Natural remedies to get rid of warts include using foods, plants, or other products that have either antiviral or acidic properties or enzymes that inhibit the HPV virus.
4 home remedies for warts
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Home remedies — such as salicylic acid, cryotherapy, and apple cider vinegar — may help remove warts, skin lesions that stem from the human papillomavirus (HPV).
In children and adolescents, most warts will clear up on their own within 1–2 years .
This article looks at home remedies for warts and how to use them. It also discusses things that people should not do for warts, some options for medical treatment, and when to speak with a doctor.
- Best salicylic acid treatment:Compound W Maximum Strength Gel
- Best aspirin:CVS Health Low Dose Aspirin
- Best home cryotherapy:Equate Quick Freeze Wart Remover
- Best apple cider vinegar:Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar
Warts are skin bumps and lesions that develop due to HPV. They are common in children and teenagers, but anyone can get them.
There are several types of warts, including:
- common warts, which often occur on the hands
- plantar warts, which often grow on the soles of the feet
- flat warts, which can appear anywhere and often occur in large numbers
- filiform warts, which resemble thin threads
Warts are contagious. Anyone with warts should try to avoid touching them unnecessarily. If they need to touch the warts to apply a treatment, they should wash their hands immediately after doing so.
Warts develop due to an HPV infection, and different strains of the HPV virus cause different types of warts.
Warts on hands and feet are typically caused by the HPV subtypes 1, 2, 4, 27, or 57. Genital warts can be caused by the HPV subtypes 6 or 11. Subtypes 16 and 18 can cause warts on male and female genitals.
People can contract this virus after coming into contact with a person with a wart or by touching a surface this person has also touched.
It is also possible for warts to spread from one area of the body to another.
A person is more likely to contract HPV if they have cuts or scrapes on their skin, if they bite their nails, or if they have a weakened immune system.
Wart remedies will work in different ways, but typically they will destroy the wart to prevent it from spreading or getting bigger. Common treatments will freeze, burn, or cut off a wart.
Treatments for warts that are hard to get rid of can include laser treatments, chemical peels, injections, and therapy to create an immune response in the warts.
A person can see a dermatologist to get warts removed or they can try home remedies.
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Below are some home remedies that people may find helpful for warts.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
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Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that people use for general skin care, acne treatment, and other dermatological conditions. However, it can also help with treating warts.
People can use salicylic acid patches or gels to speed up wart healing and destroy any cells affected by HPV. For salicylic acid to be effective, a person needs to continue using it for 2–3 months .
Best salicylic acid treatment: Compound W Maximum Strength Gel
This product is a salicylic acid gel. It comes in a tube with an applicator so a person can apply the gel accurately to the wart.
The product packaging states it is a maximum strength formula and a person can use it for up to 12 weeks.
The company recommends that a person use it once or twice a day until the wart is gone.
However, it is not suitable for people under the age of 3.
This treatment may be best suited to people with a low number of warts who want an easy-to-apply daily treatment.
A person can consider the following advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- affordable
- easy to apply
- typically effective
Cons
- may take 12 weeks to work
- unsuitable for children younger than 3
The product is available for around $8 for a 0.25 ounce (oz) tube.
Best aspirin: CVS Health Low Dose Aspirin
Salicylic acid is also in aspirin. A person can crush and mix aspirin tablets with a few drops of water. This will make a paste that a person can apply directly to the wart.
However, aspirin is usually used as a pain reliever. Using it as a wart treatment would classify it as an off-label treatment. This means it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use to treat warts.
This treatment may be best suited to people who wish to try a very cheap, widely available product. However, they should speak with a doctor before trying aspirin for warts.
The advantages and disadvantages a person may wish to consider include:
Pros
- very affordable
- widely available
- a person can mix their own strength paste
Cons
- off-label treatment
- limited evidence of effectiveness
CVS Pharmacy sells a pack of 32 aspirin tablets for around $3.
Freezing
Cryotherapy is a standard medical treatment for warts. However, people can also purchase over-the-counter (OTC) kits and products to freeze off warts at home.
Many pharmacies stock sprays that can freeze warts. A pharmacist can help someone choose the best option and tell them how to use it.
