Warts are usually caused by an infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) [1].
This virus causes the hard protein on the skin’s top layer to grow too fast [2].
As there are over 60 types of HPV, there are also different kinds of warts growing on different areas of the body [1].
Warts can appear on the fingers, hands, face, feet, and the genital areas [1]. There are common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, periungual warts, filiform warts, etc.
It’s good to know that these skin growths are not cancerous. But still, you would want to get rid of them.
The good news is, you can do this without having to rely on surgical procedures that are expensive and risky. Some home remedies for wart removal will help you get rid of it.
15 Natural Ways for Wart Removal
1. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most popular medicinal herbs in the world.
It has been this way since the 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, as well as 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:
It can fight the virus causing the infection.
According to a study, garlic is a viable method for wart removal [4].
28 patients with corns and warts participated in this experiment. They had to apply either garlic extract or methanol solution on their warts twice a day for 20 days [4].
The most significant rate of improvement was in the group that used garlic oil extract [4].
How to use garlic for warts:
Mix 5 drops of garlic oil and 1 tsp of olive oil in a bowl. Apply oil blend on warts. Cover warts with a bandage. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse area with warm water. Do this treatment twice a day for one week.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Boils Fast: 17 Home Remedies That Work
2. Milkweed
Milkweed is a plant from North America. It can be a good solution for warts.
The sap may contain an enzyme that can dissolve abnormal skin growths.
A clinical trial reports positive findings of this matter [5].
But, milkweed contains mild toxins such as cardiac glycoside. Utmost caution is necessary for using this remedy.
Keep milkweed out of reach of children and pets.
You should not ingest this plant.
Learn how to use milkweed if you want to remove wart:
Using a pumice stone, rub the top layer of the wart. Apply 3 drops of milkweed sap on 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 was a surge in the popularity of fish oil as a health supplement.
Here’s why:
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. It aids in weight loss, boosts mental performance, increases energy. The oil can also enhance fertility among.
This oil also contains vitamin A, which according to a 2012 study, was useful in the treatment of 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 an over-the-counter medication weren’t successful [6].
But, topical application of fish oil completely eradicated warts within 70 days [6].
How to try fish oil for wart removal:
Slice 1 fish oil capsule into two. Squeeze to release the oil. Apply oil on warts. Cover for one hour before rinsing. Repeat remedy daily for 70 days.
Read More: Fish Oil for Weight Loss- Does It Really Work?
4. Hot Compress
Hot therapy is a quick and efficient way to relieve pain and inflammation. It is one of the simplest remedies for wart removal.
Thousands of people and scientific literature have proved this fact.
A study shows how you can use water treatment to get rid of warts [7].
It explained that heat inactivates the viruses belong to a group of organisms [7].
External application of heat can slow down the formation of viruses on the skin [7].
A simple way to get rid of wart:
Soak a clean towel in hot water. Let it cool a little so that it won’t scald your skin. Apply warm towel on warts. Repeat several times a day until warts fall off.
5. Duct Tape
WebMD describes the 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].
61 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].
An easy but effective way to remove wart using duct tape:
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 comes with a woodsy, sweet fragrance.
It also plays various roles in traditional medicine. It works as an antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, disinfectant, carminative, and sedative 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 be useful in alleviating genital warts caused by HPV [9].
Alpha-santalol and beta-santalol are the major compounds in sandalwood. These components are responsible for its strong virucidal effects [10].
Learn how to use sandalwood oil for wart removal:
Combine 1 tsp of jojoba oil and 5 drops of sandalwood oil. Apply a few drops of the mixture on warts. Cover with bandage. Let it sit for one hour. Repeat remedy twice a day for up to two weeks.
Read More: 16 Amazing Home Remedies for Chickenpox Scars
7. Tea Tree Oil
In Australia, tea tree is also referred to as paperbark tree [11].
The oil derived from this tree is famous all over the world 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 that you can treat with tea tree oil.
In a study, tea tree oil was successful in treating warts on the finger of a pediatric patient [12].
Tea tree oil for could eradicate warts and promote quicker healing of the lesions [12].
As with other essential oils, it’s vital to dilute tea tree oil first in a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation.
Try this tea tree oil recipe for wart removal:
Blend 5 drops of tea tree essential oil with 1 tsp of olive oil. Use a cotton ball to apply oil mixture to the affected areas. Cover with a bandage for one hour. Apply tea tree oil mixture two more times. Do this every day for 12 to 14 days to get rid of warts on fingers.
Read More: 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 be useful in destroying cutaneous warts.
But, there have been some reports of scarring.
In 1994, researchers used silver nitrate sticks or placebo in 70 patients with warts [13].
43 percent of those who used silver nitrate completely healed. 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 you can use silver nitrate to remove wart:
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. People love not only its mild but refreshing taste but also its multitude of health benefits.
One of the purported benefits of green tea is aiding in weight loss.
Green tea may boost the metabolism as well as keep you full for a more extended period.
You can also use this beverage for getting rid of warts.
The powerful antioxidants in green tea can help boost immunity. [19]
Strong immunity can against the viral infection that causes warts on the skin.
A bonus:
This remedy is also effective for anal and genital warts.
An easy method to get rid of wart using green tea:
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” that are often used for treating various types of skin issues [14]. It is one of the most potent ways of removing the wart.
A clinical trial involved 80 patients with viral warts. 40 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 either topical zinc oxide ointment or 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 completely [15].
Both studies showed no side effects.
Zinc is an effective and painless way to get rid of warts for good.
Learn how you can use zinc for wart removal:
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 vitamin C. 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 the citrus flavored lemon oil as a purifying, and deodorizing agent. [16]
Lemon oil can boost the immune system, prevent digestive disorders, and respiratory illnesses.
Lemon oil can fight the wart infection and reconstruct your skin from the inside. [16]
How you may remove warts using lemon oil:
Dilute 3-4 drops of lemon oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut or almond oil. Soak a cotton ball in the oil solution. Apply the soaked cotton ball on 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 strong aromatic oil has two major chemical compounds. These are responsible for all its 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 agents in skin care, cosmetics, and oral hygiene products.
This potent essential oil has a cleansing effect on your inflamed skin. The oil can flush out toxins and bacteria to heal your warts in the quickest possible time. [17]
How you may use eucalyptus oil to remove wart:
Add 2 drops of each of eucalyptus oil 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 a more extended exposure to the powerful oil blend. Repeat the process twice daily for a speedy recovery from warts on 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 at home hygiene and for medicinal purposes. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.
That’s why baking soda 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]
Try this simple baking soda remedy to remove wart:
Combine 2 tsp of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of castor oil to form a thick paste. Apply the paste on warts and cover the place with a bandage. You can repeat the process every night before you go to sleep. Or, dissolve 1 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 a great home remedy for warts. In this case you need not swallow the pill, instead apply it on your skin.
Salicylic acid in aspirin medications can inhibit skin issues such as warts, dermatitis.
Experts in the field advice to use 2-5% of aspirin pills for topical applications to relieve warts. Aspirin is an effective home remedy for plantar warts that grow on your feet.
An easy way to remove a wart with aspirin:
Crush 1 aspirin tablet to form a fine powder. Mix a little water to make a paste. Now apply the aspirin paste on warts and cover it 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 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 on 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
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.
It is because the body’s immune response towards warts can make them go away 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 over time if the condition does not go away. It is best that you may want to resolve this skin issue using these natural remedies. These home remedies are both safe and effective.
Read Next: How to Get Rid of Warts: 8 Essential Oil Remedies with Directions!
