Some people associate warts with frogs and witches, a trope only made worse by films. You may have also hear tell that, if you touch a toad, you’ll get warts. This isn’t true, though. However, if you do have a wart, there are many ways to get rid of it, none of which require you to go under the knife. These natural ways to remove warts are effective and safe, so don’t worry. Just keep reading!
What are Warts?
Warts are non-threatening skin bumps that may be caused by viruses. Most warts are caused by the Human Papiloma Virus, or HPV. This virus infects the topmost layer of the skin, causing rapid growth and eventually resulting in warts. You can contract the virus through an open cut or wound and by sharing personal hygiene items like razors and towels. Although anyone can get warts, children, teens and people with a weak immune system are more at risk of getting warts.
Warts normally develop on broken skin, because it is easier for the virus to enter the topmost layer of the skin. Children are more prone to warts than adults because their immune system is not finished building up its defence mechanisms.
Types of Warts
There are several types of warts, each of which looks different and may appear in different areas of the body.
Common Warts: This type of wart usually develops on the hands and is rough, grey-brown in colour dome-shaped.
Filiform Warts: These kinds of warts commonly grow on the face, such as the nose, chin around the mouth.
Plantar Warts: These warts develop on the soles of the feet. They are thick and hard with dark specks, and they may cause pain when you walk.
Periungual Warts: these usually appear beneath the toenails and fingernails.
Flat Warts: These warts may grow on various parts of the body, such as the face, arms or legs. They are usually small and have flat tops (as their name implies). Furthermore, they tend to be pink, brown or light yellow coloured.
Natural Ways to Remove Warts
Sometimes, warts clear up on their own. However, other times, they are more persistent. If this is the case, you may need to utilize some home remedies. The most common way to treat warts is to freeze them or use Compound W, but there are also many home remedies you can use.
Vitamin supplements. You can try crushing up a tablet of vitamin C to form a paste. Apply this to your warts and put a bandage over them. You can also use Vitamin E.
Garlic. You can make a paste out of fresh garlic and apply it to your warts, covering them with a bandage. The natural acid and enzymes of garlic will help reduce spots.
Pineapple. Pineapple can help reduce warts if applied over several weeks.
Aloe Vera. This is an awesome trick for removing warts. Break off a fresh leaf and gently apply it to the warts. The malic acid in the aloe vera will help reduce the appearance of warts.
Stop spreading the virus. Warts are caused by a virus that can not only be transferred between people but can be transferred by yourself to other parts of your body. For example, if you touch your wart and then touch another part of your body, it may further spread them. Wash your hands frequently and cover your warts to reduce the temptation of touching them.
Boost your immune system. Because warts are caused by certain viruses, one of the best ways to get rid of them is to boost your immune system. Some may even notice a pattern of increased warts when they are feeling worn out, sick, tired or stressed. It’s vital that you get enough sleep, exercise and good food to keep your immune system strong.
Conclusion
Warts may just be a simple bump on the skin, but you shouldn’t ignore them. They can easily spread and start to cause pain. Before trying chemical remedies, though, try some of the safe, natural treatments first.
