Want to know what are some of the best home remedies for warts, do they actually work, are they are safe and how to use them; then keep this guide for you.
Warts are usually caused by an infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) [1]. This virus causes the complex protein on the skin’s top layer to grow too fast [2].
Warts can appear on the fingers, hands, face, feet, and genital areas [1]. In addition, there are common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, periungual warts, filiform warts, etc.
You can treat warts without having to rely on surgical procedures that are expensive and risky. Some treatment and over the counter can be cryotherapy and duct tape occlusion.
In this research-based article, you will find some best home remedies for warts in different parts of the body; ex: genital warts, plantar warts, warts on the finger, warts on foot, warts on the face, warts on the finger, warts on toes, and warts on legs.
It’s good to know that these skin growths are not cancerous. But still, you would want to get rid of them.
18 Home Remedies for Warts On Genital, Finger, Hand, and Foot
1. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most popular medicinal herbs in the world. It has been this way since ancient times.
Hippocrates, known as the founder of medicine, used garlic is treating a wide range of ailments [3].
Today, people still use it as a remedy for cancer, heart disease, skin disorders, and stress. It’s also good at treating bacterial infections, diabetes, and many others [3].
For minor skin problems like warts, here’s how garlic can help:
First, it can fight the virus causing the infection.
According to a study, garlic is a viable method for wart removal [4].
Twenty-eight patients with corns and warts participated in this experiment. They had to apply garlic extract or methanol solution to their warts twice a day for 20 days [4].
The most effective rate of improvement was in the group that used garlic oil extract [4].
How to use garlic for warts:
- Mix 5 drops of garlic and 1 tsp olive oil in a bowl.
- Apply oil blend on warts.
- Cover warts with a bandage.
- Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse the area with warm water.
- Do this treatment twice a day for one week.
2. Milkweed
Milkweed is a plant from North America. It may be a good remedy for warts. The sap may contain an enzyme that can dissolve abnormal skin growths.
A clinical trial reports positive findings on this matter [5].
But, milkweed contains mild toxins such as cardiac glycoside. Therefore, utmost caution is necessary for using this remedy.
Keep milkweed out of reach of children and pets. You should not ingest this plant.
How to use milkweed for warts:
- Using a pumice stone, rub the top layer of the wart.
- Apply three drops of milkweed sap to the wart.
- Cover it and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off.
- If irritation occurs, stop using this remedy immediately.
3. Fish Oil
In the last decade, there has been a surge in the popularity of fish oil as a health supplement.
Fish oil, which originates from the tissues of fatty fish, is rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Research has proved that these fatty acids can improve health in various ways. For example, weight loss boosts mental performance and increases energy. In addition, the oil can also enhance fertility.
This oil also contains vitamin A, which according to a 2012 study, helped treat warts [6].
The subject of the study was a 30-year-old female with warts on her right hand [6].
Salicylic acid, apple cider vinegar, and over-the-counter medication weren’t successful [6].
But, fish oil completely eradicated warts within 70 days [6].
How to use fish oil for warts:
Slice 1 fish oil capsule into two. Squeeze to release the oil. Apply oil on warts. Cover for one hour before rinsing. Repeat the remedy daily for 70 days.
Also Read: Fish Oil for Weight Loss- Does It Work?
4. Hot Compress
Hot therapy is a quick and efficient way to relieve pain and inflammation. In addition, it is one of the simplest remedies for wart removal, proven by much scientific research.
A study shows how you can use water treatment to eliminate warts [7].
It explained that heat inactivates the viruses belonging to a group of organisms [7].
External application of heat can slow down the formation of viruses on the skin [7].
How to use the hot compress for warts:
Soak a clean towel in hot water. Let it cool a little so that it won’t scald your skin. Then, apply a warm towel to warts. Repeat several times a day until warts fall off.
5. Duct Tape
WebMD describes duct tape therapy as “an inexpensive method of wart removal.”
In this method, you will use duct tape to cover and remove warts.
Some people find it hard to believe that this remedy works. But an American study conducted in 2002 already confirmed its efficacy [8].
Sixty-one patients with warts participated in this study. They received either cryotherapy or duct tape occlusion [8].
The first method involved the application of liquid nitrogen on warts for 10 seconds. They repeated this method every two to three weeks for at most six sessions [8].
The second method, meanwhile, required a direct application of duct tape on warts for two months [8].
The healing rate of duct tape was higher at 85 percent compared to that of cryotherapy at 60 percent [8].
The duct tape method was more effective than liquid nitrogen in treating common warts [8].
How to use duct tape for warts:
Put duct tape on top of the wart. Leave it on for six days. Remove the tape. Put a wet towel on top of the area. Rub the wart with a pumice stone. Apply another duct tape. Leave it on for 24 hours. Repeat the last step until the wart falls off. Do this only for at most two months.
6. Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood is a popular ingredient in perfumes, incense, and skincare products because it has a sweet, woodsy fragrance.
