The methods used for eradicate plantar warts are essentially the same as for common warts, it is necessary to be patient because it is generally longer, the methods based on chemicals, laser or liquid nitrogen are very painful and without guarantee of recurrence , let’s see how to get rid of a plantar wart with natural solutions?

Plantar warts are caused by a viral skin infection called human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus can enter your skin through cuts. Plantar warts are common on the soles of the feet.

Read also : Unstoppable tricks to cure a wart

Plantar Warts are considered benign epithelial tumors. Those are hard, grainy, fleshy growths that usually appear on the soles of the feet or on the heels. These are the areas that experience the most pressure or friction. Pressure can also cause flat plantar warts to grow inward under a hard, thick layer of skin called a callus. Like the common wart (Verruca vulgaris), a plantar wart (verruca plantaris) is also caused by the human papillomavirus.

These types of warts can be painful and the resulting bumps are uncomfortable. Plantar warts also have wart seeds“, or of tiny black spots which are actually blood vessels. Although not necessarily harmful, plantar warts can grow and harden and so end up cause discomfort when standing or walking.

Plantar warts may appear singly or in clusterscalled mosaic warts. They tend to grow slowly and can eventually burrow deep enough into the skin to cause discomfort or pain.

How to treat a plantar wart at home?

It is possible to treat plantar warts at home, but it is also important to know when you should consult a doctor and undergo medical treatment in case of aggravation.

Although plantar warts are not dangerous, you may want to have them removed for discomfort and cosmetic reasons. Keep in mind that any plantar wart removal treatment will take several weeks, if not longer.

Read also : Treat warts with herbs

Duct tape

One way to gradually get rid of plantar warts is to use duct tape, the same as bodybuilders use (duck tape). Tape a small piece of tape over the affected area, then change the tape at least twice a day. (You may need to change the tape more often for warts on the bottom of your feet.)

The principle of duct tape for eradicating plantar warts is that it can help “peel off” the layers of warts. In theory, the wart will eventually come off completely. Moreover, it cannot easily grow under the adhesive tape, and eventually suffocates.

Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral that is most often associated with thyroid health. But some formulations can also be used for other purposes – including removing warts from under the sole of the foot.

One study found that a topical providone-iodine solution combination product helped clear up warts after two daily applications over a 12-week period. You can buy both products at a pharmacy.

However, this type of treatment is most effective when given under the supervision of a doctor, especially if you have a chronic underlying condition such as thyroid disease.

Over-the-counter freezing sprays

In addition to iodine, you can also buy “gel sprays” from pharmacies for plantar warts. These products containing liquid nitrogen are designed to mimic the effects of cryotherapy in the doctor’s office.

The spray works by creating a blister-like lesion that adheres to the wart. Once the blister heals, the wart under the foot will also disappear.

To use the freezing spray, dispense the product directly onto your wart for up to 20 seconds. Repeat the operation if necessary. The blister will form and fall off in about a week. After this time, you can decide to repeat the treatment if the wart is still there.

You may need to repeat the process several times for up to six weeks. The disadvantage with this technique is the pain under the foot that it causes, you can counter this by protecting the area with a self-adhesive pad.

Lemon peel, white vinegar and cedar tincture

This remedy plays on the synergy of the ingredients used, a day of lemon macerated in white vinegar at night and mother tincture of thuya during the day. The first thing to do is to macerate in 1 bowl of white vinegar for 48 hours some lemon peel (untreated).

• At bedtime, hold in place on the warts the lemon peel well plated with a plaster.
• In the morning remove the dressing, wash the wart with Marseille soap and dry.
• Soak the wart in mother cedar tincture (in pharmacies) and keep in place all day using a band-aid.

Alternate these remedies evening and morning until the plantar warts disappear. (Count minimum 20 days). Be patient, the plantar wart should fall out on its own with its root. Do not stop in the middle of treatment, you will lose all the benefits.

NOTE : You can replace the lemon with a slice of garlic clove (taking care to keep the heart, just once).

tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has historically been used as a topical antiseptic. He is mainly used for fungal infections, wounds and acne. Although little studied, tea tree oil may also work on plantar warts.

• To try this remedy, apply a small amount of tea tree oil diluted in olive or almond oil to the affected area twice a day.

Read also : Naturally treat punctate keratolysis

milk thistle

Milk thistle is another herbal remedy that can help clear up skin conditions. Unlike tea tree oil, milk thistle has been researched for its antiviral properties. You can apply diluted milk thistle extract to your warts twice a day.

Do not use this product if you have a history of ragweed allergies.

Other possible natural solutions

• Zinc : Available as a pill to take by mouth or an ointment to apply directly to the wart, the benefits of zinc include fighting the virus that causes warts.
• Silver nitrate : Available as an ointment or solution that you apply to the wart.
• Smoke : Some people have had success treating their warts in a “smoke box” with smoke from the burnt leaves of some kind of poplar tree.
• Duct tape (alternate method) : After six days, remove the tape, soak the area in water and scrub the wart. After 12 hours without the duct tape, put a new patch on the wart, and continue the cycle for two months or until the wart is gone.
• Boost immune health : You can win the battle against warts by making food choices that are major immune boosters. There are also many antiviral herbs you can try.

Plantar wart or callus?

Calluses are caused by repeated rubbing against the skin. These are most common on the hands and feet. With a callus, you may notice a raised area of ​​skin that is white in color. Read also : Heal calluses naturally

Calluses are not the same as plantar warts. Sometimes the two look alike, except thatthere are no blackheads in the calluses.

Calluses can go away on their own when the friction against the skin has stopped, such as when changing from tight shoes to a better-fitting pair. The outer skin of the callus can also be cut or filed down.

It is possible to have plantar warts inside a callus. This is because the increased friction that causes the callus also increases the risk of getting this type of wart. A plantar wart that grows inward can also cause a callus to develop due to increased pressure against your skin.

Plantar wart risk factors

Although plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus, there are other risk factors to consider. You may be at increased risk for plantar warts if you:

• have a history of plantar warts
• you are a child or a teenager
• Have a weak immune system
• walk barefoot, especially in places exposed to germs such as locker rooms, swimming pools…

Prevention of plantar warts

With the right precautions, plantar warts can be avoided, even if you are more at risk of developing them. :

• Avoid touching warts, including your own.
• Wash your hands before and after touching a wart.
• Do not touch a plantar wart with your fingers.
• Avoid using the files and pumice stones that you used on the affected areas of the skin for the unaffected areas.
• Do not walk barefoot in public places.
• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Change socks and shoes frequently.

When to consult a doctor ?

Plantar warts that do not go away or that come back despite home treatments should be seen by a doctor. They can treat warts in the office with cryotherapy. They might also recommend prescription foot creams to get rid of warts for good.

For chronic plantar wartsyour doctor may refer you to a foot specialist.

You may want to consider foregoing any home treatment and see your doctor right away if:

• diabetes
• a generally weak immune system
• HIV or AIDS
• solid brown or black warts (these can be cancerous)
• plantar warts that change color and size
• severe discomfort due to warts
• changes in your gait

To conclude

Plantar warts tend to go away eventually, and you might be able to treat them at home. When in doubt, always seek medical advice, especially if the plantar warts are getting worse or affecting your daily mobility.