Warts are tiny skin growths that can be quite unsightly. The top layer of a person’s skin can become infected, from there the wart grows. Warts appear in many forms, such as common warts, which are either flesh-colored, brown, yellow, or gray-black. Common warts appear close to the fingernails and behind the hands. Genital warts are sexually transmitted, and they cause itching and pain, depending on their location. They are found in sexual regions, such as the vulva, scrotum, anus, or penis. Other warts include flat warts, plantar warts, mosaic warts, and filiform warts.
If warts are painful or uncomfortable, visit the doctor as soon as possible to get the necessary treatment. One can prevent the spread of warts by covering them with bandages, avoiding sexual contact, washing hands meticulously, and getting vaccinated.
Causes of Warts
HPV is the cause of many warts including common warts. It is a common virus and has many types, but just a few bring warts on the hands. The transmission of most strains of HPV is through shared resources, such as towels or handkerchiefs. Also, skin contact can spread the virus. It spreads through cuts and scrapes in the skin and also nail-biting. Depending on a person's immune system, they respond to the virus differently. They may, or they may not get warts.
It is important to note that genital warts are spread through genital contact. A person may not know that they have genital warts due to being asymptomatic. They appear on the cervix or vulva in women and the penis in men. Also, they appear in other areas such as hands, throat, and mouth through oral sex. For prevention, ensure safe sex procedures are followed.
Natural Wart Treatments
There’s several things that people will often try in order to treat their warts naturally. Some of these include:
- Garlic - Garlic contains ingredients with microbial effects, which destroys enzymes in dangerous pathogens. To fix warts, press a garlic clove and mix with water. Smear on the wart, place a bandage at the top, and then use it every day for three to four weeks.
- Aloe Vera - A fresh plant works best. To treat warts, snap off a leaf, scrub the gel on the wart, and then cover it. Aloe Vera has an acid that can help remove warts. Also, apply a pure aloe gel.
- Baking Powder - A person can mix castor oil and baking powder. When it is a paste, rub on the wart at night and conceal it with a bandage. Use every day for the best results.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - This standard cooking product contains natural antimicrobials that can help combat the effects of warts. Mix 1-portion water and 2-portions apple cider vinegar then with a cotton ball, spread the mixture over the wart, and place a bandage on top.
Over the Counter or Prescription Treatment
Many of the same products that are used for acne may also be used for warts. Peeling products such as pads, liquids, and gels peel away dead skin cells with warts and slowly dissolve them. Before using the product, soak warts in lukewarm water, then sand gently with an emery board for greater results. Use a new emery board every time so it’s not just reinfecting the area. Healing can take several months.
If that doesn’t work, there are some prescription options that can come into play. In most cases, they will have the same active ingredients, but in much higher amounts. Some creams purposely cause skin irritation, encouraging the immune system to fix the irritated area. Warts aren’t often a serious issue, but if they are a problem, doctors have enough prescription options that they can usually find an answer for them.