Warts are small extra cell growths on skin by the infection of one of human papilloma virus family. Warts are self-limited raised bumps that are noncancerous and outer layers of skin become hard and thick over the spot.
Warts in prominent places on the skin can prove to be very embarrassing indeed, especially since they seem to attract attention faster than skin colour and tone do. It does not help that these unsightly growths have the tendency to take up residence in a rather stubborn way, refusing to budge from their places.
The human papilloma virus keeps seeking ways to enter your body. Therefore, uncovered cuts and wounds can prove to be suitable entry points. It is not advisable to share your personal care items with others such as razors, towels etc. It might amaze you to know that there are over 60 types of this virus!
- Some of them create light-brown or flesh-coloured growths to show up on the soles of your feet. Do you also see tiny black dots on them? Well, they are tiny blood vessels that have clotted.
- Now, if the benign lumps show up in the pubic region or on your genitals, you are in for a hard time! Sometimes, they appear in the vagina or surround the anus. These are clusters of genital warts, which are visible as red, flesh-coloured or pink growths. You may experience itching and bleeding along with mild pain.
- Warts growing on the face, arms or legs are flat warts. As the name suggests, they appear smaller, smoother and flatter.
- Sometimes, warts show up on the hands as gray-brown, rough and dome-shaped structures.
- If you see warts around the nails on your toes and fingers, they are periungual warts.
- Filiform warts are skin-coloured, preferring to grow around the chin, mouth or nose.
Since professional therapies can prove lengthy and expensive at times, you might like to try a few home remedies for saying ‘good riddance’ to your ‘warty’ problem!
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
The scientific name of vinegar is acetic acid. Naturally, ACD has an adverse effect on certain kinds of viruses and bacteria. It actually ‘burns’ the infected skin, prompting warts to destroy themselves. In fact, even your immune system becomes stronger and the pH balance of the skin comes back to normal.
Method
- Prepare a solution of two parts of apple cider vinegar and one part water. It is advisable to use the acid in a diluted manner
- Take a small cotton ball and dip it in the solution
- Place the cotton ball over the wart and cover it with an adhesive bandage. This will help the cotton ball to stay in place while you sleep
- Remove the cotton ball and bandage the next morning
- Repeat the process every night until the wart drops off
Do you have warts on your hands or feet? Then follow the below method.
- Combine equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar in a bucket
- Place your hands or feet in this solution
- Remove after 15 minutes and rinse with normal water
- Repeat the process once every day until the warts fall off
2. Duct Tape
Even microbes need oxygen to survive. Therefore, the best way to kill them is by suffocating them with duct tape. You will merely need a piece that suffices to cover the wart completely.
- Place the strip over a particular wart, allow it to remain in place for some days
- In case, the tape slips off too soon, go in for a new and better quality strip
- You should see the wart and the tape fall off after six to seven days
- Rinse the affected area with normal water
- Now, take a pumice stone or emery board and scrub the area. This is to ensure that the remnants of the lump disappear too
- In case another application is needed, give a gap of one day, and repeat the process all over again.
3. Garlic
Available in every kitchen, garlic possesses anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which will cause warts to blister and drop off. Try to tolerate the strong smell, for it is a splendid home remedy.
- Make a paste of fresh garlic and water. After spreading it all over a wart, cover it with a bandage. Repeat the process after a few hours. Continue, until the offending lumps separate from your skin.
- You may even crush a clove of raw garlic, and apply it over a wart. Place a bandage over it. Remove and rinse the affected skin after 20 minutes or so. Repeat the process. If you do this twice every day, you should be able to obtain a blemish-free skin after a week or so.
Vitamins
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C contains bioflavonoids, which are excellent to boost to your immune system. It is the reason why doctors recommend this tablet with its anti-viral properties, for the common cold or flu.
- Take a vitamin C tablet and break it. Break it in such a way that it fits the wart perfectly
- Next, place the broken tablet over the wart and cover it with a band-aid/bandage
- Remove the next day, and replace both, tablet and band-aid
- You should be able to see positive results within the next two weeks, once you follow this treatment daily.
5. Vitamin E
Then again, you have vitamin E, which is a splendid anti-oxidant. It improves blood circulation, encourages healing and promotes quick repair of damaged tissues.