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.

What Causes Warts?

This common skin infection is caused by various strains of the papillomavirus. The virus causes cell multiplication in the skin, resulting in a visible bumpy growth. Susceptibility to them is increased in areas of repeated injury and among children, the elderly and the immunocompromised. They may appear and disappear spontaneously.

What Types of Warts Are There?

Common Warts

Common warts are the most common type of wart. They usually appear on the hands, fingers, knees, or around the nails. This type often has a rough, raised texture. They may also contain tiny black dots from small clotted blood vessels.

Planter Warts

These develop on the soles of the feet and can become painful when pressure from walking or standing increases. Unlike other types, they often grow inward because of body weight pressing them into the skin and may feel like stepping on a small stone. 

Flat Warts

These are smaller, smoother, and flatter than other types and often appear in clusters. They commonly develop on the face, arms, legs, or areas frequently shaved, making them more likely to spread through skin irritation. 

Filiform Warts

This kind has a distinctive long, narrow, or thread-like appearance and is most commonly found around the eyes, nose, mouth, and neck. They tend to grow quickly and may become bothersome due to their location. 

Genital Warts

They occur in the genital or anal region and are caused by certain strains of HPV. They may appear as small bumps or clusters and can vary in size and shape, often requiring medical evaluation and management.

It's important to remember: no matter the type of wart, do not touch, cut or pick at a wart because it can be highly contagious once the surface is removed.

Treatment Options For Warts

Conventional Treatments

ealthcare providers usually recommend conventional treatment only in certain situations. For example, painful plantar warts may need treatment if they affect walking. Genital warts require medical attention because they spread easily. Some strains of HPV linked to genital warts may increase cervical cancer risk. Other treatments involves freezing, electric current, laser, or chemical therapy.

Natural Treatment Options & Prevention Tips

Several natural approaches may support wart management and immune health. Some people apply vitamin E or vitamin A oils directly to warts. People also use colloidal silver topically, although evidence supporting wart treatment remains limited. Some people apply tea tree oil directly to warts. Tea tree oil may irritate sensitive skin in some people. Tea tree oil may irritate sensitive skin in some people. People sometimes use oil of oregano in a similar way.

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.