Natural Home Remedies for Plantar Warts

According to the University of Michigan Health System, plantar warts are warts that occur on the bottom of the feet and look like a thick patch of skin with a small black dot in the middle. These warts can press on nerves in the feet and can be intensely painful. However, there are some natural home remedies that may provide relief.

Vinegar

Plantar warts can be treated using vinegar. According to Bonnie K. McMillen, RN, BSN with the University of Pittsburgh, this remedy can be performed by soaking the foot in vinegar at least three times a week and then rubbing the foot aggressively with a rough towel to try and rub off the warts. The vinegar is acidic and helps to remove layers of skin, exposing the warts so that they can be eventually removed. According to Bonnie K. McMillen, RN, BSN, the vinegar remedy may need to be used for up to three weeks before the warts are fully removed.

American Mayapple

American mayapple is a perennial herb that is found in moist, rich soils such as wooded areas. According to Dr. David Kiefer, MD, in the book "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," the American mayapple can help to heal plantar warts when it is applied topically to the wart. According to Dr. Kiefer, American mayapple contains a compound called podophyllin that is believed to be helpful in treating warts. However, Dr. Kiefer also reports that this herb can cause damage to the surrounding skin and can lead to irritation and ulcers if administered incorrectly. Therefore, this herb should only be used with the supervision of a physician or licensed herbalist.

Oatmeal

According to Dr. Kiefer, oatmeal can be used as a paste to treat a plantar wart.Oatmeal has antiinflammatory benefits. He suggests that to use this remedy, you should prepare the oatmeal just as you would if you were going to eat it, but let it cool. Once cooled, over the affected area with oatmeal and cover the area with plastic wrap for an overnight treatment. It may take several weeks for this particular remedy to fully remove the warts.

References

• The University of Michigan Health System; Warts and Plantar Warts;
• The University of Pittsburgh; Vinegar: An Ancient Medicine and Popular Home Remedy; Bonnie K. McMillen, RN, BSN;
• 1000 Cures for 200 Ailments; Dr. David Kiefer, MD; 2007;