4 Must Try Remedies To Treat Plantar Warts At Home

Plantar warts or verrucas are lumps of hardened skin, often with underlying tiny black dots, that appear on the soles of your feet. They mostly occur on the heel and the ball of the foot, the parts that are under most pressure, and are circular, slightly raised, and surrounded by a thickened rim of skin (a callus).

Like other warts, plantar warts, too, are viral infections of the humanpapilloma virus (HPV). While they are not harmful and usually disappear on their own with time, in more severe cases, they may be extremely painful something like standing on a needle.

# Duct Tape

Duct tape occlusion therapy (DTOT) is a real thing! Though evidence for duct tape in the treatment of plantar warts is limited and inconsistent, it has worked for some people, which is why it deserves a try.

Soak your foot in some warm water and exfoliate the wart area with a pumice stone or any other exfoliator. Wipe your foot dry and cover the verruca with a piece of duct tape. Leave the duct tape on for at least 6 days, after which remove it and repeat the process – wash, exfoliate, dry, and apply tape. Diligently do this for a few months till the verruca is gone.

# Garlic

Garlic contains compounds that have shown antiviral effects and that are capable of inhibiting the multiplication of virally infected cells. In some cases, extracts of garlic have been proved to completely remove warts within 3–4 months without any recurrence.

Cut a thin slice of a garlic clove and using a bandage strap it over your wart. You may use crushed garlic instead of a slice as well. Do this every night for at least a month or till the wart is completely removed. Remember to soak your feet in warm water and exfoliate before placing the garlic slice on your foot.

# Hot Water

This treatment does not really cure the viral infection but it does soften the skin and greatly improves the condition of plantar warts.

Heat some water (45°C to 48°C) and pour it into a bowl. Soak your feet in the water every night before sleeping for at least 15 minutes.

# Fig Tree Latex

In Iran, the latex or milky exudate from the fig tree is applied on warts to treat them. The exact mechanism of action of this traditional therapy is not known and may be related to the protein-destroying properties of components of fig latex.

It may be difficult for you to get your hands on the latex of the fig tree, but if you do, give it a try. Apply it on your soles before you sleep.