10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for a wide range of health uses due to its acetic, antiseptic properties. One study suggests that the acidic characteristic of vinegar can help plantar warts.
How to use: Gently apply an apple cider vinegar-soaked cotton ball to the affected areas twice daily until the warts come off. (You can visit our page to learn more about the uses of apple cider vinegar.) Be sure to test first on unaffected skin; do not apply to affected skin that is broken.
Other kinds of acid will really come in handy with getting rid of these warts…
9. Salicylic Acid
You may have seen salicylic acid in a couple of anti-acne creams and facial washes as it cleans away pore-clogging dead skin cells. For plantar warts, the salicylic acid exfoliates the skin to get rid of the warts.
How to use: To get the most out of this treatment, you’ll need to apply the salicylic acid on your plantar warts twice per day, every day. It can also be helpful to prep the skin by soaking the affected area in warm water for 10 minutes before applying the acid. Be sure to test first on unaffected skin; do not apply to affected skin that is broken.
Mother Nature is abundant with natural antiseptics…
8. Tea Tree Oil
For centuries, tea tree oil has been used as a go-to remedy for various fungal infections, wounds, and acne. Like for genital warts, tea tree oil may also work for plantar warts, though further research is still needed to confirm claims of this oil’s efficacy in combating warts.
How to use: Dilute tea tree oil with olive oil. Use a cotton ball to apply mixture to the affected area twice a day. Be sure to test first on unaffected skin; do not apply to affected skin that is broken.
On the other hand, many studies have been done about the wonders of our next remedy…
7. Milk Thistle
The extract of the milk thistle plant has been used to treat skin conditions for years, especially in Europe. However, unlike tea tree oil, the curative properties of the milk thistle have been studied extensively.
How to use: Apply diluted milk thistle sap to the warts twice daily. Be sure to test first on unaffected skin; do not apply to affected skin that is broken.
Many minerals have a multitude of purifying properties…
6. Iodine
Iodine is an important mineral for the body. Its qualities can be used for other purposes like plantar wart removal. Over-the-counter povidone-iodine topical solutions are often recommended for this condition.
How to use: Apply a sufficient amount of the solution on the warts twice daily for 12 weeks.
The following definitely is more than a tasty kitchen ingredient…
5. Garlic
Garlic has always been a traditional home remedy with incredible antiviral properties. It has been reportedly effective in treating plantar warts as well, though more research is needed to confirm these claims.
How to use: Crush a clove of garlic and mix it with water. Apply mixture on the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Repeat 3-4 times daily until needed. Be sure to test first on unaffected skin; do not apply to affected skin that is broken.
Drastic cases need equally drastic measures…
4. Laser Treatment
This modern procedure makes use of a laser beam to destroy warts. However, laser treatments can be quite expensive and may even lead to some scarring. As such, it’s important for patients to discuss this option extensively with their primary healthcare provider first.
But our next option seems to show better promise…
3. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing warts with liquid nitrogen, which causes the wart to blacken and fall off not long after. If used properly, there should be no scarring.
This next one, mimics the effects of cryotherapy…
2. Freezing Sprays
Over-the-counter “freezing sprays” are also recommended for plantar warts. They contain nitrogen, which can freeze the warts by creating a blister-like injury that sticks to the wart. Once it heals, the wart will fall off in about a week.
How to use: Spray directly onto the wart for up to 20 seconds. Repeat if necessary.
But did you know that you can even use a common house tool for wart removal?…
1. Duct Tape
Using duct tape for warts helps gradually peel away each layer with each strip.
How to use: Cut a sizable piece of duct tape (enough to cover the warts) and put them on the affected area. Replace each strip three or four times daily until the wart is completely gone.