Treatments for warts at home: Effectiveness and safety assessed
In the quest to eliminate common warts, many home remedies have gained popularity. However, it's essential to approach these remedies with caution, as their effectiveness varies.
One of the most frequently cited home remedies is a combination of aloe vera gel and garlic paste, applied daily and kept on overnight with a bandage. This remedy leverages aloe vera's malic acid and both aloe and garlic’s antiviral, antibacterial properties to dry out and kill wart-causing bacteria. It typically requires 2–3 weeks of daily application to see results.
Another popular home remedy is the use of baking powder mixed with apple cider vinegar and castor oil, applied overnight under duct tape to chemically dry and remove the wart. This treatment, like the aloe vera and garlic paste remedy, requires consistent application for several weeks.
However, it's important to note that while duct tape can be used in some home remedies, there is limited evidence to suggest that it helps with wart removal. Moreover, if Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar is not used correctly, there is a possibility of chemical burns.
Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar, a natural product, is another remedy believed to have antiviral effects. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for treating warts. The product is USDA organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized.
In terms of how long it takes to see results, most effective home remedies require consistent application for 2 to 3 weeks to notice improvement. Local wart creams prescribed by doctors can show improvement within the first month but often require use for up to 12–16 weeks.
It's crucial to remember that getting rid of a wart in 24 hours is unrealistic. Most treatments take at least 2 weeks to work, and a person may find that their wart takes longer than this to heal.
If you have a wart on the face or genitals, a large number of warts, warts that hurt, burn, itch, or bleed, a wart that changes color, warts and a compromised immune system, or have not received an official diagnosis for your warts, it's best to seek medical advice.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends not touching other people's warts, using personal items, covering grazes and cuts, frequently washing hands, trying to avoid cracked or dry skin, avoiding nail biting, wearing flip-flops in pool areas and other communal areas, getting the HPV vaccine, treating hyperhidrosis, and avoiding unnecessarily touching warts to prevent the spread of HPV.
Before trying alternative treatments such as ACV, aspirin, or duct tape, it's advisable to speak with a doctor. If these treatments do not work or if they cause side effects, work with your doctor to find a suitable solution.
Lastly, it's essential to stick with proven remedies and treatments for warts. A doctor can prescribe a number of effective treatments, including Cantharidin, Cryotherapy, Electrosurgery and curettage, Excision, Chemical peels, Laser treatment, and Immunotherapy.
[1] Source: Healthline.com [2] Source: MayoClinic.org [3] Source: MedicalNewsToday.com [4] Source: AAD.org
- While aloe vera and garlic paste, and baking powder mixed with apple cider vinegar and castor oil are popular home remedies for warts, their effectiveness is not universally proven, and caution should be exercised in their application.
- Don't expect rapid wart removal, as most effective treatments take at least 2 weeks to show results, whether home remedies or professional solutions.
- If you have suffered an immune system compromise, a large number of warts, extremely painful warts, or warts on sensitive areas like the face or genitals, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional and avoid self-treatment.
- Before attempting alternative treatments like apple cider vinegar, aspirin, or duct tape, consult with a doctor for the best advice and to minimize potential risks.
- In the field of health-and-wellness and skin care, a predictive approach based on science is recommended for treating warts, with proven treatments such as Cantharidin, Cryotherapy, Electrosurgery and curettage, Excision, Chemical peels, Laser treatment, and Immunotherapy offered by healthcare professionals.