Some people should not use these products. This includes people with warts on their hands or feet who also have health conditions that affect those areas, such as diabetes.
In these cases, freezing the skin could cause harm or potentially lead to nerve damage. If a person has an underlying condition, they should speak with a doctor before attempting to treat warts at home.
Best home cryotherapy: Equate Quick Freeze Wart Remover
- Price: around $10
- Pro: can work within 10–14 days
- Con: only recommended for warts on the feet
This product is for freezing common and plantar warts on the feet. A person applies the tip of the applicator to the wart and holds it in place for several seconds.
The manufacturers claim that the wart should then fall off within 10–14 days after one application. However, if a person has more than one wart or the wart does not fall off after the first try, they can reapply. Each pack comes with seven applicators.
A person can use their flexible spending account (FSA) or their health savings account (HSA) for this purchase.
Freezing treatment may be best suited to people who want a faster treatment for warts.
The potential advantages and disadvantages of this treatment may include:
Pros
- pack contains seven treatments
- affordable
- HSA and FSA eligible
Cons
- freezing can be painful
- can cause skin reactions
- only recommended for common and plantar warts on the feet
This product is available for around $10 for seven treatments.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a popular home remedy for a number of conditions, including warts.
Some people claim that the acid in the vinegar works in a similar way to salicylic acid. However, there is no firm evidence to suggest that ACV works for this purpose.
To try the ACV method:
- Mix two parts ACV with one part water.
- Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it to the wart to soak for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
- Repeat these steps on a daily basis. Stop using ACV if it causes burning or irritation.
Best apple cider vinegar: Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar
This brand of apple cider vinegar is available in a range of sizes.
The company claims it is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certified formula, non-GMO, and gluten-free. It is also raw, unfiltered, and unpasteurized.
This product may be best suited to people who want to use a natural product to treat warts.
A person can consider the following advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- affordable prices
- available in various sizes
- USDA organic
- natural product
Cons
- limited scientific research to suggest this remedy works
- may be difficult to apply accurately
- chemical burns are possible if not used correctly
A person can order a pack of two 16 fluid-ounce bottles for around $15.
There are other remedies a person can try at home, but there is limited evidence for their effectiveness.
Duct tape
Duct tape is a popular home remedy for warts. However, according to a 2019 article , there is limited evidence to suggest that it helps.
Still, if a person wants to try it, there are no known side effects associated with it.
To try using the duct tape method:
- Apply a piece of duct tape to the wart.
- After 4–7 days, remove the tape and clean the wart.
- Remove any dead skin by gently exfoliating the area, and reapply another piece of duct tape 12 hours later.
- Repeat these steps for 4–6 weeks.
The table below compares each of the home remedies in this article.
| Compound W Maximum Strength Gel | CVS Health Low Dose Aspirin | Equate Quick Freeze Wart Remover | Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | salicylic acid gel | aspirin tablet | cryotherapy | topical astringent |
| Pro | affordable | widely available | can work within 10–14 days | natural product |
| Con | can take up to 12 weeks to work | off-label treatment | only recommended for warts on feet | may be difficult to apply accurately |
| Price | around $8 | around $3 | around $10 | around $15 |
16 Natural Home Remedies for Warts
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You may be able to remove a wart at home with over-the-counter products and inexpensive home remedies, including diluted apple cider vinegar.
Warts are harmless growths on the skin. They’re caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
Warts are contagious. They can go away on their own, but it can take weeks, months, or years.
Conventional treatments include chemical peels, surgery, freezing, and laser surgery, but these treatments can be expensive and cause skin irritation.
Not for genital warts or warts on your face
If you have genital warts or warts on your face, do not try these remedies. The skin in these areas is extremely sensitive, so visit your doctor instead.
Why certain home remedies may work
Natural remedies to get rid of warts include using foods, plants, or other products that have either antiviral or acidic properties or enzymes that inhibit the HPV virus.
Natural antiviral remedies might help suppress the virus that causes warts, while natural acids can help remove layers of infected skin. However, you should know that the evidence for many of these remedies is anecdotal, at best.
