Warts are small bumps that form due to an infection of human papillomavirus (HPV). These growths are benign and can spread through direct contact. In addition to medical treatments, warts can be managed with home remedies. Alongside medication, several natural options are also believed to help remove warts.

What Are Warts Exactly?

Warts are small, rough growths that appear after a viral infection. They typically feel coarse and may contain tiny black dots. Transmission occurs through direct skin contact or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The virus can enter through minor cuts, scratches, or breaks in the skin.

Symptoms usually appear 2–6 months after exposure. Although they are generally harmless, warts can feel uncomfortable or affect confidence, so many people choose to remove them.

Home Remedies for Warts

Common warts can disappear without treatment, but this may take 1–2 years, and new warts can sometimes form nearby. Because they can look bothersome or feel uncomfortable, many people seek medical treatment to remove them.

The aim of wart therapy is to destroy the wart tissue and stimulate the immune system to fight the underlying virus. Common medical options include:

• Salicylic acid

• Candida antigen

• Freezing (cryotherapy)

• Surgical wart removal

• Laser treatment

Alongside these medical approaches, several home remedies are often used to help clear warts, including:

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is thought to act similarly to salicylic acid by exfoliating the infected skin and gradually lift the wart.

To use it, mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of water, then moisten a cotton ball with the solution. Place it on the wart and cover with a bandage for 3–4 hours. Repeat daily until the wart dries and falls off on its own.

Do not overuse apple cider vinegar, because the acidic nature of vinegar can irritate the skin.

Garlic

Garlic contains antimicrobial and antiviral compounds that may help to inhibit the growth of virus responsible for warts. Crush one clove, mix with a little water, apply to the wart, and cover with a bandage. Leave it on for a few hours before rinsing.

Aloe vera

Warts can sometimes be itchy. Natural aloe vera gel may help soothe the area. Scoop out the gel from a fresh aloe leaf, apply it directly to the wart, leave it for a few minutes to absorb, then rinse with clean water. Repeat daily.

Duct Tape

Duct tape is a popular home remedy method. Cover the wart with duct tape for six days, then soak the area in warm water and gently remove dead tissue with a pumice stone or a disposable file. Leave the skin uncovered for about 12 hours, then repeat the cycle regularly until the wart disappears.

Warts often resolve on their own, but home remedies may help speed improvement. However, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of these natural methods.

Before you try any home remedies, do a patch test on a small area of skin. If you notice irritation, redness, or painful sensation, stop the use immediately and consult a doctor for safer options.

If you have questions about warts, you can consult a doctor or use the consultation feature in the Ai Care app, which you can download from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!