Have you ever noticed a hard bump or small growth on your skin? If so, you’re not alone—we all tend to get concerned when we spot something like that, right? These growths, commonly found on the hands, face, knees, and other areas, are known as warts. They’re caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious. Now, let’s dive into some home remedies for warts that are worth trying!
What is a Wart?
Warts are harmless, benign growths that develop on your skin. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), with over 100 identified types. However, only a few types of HPV cause warts in different parts of your body. Although warts are generally harmless and treatable, they can sometimes cause discomfort or pain
Natural Remedies For Warts
Here are a few home remedies that can help you get rid of this tiny bump:
1. Vitamin C Tablets
Grind a few vitamin C tablets into a fine powder. Mix the powder with enough water to create a paste, then apply it directly onto the wart. Cover the area with a bandage or tape. The acidity of the vitamin C can help erode the wart while also fighting the virus responsible.
2. Garlic
Apply freshly crushed garlic directly to the wart and cover it with a bandage. The caustic properties of garlic can cause the wart to blister and eventually fall off within a week. Replace the garlic daily, ensuring it doesn’t come into contact with the surrounding healthy skin.
3. Birch Bark
If you have a piece of birch bark, dampen it with water and tape it over the wart, ensuring the inner side of the bark faces your skin. Birch bark contains salicylates, the active ingredient found in many over-the-counter wart treatments.
4. Papaya
Papaya contains an enzyme that helps break down dead tissue. To use it as a remedy, make shallow cuts on the surface of an unripe papaya and collect the sap that oozes out. Let the sap thicken, then mix it with water. Apply this mixture to the wart every morning and night for best results.
5. Basil
Crush a fresh basil leaf and place it directly over your wart, securing it with waterproof first-aid tape. The basil contains virus-fighting compounds that can help the wart fall off more easily. Replace the leaf with a fresh one daily for the best results.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak a cotton ball in fresh apple cider vinegar and apply it to the wart, securing it with a bandage. The wart will start to swell, and within a few days, the skin may turn black—an indication that the wart cells are dying. Repeat this process daily for about two weeks until the wart falls off.
7. Banana Peel
Anecdotal evidence suggests that a banana peel might help remove warts. To try it, cut a piece of banana peel and tape it over the wart before bed, ensuring the inner side of the peel is against your skin. Secure it with a bandage for better results. The enzymes and compounds in the peel are believed to help dissolve the wart over time.
8. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that can help remove warts. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the wart and cover it with a bandage. This method may help you get rid of warts more quickly. For best results, use the oil consistently and be prepared to repeat the application for at least 2 weeks.
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an excellent option for removing warts from your skin. Apply fresh-cut aloe vera directly to the wart, or use aloe vera gel and leave it on for 30-40 minutes, or even overnight if you prefer. Rinse off with lukewarm water. For the best results, repeat this treatment daily.
10. Castrol Oil
Castor oil is well-known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective home treatment for warts. To use castor oil, apply it to the wart daily for at least 2 to 3 weeks. The fatty acids in castor oil may help break down the wart and promote healing.
11. Clear Nail Polish
Applying clear nail polish to warts can help remove them by suffocating the wart. This method is considered a wart removal technique. Paint the wart with clear nail polish daily for at least two weeks to see better results.
12. Duct Tape
Duct tape is a popular, inexpensive, and easy-to-find remedy for warts. It helps remove the infected skin over time. Simply cut a small piece of duct tape and stick it on the wart.
Tips for Preventing Warts on Your Hands
As your hands are constantly experiencing the world through touch. This may put them into the HPV Virus which may cause warts. Here are some tips that may help you prevent warts:
- Avoid touching warts on others or yourself.
- Cover any minor cuts or scrapes on your hands with a bandage.
- Always keep your hands clean.
- Refrain from biting your nails or hangnails.
- Wear shoes or sandals, and gloves in public showers and pool areas.
- If you get a wart, treat it immediately to prevent it from spreading.
I hope this blog helps you learn about some effective home remedies for wart removal. Avoid scratching or picking at your warts, as this can spread the virus to other parts of your body. Give these remedies a try to tackle the virus and get rid of those warts.
