A pumice stone is an inexpensive way of removing warts above the surface of the skin, but keep in mind that warts have “roots” below the surface of the skin. As such, exfoliate most of the wart away with a pumice stone, then plan on applying a compound that destroys the roots and prevents it from growing back. Before using the pumice stone as a wart exfoliator, soak the surrounding skin in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften it up—this is particularly important for plantar warts that have a thick callus covering them. Be very cautious when using a pumice stone on genital warts due to increased sensitivity and thinner skin on the shaft of the penis and labia. A small emery board may be more appropriate for genital warts. People with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy should not use a pumice stone on their hands or feet because they have reduced sensations and may damage the surrounding tissue.
Keratolytics also destroy/irritate healthy skin, so take care when you apply the liquid, gel, ointment, or patch. Before applying the salicylic acid (up to twice a day), soak the surrounding skin and file down most of the wart with a pumice stone or emery board so the medication can better penetrate into the roots of the wart. Salicylic acid products sometimes contain dichloroacetic (or trichloroacetic) acid, which helps burn away the visible part of the wart. However, be careful not to apply it on the surrounding healthy skin. For most warts, buy and use a 17% salicylic acid solution or a salicylic acid patch at 40% strength. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Warts aren’t considered a medical concern and may not require any treatment, especially if they’re not painful—sometimes they disappear on their own. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Multiple applications are typically needed so that the wart doesn’t grow back. Cryotherapy sounds painful, but it typically only causes mild discomfort. Liquid nitrogen can mildly scar light-colored skin or cause dark spots in people with dark-colored skin, so be careful when applying it to your wart. Applying ice is a form of cryotherapy used for sprains and strains, but don’t try to freeze your warts with ice cubes! It isn’t effective and you may give yourself frostbite.
In a 2005 study, chloroform extract of garlic was discovered to completely cure warts after a few weeks and there was no reappearance noted even after 4 months. [12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source As an alternative, albeit a less effective one to combat warts, capsules of refined garlic can be taken orally, which attacks HPV from the bloodstream.
Thuja oil is derived from the leaves and roots of Western Red Cedars. It’s an ancient Ayurvedic remedy popular for many diseases and conditions due to its strong antiviral properties. Keep in mind that Thuja oil is usually quite potent and can easily irritate sensitive skin, which is especially important to remember if you’re applying it to genital warts. If you’re applying Thuja oil to sensitive skin, consider diluting it with some mineral or cod liver oil. Thuja oil is often recommended for particularly stubborn warts that are resistant to other treatments. Even still, significant results are usually seen with these stubborn varieties after 1-2 months of daily application.
Tea tree oil has been a popular natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory for many generations in Australia and New Zealand, but has become better known in North America in the last decade or so. Tea tree oil can cause both irritant and allergic skin reactions in some people who are especially sensitive, but the prevalence is pretty rare. Never take tea tree oil orally, as it can be poisonous.
They may treat your wart in their office and might even be able to remove it. Alternatively, your doctor might offer you a prescription-strength topical cream. Warts tend to go away on their own, but it can take up to 3 years for them to disappear completely.
Medical treatments can help your wart heal a lot faster than they would with home treatment.
It might just be a wart, so you probably don’t need to worry. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
For instance, you may have an infection that needs treatment or you might have an autoimmune disorder.
