Warts are fairly common, but they can be unsightly. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus virus, or HPV--different types of warts are caused by different strains of the virus. There are several possible treatments for warts, including surgery, but medications and alternative therapies are usually the first line of defense.
Identification
Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Australian tea tree plant. Tea tree oil is an effective remedy for several skin problems, including warts, because it has mild abilities to kill viruses, bacteria and fungi, explains Anitra C. Carr, Ph.D., a research associate at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. The terpene alcohols in tea tree oil appear to give it most of its skin-treating power, Dr. Carr says.
Benefits
Tea tree oil proved an effective remedy for warts in a study published in 2008 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. In the study, conducted by researchers at Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory and Belfast City Hospital, daily topical application of tea tree oil eliminated a pediatric patient's hand warts within 12 days. Tea tree oil is also a less invasive method of treating warts than surgical procedures, which can be painful and expensive.
Time Frame
Natural remedies like tea tree oil can be a less invasive way to treat warts, but it usually takes longer for warts to disappear when you use these methods. If you're treating warts with tea tree oil, it may take up to three months for them to go away.
Use
Dab a little tea tree oil directly on the wart two or three times each day, Laurine Brown, Ph.D., says on Illinois Wesleyan University's Wellness site. Continue to use the tea tree oil until the wart disappears.
Warning
Tea tree oil should never be taken internally because ingesting it can cause serious health issues, including abdominal pain, lethargy, mental confusion and even coma, according to MedLine Plus. Some people, especially those who have sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions like eczema, may experience rashes, burning and itchiness when they use tea tree oil. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children younger than 18 should use tea tree oil only with a doctor's supervision. As with any herbal remedy, check with your doctor before using tea tree oil to treat your wart.
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