Warts are caused by an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus has over 150 strains and can cause any of six different kinds of warts:
- Common – Small hard and rough to the touch, the common warts can spread anywhere around the body but are mainly found on the hands, knees and elbows.
- Plantar – Plantar warts grow on the feet, mainly on the soles which give them a flat appearance due to the pressure being exerted on them all the time whilst the person stands or walks. Plantar warts are also known to be quite painful sometimes because of this.
- Flat warts – Generally found in children, these warts are smaller than other warts, can grow in clusters and are lighter in color.
- Filiform – Long, narrow and cone shape and color similar to that of the surrounding skin, these warts are often confused for skin tags.
- Periungual – These warts are found close to or even under the nails on the fingers and toes. Depending on where they grow, they can inhibit the growth of nails or even separate the nail from the flesh by growing underneath the nail.
- Genital – Genital warts are highly contagious and can be contracted through sexual contact. They will not spread anywhere else apart from the genital area but can be found internally and externally.
Removal
There are several methods to remove warts; however, there is no way to cure HPV so there is always risk of the warts returning after removal. As this is the case, many people seek to remove warts naturally at home as it can be cheaper and more convenient than return trips to the doctors or repeatedly buying expensive creams. The following methods can be used on most forms of warts with the exception of genital warts.
Pineapple Juice
Applying pineapple juice (from a fresh pineapple) two or three times daily to the art before covering with a band aid is said to make the art disappear within a week or so. It is important to change the band aid each time and continue doing so until the wart has disappeared. Enzymes within the juice are said to break down the cells within the wart.
Garlic
Garlic has many properties within it which are good for fighting viral infections. Eating plenty of garlic can help the body combat the problem from the inside out but a great way to remove warts naturally is to spot treat the area with some crushed garlic for quick results.
- Wash the area thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Take a Vitamin E capsule and stab it with a pin so the oil is allowed to leak out a little and apply the oil to the skin surrounding the wart for protection.
- Crush some garlic and rub it into the wart directly.
- Cover for 24 hours.
- The wart should blister slightly before falling off within a week to ten days.
Dandelion
One of the oldest natural remedies for wart removal is the milky sap from a dandelion. Simply pick a dandelion and squeeze the stem of it until the sap is released. Rub this milky fluid directly onto the wart. After doing this three times daily for a number of days, the wart will disappear.
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