Warts are an unsightly and often embarrassing skin condition on the face, hands, feet, or genetials caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though they are technically harmless, one wart can spread to other parts of your body and even other people if you’re not careful. Seeking medical attention is always an option when it comes to eradicating warts. However, many home remedies are just as effective and are great natural alternatives to chemical and invasive treatments.
Note: Genital warts should always be treated by a qualified medical professional. Any at-home treatments could damage the delicate skin of the genitals. Also, if a wart is causing you pain or has been resistant to multiple treatments, see your doctor for an assessment.
Remember, be patient! Most warts won’t go away overnight. In fact, it can take up to 3 months of consistent care to get rid of a wart for good.
Give it time
Believe it or not, most warts will eventually go away on their own. If your wart is in an unseen place such as the bottom of your foot and is not causing you any pain or discomfort, you may be able to leave it be and let your body take care of it. However, this non-treatment option could take some time, so it is a good idea to supplement it with other remedies.
Raw garlic
Since warts stem from a virus, anything with antiviral capability could help eradicate them. For instance, garlic is well known for its antimicrobial properties and can be applied directly to a wart. Simply slice a fresh piece of garlic and rub it over the affected area two times each day. Be sure not to touch the delicate skin around the wart as the garlic juice could burn it.
Essential oil
Certain essential oils make excellent wart treatments because of their drying and antimicrobial power. High-quality tea tree, oregano, and lemongrass essential oil can be diluted and applied to any developing warts. It is vital to catch the wart as soon as possible to stave off growth and prevent a lengthy healing process. If the wart is on your hand or foot, wrap the area in a bandage after application to hold in oils and maximize their benefit.
Apple cider vinegar
It’s no surprise that the famous ACV finds its way onto this list. This all-around superstar vinegar has a wealth of benefits and can seemingly do everything from soothing bug bites to helping you lose weight, to healing warts. Topical application of ACV is incredibly effective in eradicating the virus and cleansing the affected skin. Simply soak a cotton ball in ACV and tape it over the wart. Leave on overnight and repeat the process until the wart is gone. Pure ACV could be too strong for the face, so this remedy should be reserved for the feet and hands.
Duct tape
Duct tape could be useful in helping to pull out the “seed” of the wart and disrupt the growth through exfoliation. Though this seems like a strange option, the American Academy of Dermatology actually recommends daily duct tape application and subsequent removal as a natural wart removal treatment.
Boost your immune system
Though topical treatments are effective. The best way to treat warts is to prevent them from developing. Since the virus that forms warts attacks those with a compromised immune system, it is crucial to focus on strengthening your bodies natural defenses. Boost your immune system by eating a healthy, whole foods diet and eliminating processed sugar and most packaged foods. Exercise daily and spend time outdoors. Get an adequate amount of sleep to give your body time to rest and replenish.
If you get one wart, you are at an even higher risk of getting another because you still have the HPV virus in your system. Focus on healing from the inside out even after you eradicate your original wart.
Other ways to prevent warts
- Maintain quality personal hygiene and wash your hands frequently
- Wear shoes in public areas such as gym showers
- Avoid biting your nails
- Don’t share personal products razors and towels
If you notice a wart developing, cover it immediately with a bandage to prevent spreading the virus and start treatment as soon as possible.
-The Alternative Daily