Warts can be treated in several ways. The major challenge in their treatment is the recurrences that are quite frequent with all of them. In general, one should first start with the least invasive and inexpensive option, which is why home remedial measures have become popular in wart removal.

Multiple recurring warts typically require more expensive and intrusive treatments. According to a study, nearly two-thirds of warts are found to vanish randomly within 24 months. The only drawback is that there is a slight possibility that the wart will get larger and possibly spread to other parts of the body.

Let's explore in detail what are warts and some non-invasive home remedies to remove them!

What Are Warts?

Warts are bumpy outgrowths on the skin that is caused due to HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Though they are common in children and teenagers, anyone can develop warts at any stage of life. Warts are classified into several types based on where they appear on your body.

• Common warts - these are generally found on palms
• Plantar warts - are seen on feet and sole
• Flat warts - can appear anywhere on the body.
• Filiform warts - these appear generally on the neck, face, eyelids, or lips

6 Effective Home Remedies For Warts

The main aim of wart removal is to stop the spread of infection of the virus. Given their contagious nature, it is of critical importance to avoid touching them.

The first line of treatment is the use of topical medications that allow for natural exfoliation of the wart. Various other home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that help in its removal are listed underneath.

1. Salicylic acid

It is a peeling agent and is available over the counter. More commonly used for acne treatment, it can also be used for warts. This acid is painted over the wart and used every day for 2-3 months to be effective. It leads to the peeling of the wart towards the end by drying it thoroughly. Apart from the solution form, salicylic acid is also the major ingredient in aspirin tablets. These can be crushed and mixed with water to be applied to warts.

2. Home freeze kits

 These are wart cryotherapy kits. They can be used for warts on hands and feet. The applicator tip should be pressed against the wart for a few seconds. The wart should fall off within 2 weeks.

3. Apple cider vinegar

It is another quite effective home remedy. The acid in vinegar supposedly works like an exfoliating agent. Two parts of vinegar are to be mixed with 1 part of water. Apply it to the area with the help of a cotton ball and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

4. Duct tape

The application of duct tape on the wart is found to be quite easy and useful. Post application the tape is removed after a week, cleaned, and reapplied. This procedure is to be done for at least 4–6 weeks.

5. Corn caps

These again have salicylic acid. Salicylic acid acts by keeping the area moist and dissolving the keratin cells.

6. Aloe vera and garlic packs

Freshly prepared aloe vera and garlic packs contain malic acid that helps in removing warts. They not only initiate exfoliation of the wart but also kill the infection-causing virus. For best results, apply the pack consistently for 2-3 weeks.

Warts go away by themselves, but natural remedies for warts help speed up the process. These methods are quite popular, tried, and adopted by many, as they do not have any side effects. It is wise to perform a patch test before trying these methods.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is wart contagious?

Yes. It can spread from one part of the body to the other if you touch the wart area and then go on to touch other parts of the body. You can also pass on the infection to others in a similar way.

2. Can warts be seen in the genital area?

Yes, genital warts are quite common.

3. Can warts be sexually transmitted?

Warts are contagious. They can be sexually transmitted through skin contact.

4. How do warts appear?

Most commonly, warts appear like cauliflower. They arise as small, raised lesions that can be flesh-coloured, light and pearly, or dark purple, grey, or brown.

5. Should I be worried if a wart lasts too long?

Warts typically last for two to three years. But they might not resolve and continue to exist harmlessly for a lifetime too.

 

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Dhanunjay Reddy B