People swear by it
Many home remedies have little or no reliable scientific evidence to back them up; however, individuals report success using them to remove warts.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an acidic substance made from fermented apple juice. It’s thought to work like salicylic acid, a common wart treatment that peels away infected skin, eventually removing the wart.
Vinegar also has natural antimicrobial properties that may help fight HPV, but more studies are necessary.
To try it, mix 2-parts apple cider vinegar and 1-part water. Soak a cotton ball with this mixture. Place it on the wart, and cover it with a bandage. Leave it on for three to four hours.
Always dilute apple cider vinegar with water. The acidity may cause irritation and chemical burns. Also, don’t apply it on open wounds.
Banana peel
Anecdotal evidence suggests that banana peel might help get rid of warts.
However, there’s not actually any research linking banana peels to the treatment of warts or viral skin infections, nor is there scientific evidence that banana peels fight HPV.
If you want to try it, cut a piece of banana peel and tape it over the wart before bed, so that the inner part of the peel is touching your skin. Leave on while you sleep and repeat daily.
Garlic
Garlic, a traditional home remedy
Garlic has a long history of being used to heal skin conditions like psoriasis, keloid scars, and corns. It’s also used for bacterial, fungal, and viral infections such as warts. In an older 2014 study , garlic extract got rid of warts within four weeks. The warts didn’t come back.
Allicin, a key component of garlic, has antimicrobial effects and is often studied for its antiviral and immunomodulating properties.
To treat warts with garlic, crush up 1 clove and mix it with water. Apply to the wart and cover with a bandage. Repeat daily for three to four weeks. You can also apply garlic juice or rub a clove on the wart.
Orange peel
Another popular wart remedy is orange peel. It’s an inexpensive option, but there isn’t scientific data to back it up.
This remedy involves rubbing an orange peel on the wart once a day. Supposedly, the wart will change color, darken, then fall off. This may take two weeks or more.
Pineapple
Pineapple is rich in bromelain, a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes that may help remove dead and damaged skin.
While there is some data to support the potential effectiveness of bromelain in treating a few medical conditions, there aren’t any scientific studies supporting its use to remove warts.
People have reported success removing warts using pineapple juice in several ways. One method is to soak the wart in pineapple juice every day. Another technique is to apply fresh pineapple daily.
Potato
People claim that potato juice can “dehydrate” a wart, but no studies exist regarding its effectiveness.
To try this method, cut a small potato in half. Rub the cut side on the wart until it’s covered in potato juice. Repeat twice a day.
Dandelion weed
Many people think of dandelions as pesky weeds. However, ancient Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine use dandelions for their medicinal properties.
Dandelions have antimicrobial properties, which may be useful for fighting warts, but more research is needed to confirm.
To try this method, break apart a dandelion and squeeze out the sticky white sap. Apply to the wart once or twice a day. Repeat for two weeks.
Never use dandelions that have been sprayed with chemicals.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is commonly used for skin conditions like burns and psoriasis. If your wart is itchy or painful, the gel may provide relief.
Aloe vera gel is also known to fight pathogens, including viruses. A 2016 study found that it works against herpes simplex virus type 1, but no studies exist on its effectiveness against fighting HPV.
To use aloe, remove a leaf from an aloe vera plant and cut it open. Apply the gel to the wart. Repeat daily.
Aspirin
Aspirin is made of salicylic acid, a common ingredient in over-the-counter wart treatments.
Salicylic acid works to heal warts by peeling away the infected skin. Over time, this removes the wart.
Aspirin is thought to have a similar effect. The suggested method is to crush aspirin tablets and mix with water. Apply the paste on the wart and cover with a bandage overnight.
Clear nail polish
Clear nail polish is another anecdotal wart remedy. It’s said to “suffocate” the virus, but there isn’t hard evidence on its effectiveness.
At the very least, clear nail polish can act as a protective coating.
The method involves coating the wart with clear nail polish. Some people do this every other day, while others do it two or three times a day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has immune-boosting properties and is essential for wound healing and healthy skin tissue. An older natural history study from 2003 suggests that higher amounts of Vitamin C consumption are inversely associated with persistent HPV infection, but more reliable evidence is needed.
