How To Get Rid Of Warts Naturally

"I was teased to bits at school today for having hands that look like bubble wrap," says one online forum member. "I want to get rid of my warts, now."

"For the last 5 or 6 years I have been getting warts on my hands," says another. "I recently had one burned off, and in addition to a nasty scar, I now have two more on that hand and another on the other hand."

Unsightly, stubborn growths that can appear most anywhere on the skin, warts can be embarrassing, irritating, and depressing. Here's some more information on what causes them, and possible natural wart removal solutions that may work for you.

What Are Warts?

Warts are benign skin growths caused by viruses. Most come from the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the top layer of skin and causes it to grow rapidly, creating a wart. You can contract this virus if you cut or damage your skin in some way, and then touch someone else who has it. You can also catch the virus by sharing towels, razors, or other personal care items.

Though anyone can develop warts, some people are more at risk, particularly children and teens and people with a weakened immune system. There are several different kinds of warts—each looks different and will show up on different parts of the body.

Common warts: These most often occur on the hands, and are rough, dome-shaped, and gray-brown.

Plantar warts: These grow on the soles of the feet and are hard and thick with dark specks. They can be painful when you walk.

Flat warts: These can grow on the face, arms, and legs. They're small, have flat tops, and may be light yellow, brown, or pink.

Filiform warts: These can grow on the face, usually around the mouth, nose, or chin. They are the same color as the skin, but they have thread-like growths sticking out of them.

Periungual warts: These occur under and around the fingernails and toenails.

Many times, warts will go away on their own, but sometimes they can be stubborn and stick around for much longer than you'd like.

Warts—10 Ways to Get Rid of Them Naturally

10 Solutions for Natural Wart Removal

We have several wart removal tips and tricks for you to try besides Compound W, freezing, and other standard techniques. Meanwhile, work on prevention at the same time—avoid walking barefoot, don't share personal hygiene items, and avoid touching all warts—yours and everyone else's.

1. Boost your immune system

Warts are caused by a virus, so one of the best ways to get rid of them is to boost your body's ability to fight them. In fact, many people notice that warts show up when they're feeling tired, sick, or worn down. Make sure you're getting enough sleep and exercising regularly, and use some potent immune boosters like astragalus, elderberry, olive leaf, vitamin C, zinc, turmeric, and cat's claw.

2. Stop the spread

Not only can warts be passed from person to person, but you can also spread them around your own body through touch. If you touch your wart, for instance, and then touch another part of your body before washing your hands, you may spread the virus, and notice new warts popping up several days later. Be conscious of this, and vigilantly wash your hands.

3. Use pineapple

Apply fresh pineapple directly to the wart several times a day. The natural acids and enzymes will help.

4. Garlic

Mix some fresh garlic with water and apply the paste to the wart. Put a bandage on top. Re-apply every few hours and continue until the wart is gone.

5. Baking powder

Mix baking powder and castor oil into a paste, apply to the wart at night, and cover with a bandage. Repeat daily. You can also try crushed, fresh basil in the same way—or even mix the two together.

6. Vitamins

Crush up a Vitamin C tablet and mix with water to make a thick paste. Apply to the wart and cover with a bandage. You can also try Vitamin E—break a capsule, rub on the wart, and cover.

7. Aspirin

Use Aspirin like the Vitamin C tablet—crush, add a little water, apply the paste to the wart, and cover overnight. Repeat for several nights until gone.

8. Tea tree oil

Apply tea tree oil directly to the wart, then cover with the bandage. Repeat daily. You can also mix with clove and/or Frankincense oils for additional power.

9. Bee propolis

Some people have found success applying bee propolis directly to the wart several times a day. Or try applying at night and covering until morning.

10. Aloe vera

Fresh from the actual aloe vera plant is best. Break off a leaf and rub the gel onto the wart. Aloe contains malic acid. If you don't have the plant, get the purest form of aloe gel you can find. Cover after each application.

Annmarie Gianni is a mother, health activist, entrepreneur, and founder of 3 successful businesses. Over ten years ago, she and her husband, Kevin, formed a team and Annmarie Skin Care was founded to provide a clean, skin care made with natural ingredients experience using natural, organic and wildcrafted ingredients. After a few years of focusing on creating a successful skin care business, Annmarie was able to step away and focus on raising her kids. Today, you'd find Annmarie volunteering her time at her kid's school, helping out at community events, going on trail runs, and spending quality time with her family.

what's your skin snapshot?

Take the Quiz
Our skin is affected by many factors, including our environment, health, the food we eat, and more. Get your free personalized results and find out your skin snapshot!