Persistent, frustrating, unsightly and even contagious, warts can often be difficult to treat.  Antibiotics are ineffective against them because they are caused by a virus instead of a bacterium.  They can last for years without treatment and can even be painful at any size.

This common skin infection is caused by various strains of the papilloma virus.  The virus causes cell multiplication in the skin and results in a visible bumpy growth.  Susceptibility to warts is increased in areas of repeated injury and among children, the elderly and the immuno-compromised.  They may appear and disappear spontaneously.

A few of the more common types of warts are discussed below.  Common warts usually affect the hands and feet.  They look rough and irregular, and are firm to the touch.  Plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet.  They look like calluses and are tender to the touch.  Flat warts appear as many small bumps over a larger area, usually the face.  They are most commonly seen in young adults and children.  Filiform warts affect the elderly and grow as tiny, narrow warts on the eyelids and lips.  Genital warts appear in the genital area but are variable in size and appearance.  Do not touch, cut  or pick at a wart because it can be highly contagious once the surface is removed.

Vitamin E and vitamin A oil can applied to a wart.  Colloidal silver is an antiviral agent that can be applied topically or taken internally.  Tea tree oil can be applied topically to the wart;  this is often an effective way of getting rid of them.  Oil of oregano can also be used in a similarly.

Immune boosting supplements can also be used to fight the viral infection that causes the wart.  See the table below for information about specific supplements that you can use.

Dietary therapy for warts involves a diet high in raw fruits and vegetables because their enzymes stimulate the body.  Eat pumpkin seeds as a source of zinc, which boosts the immune system.  Increase your consumption of sulphur-containing amino acids by eating asparagus, citrus fruits, eggs, garlic and onions.  Eliminate foods that decrease immunity like white sugar, white flour, saturated animal fat, trans-fats and junk foods.

The following list of supplements can be used for preventing and treating warts.  Adult doses are given.