Warts
Updated Mar. 21st, 2022
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.
Conventional treatment is only recommended in rare cases, for example, a plantar wart that is painful to walk on. The exception is genital warts because they are very contagious and some strains are linked to cervical cancer. Treatment involves freezing, electric current, laser, or chemical therapy. There are a host of natural therapies that can be used to kill the wart and boost the immune system.
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.
This article is very informative, thank you for these knowledgeable articles and helping us find natural alternatives.
Hello Lucy,
We're glad you enjoyed our article and continuing to learn about your health naturally. You may enjoy our healthy recipes too:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/healthy-recipes/
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This article is a very informative read! Thank you National Nutrition!
Great info on natural remedies. This can be painful and embarrassing to discuss.
Hello Rose,
We're glad that you're enjoying our articles, they're a great way to learn about your health naturally, which is why we work hard and enjoy brining this knowledge to you. We also have tasty recipes if you're interested in checking them out:
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Hi, I am Patrice, I was living with HPV (human papilloma virus) for almost 2 years. I was not myself, my body was always inching with pains. I was looking for natural relief. Great read.
Warts are uncomfortable and quite painful at times. NN provides such great information on natural coping remedies, thank you.
Hello Lora,
Indeed they are. We're glad this article has helped you learn how to care for yourself and health naturally.
Have a healthy day!
Interesting and great information. Warts are embarrassing.
Another remedy I like is Oregano oil contains compounds that give it antifungal and antibacterial properties. It also contains the compound carvacrol, which has been studied for its antiviral properties Trusted Source. These properties may make oregano oil helpful for treating warts.
Oregano essential oil is extremely concentrated and must be diluted with a carrier oil before use to avoid skin irritation. Start by using the diluted oil once a day to determine how your skin reacts to this potent oil.
Hello Paul,
Indeed, Oregano oil does have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. All essential oils need to be properly diluted before being applied to the skin to avoid burning or irritation.
Have a healthy day!