Warts are benign growths on the skin. They are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Warts are contagious. They may go away on their own, but it may take weeks, months, or years. Traditional treatments include chemical peels, surgery, freezing, and laser surgery, but these treatments can be expensive and cause skin irritation. You can also remove warts with home remedies. Here is a list of popular natural remedies. For some of them there is still no medical evidence. Therefore, it is recommended that if you have such a problem, you should consult your doctor first.
Natural means of getting rid of warts include foods, plants, or other products that have either antiviral or acidic properties or enzymes that inhibit the HPV virus. Natural antivirals can help suppress the virus that causes the warts, while natural acids can help remove the infected layers of skin.
Apple cider vinegar is an acidic substance made from fermented apple juice. It is believed to work like salicylic acid, a common wart treatment, which sloughs off the infected skin and eventually removes the wart. Vinegar also has natural antimicrobial properties that could help fight HPV, but more studies are needed on this. To try it, mix 2 parts apple cider vinegar and 1 part water. Saturate 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 acid content can cause irritation and chemical burns. Also, do not use it on open wounds.
Garlic has long been used to cure skin conditions such as psoriasis, keloid scars and corns. It is also used for bacterial, fungal and viral infections such as warts. In an older 2014 study conducted by Trusted Source, garlic extract got rid of warts within four weeks. The warts did not return. Allicin, a main component of garlic, has antimicrobial effects and is widely studied for its antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. To treat warts with garlic, crush 1 clove and mix with water. Apply to the wart and cover with a bandage. Repeat the application daily for three to four weeks. You can also apply garlic juice or rub the wart with a clove.
Another popular remedy for warts is orange peel. It’s an inexpensive option, but there’s no scientific data to support it. This remedy involves rubbing an orange peel on the wart once a day. The wart is said to change color, darken, and then fall off. This can take two weeks or more.
Many people consider dandelions to be a troublesome weed. However, in ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine, dandelion is used for its medicinal properties. Dandelion has antimicrobial properties that could be useful in fighting warts, but more research is needed to confirm this. To try this method, crack open a dandelion and squeeze out the sticky white juice. Apply it to the wart once or twice a day. Repeat this for two weeks. Never use dandelions that have been sprayed with chemicals.
Aloe vera gel is often used for skin conditions such as burns and psoriasis. If your wart is itchy or painful, the gel can provide relief. Aloe vera gel is also known to fight pathogens, including viruses. To use aloe, take a leaf from an aloe vera plant and cut open. Apply the gel to the wart. Repeat the application daily.
Aspirin is made up of salicylic acid, a common ingredient in over-the-counter wart medicines. Salicylic acid heals warts by peeling off the infected skin. Over time, this will remove the wart. The suggested method is to crush aspirin tablets and mix them with water. Apply the paste to the wart and cover it with a bandage overnight.