It also plays various roles in traditional medicine. For example, it works as an antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, disinfectant, carminative, and soothing agent. It’s also rich in anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and memory-boosting properties.
It can also help treat warts with its antiviral properties [9].
It can help alleviate genital warts caused by HPV [9].
Alpha-santalol and beta-santalol are the primary compounds in sandalwood. These components are responsible for their solid virucidal effects [10].
How to use sandalwood for warts:
Combine 1 tsp of jojoba oil and five drops of sandalwood oil. Apply a few drops of the mixture to warts. Cover with a bandage. Let it sit for one hour. Repeat the remedy twice a day for up to two weeks.
Read More:16 Amazing Home Remedies for Chickenpox Scars
7. Tea Tree Oil
In Australia, the tea tree is also referred to as the paperbark tree [11].
The oil derived from this tree is famous worldwide for its many therapeutic purposes [11].
Traditional healers rely on tea tree oil for inflammation and bacterial infections [11].
Warts are among the many infections you can treat with tea tree oil.
In a study, tea tree oil successfully treated warts on a pediatric patient’s finger [12].
Tea tree oil could eradicate warts and promote quicker healing of the lesions [12].
As with other essential oils, diluting tea tree oil first in carrier oil is vital to prevent skin irritation.
How to use tea tree oil for warts:
Blend 5 drops of tea tree essential oil with 1 tsp olive oil. Use a cotton ball to apply the oil mixture to the affected areas. Cover with a bandage for one hour. Then, apply the tea tree oil mixture two more times. Do this every day for 12 to 14 days to eliminate warts on fingers.
Also read:11 Effective Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil for Warts
8. Silver Nitrate
Wikipedia defines silver nitrate as an “inorganic compound with chemical formula AgNO.”
It is typically fused and shaped into a stick to serve as a “cauterizing agent.”
Daily application of this compound can help destroy cutaneous warts.
But, there have been some reports of scarring.
In 1994, researchers used silver nitrate sticks or a placebo in 70 patients with warts [13].
Forty-three percent of those who used silver nitrate completely healed. and 26 percent showed partial response to the treatment [13].
It’s essential to note that silver nitrate can irritate the skin and eyes and can even cause burning.
Thus, you should use it according to specified directions.
How to use silver nitrate for warts:
Apply silver nitrate on warts for a few minutes. Repeat once a day for one week to get rid of a wart fast.
9. Green Tea
Green tea is now one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Many people love its mild, refreshing taste and its many health benefits.
One of the purported benefits of green tea is aiding in weight loss.
Green tea may boost metabolism and keep you full for a more extended period.
You can also use this beverage to get rid of warts.
The powerful antioxidants in green tea can help boost immunity. [19]
A strong immunity can against the viral infection that causes warts on the skin.
How to use green tea for warts:
In a saucepan, boil a cup of water. Add 1 tsp of green tea leaves. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Steep for five minutes more. Drink the tea twice a day for one to two weeks. You may also apply a green tea bag to the warts several times.
Read More: Green Tea for Acne: How Effective?
10. Zinc
Zinc is an “immunomodulator” often used to treat various skin issues [14]. Therefore, it is one of the most potent ways of removing the wart.
A clinical trial involved 80 patients with viral warts. Forty patients received oral zinc sulfate, while the other 40 took a placebo [14].
Among those who used zinc sulfate, more than 60 percent completely recovered [14].
In another study conducted by scientists from Lebanon, 44 patients participated. They received topical zinc oxide ointment, salicylic acid, and lactic acid. They repeated the process twice a day for three months [15].
Of those who completed the study, 50 percent of the zinc oxide group healed utterly [15].
Both studies showed no side effects.
Zinc is an effective and painless way to get rid of warts.
How to use zinc for warts:
Mix zinc sulfate with distilled water. Apply the mixture on warts thrice daily for three months. Or, apply 20% zinc oxide ointment on warts twice daily for three months.
11. Lemon Oil
Lemon is the best natural source of vitaminC. Vitamin C has an acidic quality to help remove the wart. Lemon essential oil originates from the oil glands of lemon peels.
Besides, the essential oil contains antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and bactericidal properties. People use citrus-flavored lemon oil as a purifying and deodorizing agent. [16]
Lemon oil can boost the immune system and prevent digestive disorders and respiratory illnesses.
Lemon oil can fight the wart infection and reconstruct your skin from the inside. [16]
How to use lemon oil for warts:
Dilute 3-4 drops of lemon oil with one tablespoon of coconut or almond oil. Soak a cotton ball in the oil solution. Apply the soaked cotton ball to warts and massage. Repeat the treatment thrice daily to get rid of warts.
Read More:10 Ways Lemon Oil Can Benefit your Health
12. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil originates from the leaves and stems of the eucalyptus tree. This solid aromatic oil has two major chemical compounds and medicinal values.
The therapeutic properties are eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol. These are full of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, astringent, antiseptic, and analgesic properties. [17]
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most vital in skin care, cosmetics, and oral hygiene products.
