Warts are caused by HPV, or the human papillomavirus. The Mayo Clinic explains that HPV causes the outer layer of skin cells to rapidly grow and reproduce, which causes the wart growth. Warts are harmless and usually go away with no treatment. However, they are contagious and can spread to other parts of the body, as well as other people. According to the Center for Disease Control, genital warts are caused by a different HPV than hand or foot warts, and should be treated by a professional. Those suffering from genital warts should see a health care provider to discuss treatment options. A doctor or dermatologist can also remove a wart from the hand or foot, but if you would like to save a doctor visit, there are a couple of home remedies that are known to remove warts.
Duct Tape
Recommended for almost every mechanical or structural problem, duct tape is also recommended for wart home treatment by the Mayo Clinic. In fact, they state that in 2002 duct tape removed more warts than "freezing" (cryotherapy.)
A report in the March 19, 2007 issue of "USA Today" notes that the duct tape remedy appears to only be effective on 20 percent of those who use it, but if you do wish to give it a try, you should use the standard, silver, rubber based duct tape.
To try the duct tape treatment, cut a piece of tape large enough to cover the wart. Wash feet, dry well, then place the tape on the wart. After six days, remove the tape, and gently rub wart with an emery board. Repeat this process until the wart is removed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another product in the home that has many uses. Apple cider vinegar is recommended by the professionals at Northcoast Foot Care. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which is often used in medical settings to locate where warts are beginning to form on the skin. A study in the June 1990 edition of the "Danish Medical Bulletin" reports that applying acetic acid to a wart suspected area makes the warts visible. This is due to the fact that acetic acid is corrosive, and will wear down the affected skin. This is why you can apply apple cider vinegar until the wart is removed.
To try the apple cider vinegar home remedy, rub petroleum jelly on the skin surrounding the wart, to protect the healthy skin from the acetic acid. Place apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball, then tape the cotton ball over top of the wart with an elastic bandage or duct tape. Do this in the evening before bed. Repeat process until the wart falls off.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an extract from the tea tree, or melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia. The November 2008 issue of "Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice" reports that tea tree oil is a successful treatment for warts caused by HPV. To use tea tree oil to treat warts, apply only a few drops of tea tree oil to a cotton ball or band aid. Secure to the top of the wart. Repeat this process as often as needed until the wart is removed. Tea tree oil can be purchased in most natural health food stores.
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