Warts are small, non-cancerous growths that can appear anywhere on the body. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be contagious. While warts can often go away on their own, they can be unsightly and cause discomfort, which is why many people seek treatment.
Home remedies for warts are a popular option for those who want to avoid invasive medical procedures or over-the-counter treatments. These remedies are often natural and can be made from ingredients that are readily available in most households.
There are several home remedies that have been found to be effective in the treatment of warts, such as apple cider vinegar, duct tape, and tea tree oil. These remedies work by either killing the virus that causes the warts or stimulating the body's immune system to fight off the virus.
It's important to note that while home remedies can be effective for some people, they may not work for everyone. Additionally, some home remedies may cause irritation or other side effects. It's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before trying any new treatments for warts. In This article there are various home remedies and self-care measures that can aid in the management of warts, as well as preventive measures to avoid the infection in the first place.
# Use duct tape
While there is limited scientific evidence on the effective use of duct tapes for wart removal, it is a safe and well-tolerated remedy that can be tried.
- Apply a piece of silver duct tape over the wart.
- Remove the tape after 4–7 days and clean the area. Use an emery board to help remove the dead skin cells.
- Apply a fresh piece of tape after 12 hours.
- Repeat the process for 4–6 weeks.
# Apply lemon juiceA 50% citric acid solution can help in treating warts. Since lemons are rich in citric acid, they may act as a natural remedy for warts.
- Squeeze some fresh lemon juice and dilute it with water. Alternatively, you can use other citrus fruits. Soak a cotton ball with the lemon juice and dab it over the wart. Apply a bandage over it.
- Apply an ointment containing citric acid.
# Dab some oils
Oils such as thuja oil, neem oil, tea tree oil, and vitamin E oil (such as castor oil) can help in the treatment of warts, owing to their antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
- Dilute neem, thuja, or tea tree oil in any carrier oil, preferably a vitamin E oil before use. Apply any of these oils over the warts.
- Puncture a vitamin E oil capsule and use it directly.
# Try garlicGarlic has antiviral properties that can help curb the multiplication of cells infected by HPV. Moreover, garlic helps in blister formation in the warts, assisting their detachment from the skin.
- Place a crushed garlic clove on the affected area and cover with a bandage. Wash the area after 20 minutes. Repeat this treatment twice a day for 1 week.
- Include garlic in your diet.
# Apply apple cider vinegarThe topical use of apple cider vinegar (ACV) is reported to be effective by various users. However, this use has no scientific evidence and is therefore considered an anecdotal remedy.
It is thought that the acidic nature of ACV can mimic the peeling effect of salicylic acid chemical peels used for wart treatment.
How to use: Dilute one part ACV in three parts water. Apply this solution over the wart using a cotton ball. Cover the area with a bandage.
# Place a banana peel over the warts
Banana peels are another popular anecdotal remedy that lacks scientific evidence, but they are thought to help due to their antioxidant-rich and mineral-rich composition.
It is suggested that green banana peels are more effective than ripe banana peels.
- Place a banana peel on the wart with the inside part of the peel touching the affected area. Secure it with tape and leave it overnight.
- Rub the affected area with a fresh banana slice.