soles are often confused with corns, but an experienced doctor will always accurately determine the nature of the formation.

Juvenile warts are distinguished into a separate group. They are not only flesh, but also pink or brown. Their size is not more than 5 mm, the formations are multiple. The most common localization is the face, hands.

Senile warts also have a pink or brown color. Like juvenile ones, they are usually located on the face and hands.

Periungual warts resemble cauliflower. The formations often hurt and crack, causing significant discomfort.

Normally, a wart does not itch or bleed. But these symptoms can develop when the growth is damaged and the infection is attached. Such troubles often arise after an unsuccessful attempt to quickly remove warts at home.

Mechanism of wart formation

HPV is found in the body of most people, but it may not show up for many years. When immunity is weakened and a favorable environment is created, the virus begins to actively multiply in epithelial cells. As a result of this process, cell death occurs, due to which the stratum corneum is formed. The activity of virus reproduction depends on factors of local immunity.

The process of HPV reproduction takes place in the cells of the epidermis, so warts are superficial formations that do not grow into the deep layers of soft tissues.

Another factor that provokes the appearance of a tubercle is the active reproduction of epidermal cells in response to the death of other cells under the influence of the virus. Thus, the formations are formed by the epidermis and keratinized particles.

Due to the superficial nature, removing warts on your own at home is possible. Sometimes the formation disappears on its own if the immune system successfully copes with the virus.

What are warts

There is no single classification of these skin formations, but several main types of warts can be distinguished:

· Most common common warts . They look like beige tubercles, do not hurt, do not cause discomfort, but are an aesthetic defect.

· Plantar masses are often painful, chafed, and do not allow you to wear your favorite shoes.

· Flat warts often occur in adolescents, and also appear when the hormonal background changes. They practically do not protrude above the surface of the skin, so they are often invisible.

· Older people develop senile warts . They rarely bother, do not hurt. Given the slow healing of the skin in old age, such formations are usually not removed.

· Cystic warts on the feet are quite rare. The formation is presented in the form of a thickening with cracks, inside this node is the contents of a curdled consistency.

· Mosaic formations are characteristic of the palms and feet. They look like areas of keratinized skin.

· filiform elements are often found on the face, near the eyes.

· Anogenital warts , as the name implies, appear on the genitals. Their characteristic locations are the border between the epidermis and the mucosa.

Are Warts Dangerous

Many are interested in how to cure warts themselves at home, due to the unaesthetic nature of these formations. Education does not usually cause other inconveniences. Warts on the face are especially disturbing, they can cause psychological discomfort, the appearance of complexes.

The most common complication is the appearance of cracks on the surface of the formation and the attachment of infection. Such situations require immediate medical attention.

Formations on the feet can create serious difficulties in walking, significantly limiting the choice of shoes.

Malignant degeneration of warts is extremely rare, but such situations still happen, especially in people with reduced immunity.

Another danger is the misuse of methods and preparations for removing warts at home. This can lead to infection, the spread of the virus to neighboring areas of the skin and the appearance of new formations.

Diagnostics

Many believe that any round formation protruding above the surface of the epidermis is a wart. Actually it is not. Differential diagnosis with molluscum contagiosum, basalioma, warty nevus, keratoderma, calluses is necessary. In each of these cases, the treatment tactics will be different.

The doctor uses a dermatoscope to examine the formation under high magnification. This will allow an accurate diagnosis.

How to remove warts at home

The most popular are chemical methods. They are used in the form of patches, applications. For cauterization of formations, solutions based on acids, celandine are used. With proper use, you can quickly achieve a good result, but we should not forget that these products are aggressive, so there is a risk of damage to healthy skin and scarring. Also, some people may develop contact dermatitis when treated with these drugs.

Is it possible to remove a wart with a thread at home? Ligation of the base of the formation with a thread is very popular, in some cases this method has an effect, but one should not forget about the high risk of malignant degeneration of the wart when using this technique. They also use a conspiracy method: they wrap a rope around the formation, then remove it, put it in potatoes and bury it. According to legend, when the vegetable rots, the wart disappears. As already mentioned, formations can disappear on their own, so the effectiveness of the method remains in doubt.

The most dangerous and painful way to get rid of warts at home is to cut them off with a blade or other sharp object. It is painful, often accompanied by heavy bleeding, and the risk of infection is also high. Scars often remain in place of warts removed by this method.

In modern clinics, they offer the removal of warts with a laser, liquid nitrogen, radio waves, and the method of electrocoagulation. These methods are safe, give an excellent cosmetic effect and do not provoke malignant degeneration of soft tissues. These services are available, so it’s not worth the risk of trying to fix the problem yourself.

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

Why not remove it yourself?

If the neoplasm is torn off, 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 a 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.