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Plantar warts are common warts that commonly appear on the toes or the soles of the feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus and are often difficult to get rid of.
These benign and frequent skin lesions also have the drawback of causing discomfort in daily life, in particular during the practice of a sports activity.
Anyone can get this virus. Therefore, we have listed for you the 10 best solutions to cure a plantar wart.
The adhesive tape
Contrary to popular belief, duct tape is an excellent plantar wart remedy (1). Indeed, covering it with adhesive tape will make it shrink and disappear.
In addition, the irritation caused by the tape stimulates the immune system to respond and fight the cause of the problem: the virus. For effective treatment, please follow the instructions below:
– soak your feet in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes, then dry them thoroughly
– cut a small piece of duct tape, making sure it is slightly larger than the size of the infection
– place the tape on the infected area for 1 to 2 days
– every time you remove the tape, redo the soaking process
– let your skin air out for a while, then place a new piece of tape on the affected part
– repeat the process until the infection is gone completely. Be careful, however, not to do this for more than 2 months.
Apple wax vinegar
This type of vinegar is also positioned as a very good treatment for plantar warts. It contains acetic acid which allows it to effectively fight the abnormal growth of skin tissue.
It also has antiviral properties, which means it can fight the root cause of the problem. To do this :
– dilute raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in an equal amount of water
– soak a cotton ball and apply it on the plantar wart
– then cover the area with duct tape and replace it once a day until the disease disappears entirely
Also consider adding 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink the mixture twice a day to help fight the virus from the inside out.
Banana peel
You can also use banana peel to get rid of painful plantar warts. The enzymes present in the banana peel will help you soften the plantar wart.
When the latter is soft, you can easily get rid of it by simply rubbing it with a pumice stone. To do this :
– cut a piece of banana peel that you will then stick on the affected part
– leave to act overnight
– remove the banana peel the next morning and soak the affected area in lukewarm water for about ten minutes
– then gently rub the affected part with a pumice stone
– wash and pat dry it, then apply a moisturizer
– repeat the process every day until the total disappearance of this lesion
Instead of using the skin itself, you can scrape the white inside of the skin and apply it to the affected area.
Garlic
Garlic’s antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties help fight plantar warts. In addition, the caustic effect of garlic reduces the field of reproduction of these viruses, which causes their gradual fall.
Garlic also strengthens your immunity, which is an excellent preventive measure against this ailment. The following steps will allow you to benefit from a good treatment:
– crush a few cloves of fresh garlic that you will apply directly to the wart.
– use duct tape or a bandage to keep the garlic in place and leave it on overnight
– the next morning, remove the tape or bandage and wash the area with water
– pat and apply a little moisturizer
– repeat the treatment once a day until the skin condition disappears
You can also take garlic by mouth using it as a supplement or in your cooking. Remember, however, to always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Tea tree oil
Another great remedy for plantar warts is tea tree oil. Its antiviral and antiseptic properties indeed help fight the virus that causes this lesion. To do this :
– mix 5 to 6 drops of tea tree oil in 1 tablespoon of coconut or olive oil
– soak a cotton ball in it that you will then place on the infected part before covering it with adhesive tape or a bandage
– leave it on for several hours
– when you remove the cotton soaked in oil, rinse your foot with lukewarm water
– repeat the treatment twice a day for a few weeks
Warning: Avoid applying tea tree oil in its pure form to your skin, as it can cause irritation.
Castor oil
Castor oil is another easy to find ingredient that you can use to remove plantar warts.
The ricinoleic acid it contains has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that help decrease symptoms and speed up the healing process.
This oil also helps cut off the air and moisture supply of the virus, the main cause of this condition. For effective treatment:
– before going to bed, soak a cotton ball in pure, cold-pressed castor oil
– then place it on the infected area and use adhesive tape to keep the cotton in place overnight
– clean the infected part the next morning and soak it in lukewarm water for a few minutes
– then rub the dead skin with a pumice stone
– repeat the treatment for several days
The other option is to mix equal amounts of castor oil and baking soda to form a paste. Then apply it to the virus and cover the infected area with a bandage or tape.
