Warts: Not Just a Bump in the Road

Warts may be harmless, but they can be a nuisance, sticking around for what feels like ages. Caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), warts are common in children (1 in 3) but less so in adults (3 to 5 percent). They can spread easily, so it’s important not to touch or scratch them to prevent spreading to other parts of the body. Common areas for warts to appear include knuckles, fingers, elbows, knees, and any area with broken skin. While warts typically disappear on their own, they can take weeks or even years to go away.

Types of Warts and How to Treat Them

1. Common Warts: Flesh-colored and small, common warts are usually found on the back of hands, fingers, and feet. They are rough to the touch and form hard bumps on the skin.
2. Plane Warts: These round, flat, and smooth warts are often yellowish or brownish and can appear in larger numbers. They tend to disappear on their own without treatment.
3. Flat Warts: Smoother, flatter, and smaller than other warts, flat warts are common in teens and children. They usually grow on the face but can also appear on the legs.

Home Remedies for Wart Removal

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the wart before bed, securing it with tape or a bandage. Reapply in the morning if not too sore, and the wart should fall off in 1-2 weeks.
2. Baking Soda: Create a paste with vinegar and baking soda and apply it to the wart twice daily until it falls off.
3. Banana Peel: Scrape the inside of a banana peel and apply the “white mush” to the wart twice a day until it disappears.
4. Vitamin C: Crush a vitamin C tablet, mix it with lemon juice, and apply the paste to the wart daily until it vanishes.
5. Castor Oil: Apply castor oil to the wart three times a day and cover it with a soaked cotton ball overnight. The wart will darken and fall off after a few days.
6. Garlic: Crush garlic and secure it to the wart with a bandage twice daily for a week, or take garlic capsules three times daily.
7. Milkweed: Extract milkweed sap and apply it to the wart, using a pumice stone to help slough off the skin. Be cautious of any irritation or redness.
8. Tea Tree Oil: Apply pure tea tree oil to the wart, cover with a bandage overnight, and repeat until the wart is gone. Tea tree oil is antiviral and helps with inflammation.

While warts can be stubborn, natural remedies offer a less invasive way to remove them. If you’re unsure, consult with a doctor before starting treatment. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Sources:

• Medicalnewstoday.com
• Healthline
• Reader’s Digest
• Annmarie Skin Care
• WebMD