This potent essential oil has a cleansing effect on your inflamed skin. The lubricant can flush out toxins and bacteria to heal your warts in the quickest possible time. [17]
How to use eucalyptus oil for warts:
Add two drops of eucalyptus and tea tree oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Now soak a cotton ball in the oil blend and apply it to warts. You can fix the cotton ball on the affected skin using medical tape. Thus, warts will get more extended exposure to the powerful oil blend. Repeat the process twice daily for a speedy recovery from warts on the hands.
Read More:14 Essential Oils For Eczema Cure & How to Use Them
13. Baking Soda
Baking soda is the one thing that you always have in your kitchen. This ingredient has a versatile use for home hygiene and medicinal purposes. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.
That’s why baking soda is a famous rising agent for baking cakes. Apart from its practical uses, baking soda has so many therapeutic values. Baking soda is a potent home remedy for digestive disorders, sore throats, coughs, etc. [18]
Baking soda has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can fight off human papillomavirus (HPV) and cure warts. [18]
How to use baking soda for warts:
Combine 2 tsp of baking soda with one tablespoon of castor oil to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to warts and cover the place with a bandage. You can repeat the process every night before you go to sleep. Or, dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in clean water. Then, rinse your warts-affected skin area with the solution. Let your skin air dry. Repeat the process twice daily to get rid of warts.
Read More:Baking Soda for Acne: 12 Easy Ways You Can Use
14. Aspirin
The traditional pain-killing pills or tablets are an excellent home remedy for warts. In this case, you need not swallow the capsule; instead, apply it to your skin.
Salicylic acid in aspirin medications can inhibit skin issues such as warts and dermatitis.
Experts in the field advise using 2-5% aspirin pills for topical applications to relieve warts. In addition, aspirin is an effective home remedy for plantar warts that grow on your feet.
How to use aspirin for warts:
Crush 1 aspirin tablet to form a fine powder. Mix a little water to make a paste. Now apply the aspirin paste to warts and cover them with a bandage. Leave it overnight. Repeat the treatment for a couple of days to get rid of warts.
15. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the most effective home remedies to get rid of warts. The succulent plant is famous for curing many skin and hair disorders.
Aloe Vera is very soothing for the skin. It can relieve the itch, discomfort, and inflammations of warts.
Aloe Vera gel is rich in malic acid, which can block the growth of inflammatory enzymes causing warts. Moreover, the gel contains various vitamins and minerals to boost your skin’s health. Aloe vera gel is one of the safest home remedies for genital warts.
How to use aloe vera for wart removal:
Slice open 1 Aloe leaf and get the fresh gel. Now, apply the gel to the wart-affected skin area. Cover the skin area with medical gauze. Leave the gel on the skin until it dries on. Repeat the simple treatment thrice daily to get rid of genital warts.
Read More: 12 Ways to Use Aloe Vera Gel for Acne!
Aloe Vera is one of the most effective home remedies for warts. In addition, the succulent plant is famous for curing many skin and hair disorders.
Aloe Vera is very soothing for the skin. It can relieve the itch, discomfort, and inflammations of warts.
Aloe Vera gel is rich in malic acid, which can block the growth of inflammatory enzymes causing warts. Moreover, the gel contains various vitamins and minerals to boost your skin’s health. As a result, Aloe vera gel is one of the safest home remedies for genital warts.
How to use aloe vera for warts:
Slice open 1 Aloe leaf and get the fresh gel. Now, apply the gel to the wart-affected skin area. Cover the skin area with medical gauze. Leave the gel on the skin until it dries on. Repeat the simple treatment thrice daily to get rid of genital warts.
16. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made from raw apples using the process of fermentation. It works almost like salicylic acid, a standard wart treatment that peels away infected skin, eventually removing the wart.
ACV’s natural antimicrobial properties may help fight HPV, but more studies are necessary.
How to use apple cider vinegar for warts:
To try it:
- Mix 2-parts ACV and 1-part water.
- Soak a cotton ball and place it on the wart.
- Use a bandage to cover the affected area.
17. Pineapple
Pineapple can be an excellent remedy for warts, thanks to bromelain, a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes in this fruit that may help remove dead and damaged skin.
Although some data support the potential effectiveness of bromelain in treating a few medical conditions, there aren’t any scientific studies supporting its use to remove warts.
People have reported success removing warts using pineapple juice in several ways. One method is to soak the wart in pineapple juice daily, and another is to apply fresh pineapple daily.
When to See a Doctor
There’s a controversy about whether you should consult a doctor for wart removal or not. Well, the answer is both Yes and No. Some doctors suggest that the best treatment for wart removal is to leave it as it is.
The body’s immune response to warts can make them disappear by themselves. But, you may have other health complications like diabetes along with warts. Then it is best to go and seek medical help.
Conclusion
Warts are not severe skin infections.
But, they can become dangerous if the condition does not improve. Natural remedies can help you in the process. These home remedies for warts are both safe and effective and you can try them.