Let sit overnight and remove the bandage the next morning. Repeat this treatment daily for several days.
Colloidal silver to treat plantar warts
Colloidal silver is another effective treatment for plantar warts. As a powerful antimicrobial agent, it helps kill the virus causing the lesion.
It works even better if combined with the duct tape method. To do this :
– dip the colloidal silver on a cotton swab or cotton
– apply it on the wart
– cover the latter with an adhesive tape and let stand overnight
– clean the area the next morning. You can also soak it in a hot water bath that you will mix with a few tablespoons of Epsom salt for about fifteen minutes.
– Rub gently with a pumice stone
– let air dry and reapply colloidal silver
– repeat this process every day for a few weeks or until the skin condition goes away
The aloe vera
Aloe vera is another natural treatment for plantar warts. Its anti-inflammatory and healing properties can be very effective in treating these small, benign, rough growths.
In addition, it keeps the infected area hydrated, which makes it easy to get rid of the outer layer of the skin. To do this :
– take an aloe vera leaf and cut it in half
– cut a piece large enough to cover the lesion
– place the piece of aloe vera on the skin condition and use a bandage to keep it in place overnight while you sleep
– remove everything the next morning and after cleaning the infected area, apply a little aloe vera gel
– do it every day until the disappearance of these small benign rough growths
Aspirin
The aspirin that you use to treat your headaches is also effective in fighting plantar lesions. The salicylic acid in aspirin irritates the skin and helps clear infected tissue (2).
This treatment will therefore help you get rid of this mild skin condition quickly. To benefit from effective treatment:
– wash the affected area with lukewarm water
– use a pumice stone to file away the highest dead skin cells
– crush some aspirin tablets and add a little water to make a paste
– apply this paste on the affected area
– cover it with a compress and bandage, and leave it on overnight
– remove the bandage the next morning and wash the infected area with water
– do it every day for a few weeks
Lemon essential oil
Certain essential oils such as lemon essential oil can also help get rid of plantar warts.
As a strong antiseptic, this essential oil helps get rid of the virus that causes these small, benign, rough growths. To do this :
– apply a few drops of lemon essential oil to the lesion
– lightly massage the area for a few minutes
– let sit for a few hours (you do not need to rinse the affected area)
– repeat the treatment twice a day for a few weeks
You can also use other essential oils such as thyme or oregano oil on the infected part.
However, be sure to dilute a few drops of the essential oil of your choice in a tablespoon of olive or coconut. Then apply the mixture 2 to 3 times a day for 2 or 3 weeks.
Bye bye warts: some additional tips
– Avoid direct contact with mild skin conditions and wash your hands thoroughly after touching one.
– Keep your feet clean and dry all the time. After taking a bath or shower, dry your feet well and pay special attention to the area between your toes.
– Remember to change your socks and shoes every day.
– Avoid walking barefoot around changing rooms and swimming pools.
– Never make the mistake of scratching or picking up those small, benign, rough growths.
– Use another pumice stone or nail clipper to treat your lesions.
– Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and socks with other people, as this can increase your risk of getting warts.
– If your feet sweat a lot, apply medicated foot powders to keep them dry and sweat-free.
– The easiest way for a virus to enter your skin is through wounds or cuts. So remember to cover any cuts or cuts with a bandage.
– If you have mild skin conditions, cover them with an adhesive bandage while swimming.
– Remember to always wear flip flops when using public showers (3).
– You can also apply zinc ointment twice a day after washing the affected area with water. You can leave it on your skin for 30 minutes or more.
– Ask your doctor to get your human papillomavirus or HPV vaccinated, which can help prevent these small, benign, rough growths.
Conclusion
In short, these different solutions will allow you to effectively fight plantar warts. They are made from products that are easy to find, which allows you to benefit from an easy and efficient solution as soon as possible.
So don’t hesitate any longer and choose the solution best suited to your needs among The 10 best solutions to cure a plantar wart.