Warts are an infection found on the skin caused by the human papilloma virus, also known as HPV. Warts can occur in a number of different places. Common warts generally appear on your fingers. Plantar warts are commonly found on the bottoms of your feet. Genital warts are the result of sexually transmitted diseases and flat warts are found on areas of your body where you shave. In adults, warts are likely to not go away on their own. High doses of certain vitamins may be able to help. Always consult your doctor prior to using vitamins to get rid of warts.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy skin. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," indicates that vitamin A can also help maintain healthy skin membranes. Vitamin A also helps to boost your immune system, which can help you to fight off infections that cause warts. Balch says you should use a vitamin A supplement that contains mixed carotenoids. You should begin taking 100,000 international units for one month. The following month reduce your supplementation to 50,000. For the third month, reduce it to 25,000 IU. Your warts should be gone by then. Always consult a doctor prior to supplementing with vitamin A. Large doses of vitamin A can be toxic. Vitamin A can also be found in a variety of food sources, including liver, oranges, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C -- or ascorbic acid -- is a powerful antioxidant known to help boost your immune system, fight infections and prevent infections. The antiviral properties of vitamin C can help eliminate warts. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, tomatoes, berries and kiwi. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" recommends taking 4,000 to 10,000 mg of vitamin C daily until your warts are gone. Vitamin C supplements that contain bioflavonoids can help increase your healing time.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that helps to promote the healing and repair of skin and tissues. Vitamin E also helps to improve circulation. Improved circulation can help to transport essential vitamins and nutrients to the site of your wart, which can lead to increased healing time. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" recommends 200 IU daily in the form of a topical cream or oil applied directly to the affected areas of skin. Food sources of vitamin E include wheat, oats, nuts, seeds, green vegetables, egg yolks and wheat germ.
Considerations
Vitamins are alternative means of treatment for warts. High doses of vitamins should always be taken under the care of a physician. Genital warts -- often caused by sexually transmitted diseases -- should be examined by a physician. If vitamin treatment fails, your doctor is likely to provide you with alternative options. Chemical skin treatments, laser treatments, surgery and freezing techniques can help to remove warts. In children, warts often require no treatment. Many will go away on their own.
References
- "The Vitamin Book"; Harold M. Silverman, Joseph Romano and Gary Elmer; 2003
- MedlinePlus: Warts
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fourth Edition"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