To try Vitamin C as a topical treatment for warts, crush up a vitamin C tablet and mix it with water. Apply the paste to the wart, cover with a bandage, and leave overnight. Repeat daily.
Some people claim that lemon juice and vitamin C make a more effective paste. This could be from the acidity of lemon juice. Lemon juice may cause skin irritation, so use it with caution.
Vitamin E
Another home remedy for warts is vitamin E. This nutrient is vital for a healthy immune system. It’s thought to improve your body’s reaction to HPV, but there aren’t any studies to support this claim.
You can puncture a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil to the wart. Protect the wart with a bandage and keep it on overnight. Repeat daily for two weeks.
Bee propolis
Honey bees produce a resin-like substance called propolis. It’s made of plant substances, beeswax, pollen, and bee enzymes.
Bees offer wart relief
Research suggests that Propolis has antiviral properties and promotes skin cell production. It’s used to treat acne, wounds, and the herpes simplex virus. These benefits may also help heal infected skin and fight HPV.
To use propolis, apply it on the wart. Place a bandage on top and leave overnight. Repeat daily.
Castor oil
Castor oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used as a natural remedy for warts, ringworm, dandruff, and other skin conditions.
Apply castor oil on the wart every day. It might take two or more weeks for the wart to fall off.
Duct tape
Duct tape is one of the most popular home remedies for warts. It’s inexpensive and easy to find. Duct tape is said to remove the infected skin over time.
Most of the research on duct tape’s effectiveness is outdated. A 2002 study found that duct tape is more effective than freezing, but a conflicting 2007 study suggested that duct tape isn’t any better.
A 2020 study concluded that while cryotherapy has a higher efficacy than duct tape for treating plantar warts in adults, duct tape may be a practical and convenient alternative for treating plantar warts in adults in some circumstances.
To use duct tape, stick a small piece on the wart. Remove it every three to six days. Soak the wart in water and scrub it with pumice stone or emery board. Leave it uncovered for 10 to 12 hours. Repeat the process.
If you have sensitive skin, use duct tape with caution. It may cause redness, irritation, and bleeding.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat skin conditions like acne and athlete’s foot. Researchers are currently studying if the oil’s antiviral properties may also help get rid of warts.
Some methods suggest applying tea tree oil on the wart, but undiluted oil can cause skin irritation. You should always dilute it first.
To do so, combine 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of a carrier oil, like almond oil or castor oil.
Add 3 to 4 drops of this mixture on a cotton ball. Place it on the wart for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat two or three times a day.
If you experience irritation, you might need to dilute it even more.
If natural remedies aren’t working to rid you of warts, you may want to pursue conventional medical treatment with a doctor.
- Cantharidin. Your doctor may treat your wart by covering it with cantharidin, a substance that will cause a blister to form under the wart. About a week after treatment, your doctor will be able to cut off the dead wart
- Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment and involves a doctor freezing off your wart, but you may need to repeat treatments. It can cause dark spots in people who have dark skin.
- Electrosurgery/Curettage. Electrosurgery involves burning the wart after a local aneshetic is applied, while curettage involves scraping off the wart with a sharp tool. These two procedures are often used together.
- Excision. Your doctor may cut out the wart with a sharp tool.
- Laser treatment. This is an option for warts that have not responded to other therapies. Your wart may be numbed before the procedure.
- Chemical peels. This treatment involves applying a peeling medication like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or tretinoin at home every day.
- Bleomycin. Your doctor may inject your wart with an anti-cancer medication called bleomycin. The shots may be painful and can cause nail loss if given in the fingers or toes.
- Immunotherapy. This treatment uses the immune system to fight warts. It involves applying a chemical to the warts, which causes a mild allergic reaction, and may cause the warts to go away.
Warts usually go away on their own, but natural home remedies for warts may help speed up the process.
Most home remedies for warts aren’t backed by evidence-based research. However, some people claim that these remedies have worked for them.
Always do a patch test first. Even natural treatments can cause skin irritation.
Last medically reviewed on February 22, 2022
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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