The virus enters the skin through a small break or injury. Warts are most common in childhood.
Without treatment, a lot of warts will go away on their own, but it may take some time – even years. Your GP can advise you on traditional wart treatments, such as cryotherapy or topical chemicals.
However, if you want to take things into your own hands, take a look at these DIY methods.
Before you try any of these treatments, soften the wart first in warm water, and then file it back a little with either an emery board or a pumice stone. Now it’s ready for your homemade remedy.
1. Duct tape
By far the most popular solution, some doctors recommend sticking a piece of duct tape on your wart as the best DIY solution. The tape starves the wart of oxygen, effectively suffocating it. Change it every few days.
2. Pineapple
Apply fresh pineapple directly to the wart several times a day.
3. Aspirin
The salicylic aspirin in Aspirin helps to remove a wart. Crush the aspirin and mix it with a little water to form a paste. Apply it directly to the wart and cover with a bandaid. Repeat for several nights until it’s gone.
4. Vitamin C
Crush a vitamin C tablet and mix it with some water to form a paste. Apply the paste directly on the wart and cover with a bandaid. Repeat for several nights until it’s gone.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Soak a cotton ball in two tablespoons of ACV. Gently apply it to the wart, and secure the cotton ball with a bandaid. Repeat every day until it comes off within a couple of weeks.
6. Banana
Scrape the layer inside of a banana peel and apply it directly to the wart. Cover with a bandaid and keep applying twice a day until it disappears.
7. Manuka honey
It’s believed this type of honey has high antibacterial and antiviral elements. Apply it to the wart and cover with a bandaid. Repeat every day until it disappears.
8. Potato
Cut a potato in half. Rub the wart firmly with the potato, ensuring it’s saturated with the juice. Cover with a bandaid and repeat morning and evening until it disappears.
9. Orange
Peel an orange and rub the wart firmly with the inside of the peel. Cover with a bandaid. Repeat daily until it disappears.
If you're not getting results from these methods, please see your doctor. You may need an alternative treatment.
