Ugly and annoying, warts may upset you as they never seem to go away fast enough. Luckily some simple but effective home methods may help speed their departure.

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What are plantar warts?

Plantar warts are warts that appear on the soles of the feet or the toes. They are very common and most of them are harmless. However, warts can be painful and itchy when they appear on the part of the foot which is used to lean on while walking.

Who gets plantar warts

Anyone can develop plantar warts, but people with a weak immune system such as children are at higher risk. Also, if you’ve had warts before, you probably will have them again.

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Signs and symptoms of plantar warts

To know how to identify a plantar wart, you need to recognize the signs and symptoms that include the following:

• discoloration (often yellowish);
• a dark spot in the center due to blood vessels;
• elevated or flat spot on the skin;
• round or oval;
• can appear as single wart or a part of a cluster;
• possible itchiness;
• painful if the area is where you place your weight while walking.

Plantar warts removal: natural methods to use at home

Most plantar warts go away on their own due to our body’s immune system defeating the virus. However, this could take up to two years and will probably cause pain and discomfort along the way.

Using surgery is an option, but it could potentially leave scars on your feet. Therefore, before you opt for invasive treatment, you can try various methods that people have been using for centuries. Note they don’t work like a magic, it will most likely take 2-3 months for the wart to disappear. Also, the home methods have their way of being irregular in healing everybody the same.

1. Duct tape

Using duct tape as a method to get rid of plantar warts just adds to the saying "What can’t be fixed with duct tape, can’t be fixed at all." Jokes aside, using duct tape is simple. Soak your feet in hot water for 10-20 minutes, wipe them dry, and stick some duct tape over the wart. Leave it there for a day, and then repeat again. It may take one or two months to work.

2. Garlic

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Garlic is one of the most powerful natural medicines. Usually, people use it to strengthen the immune system, but it can help with warts too. Place a bit of crushed garlic on top of the wart for one hour, use a bandage to secure it. Then, take the remedy off and wash it with water. Repeat the process every day.

3. Bananas

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Banana peels can just soften the wart to remove it. Place banana peel on the wart for one hour and then use a pumice stone, don’t forget to use antiseptic. Be very gentle and careful. Repeat until the plantar wart comes off entirely.

4. Magnesium sulfate

Magnesium sulfate, or Epsom salt, makes the skin acidic and can help in removing warts. Fill a small tub with warm water, add one tablespoon of Epsom salt and soak your feet for 30 minutes before going to bed.

5. Aloe vera

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Aloe vera is excellent for the skin, and that is why it is widely used in skincare. Place an aloe vera leaf which is cut in half lengthwise on top and secure it in position with a bandage. Keep it for one hour, then remove and clean the area.

6. Apple cider vinegar

The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar is an exceptional wart remover. Soak a cotton ball or pad into a previously made mixture of equal amounts of water and apple cider vinegar. Smear over the affected area and cover it with some duct tape. Keep it taped for one hour and then repeat the process. Apply the vinegar and the duct tape until the wart has completely disappeared.

In case of persisting plantar warts, contact your physician. If you have problems with blood vessels on your feet caused by diabetes or arteriosclerosis, removing warts can cause inflammation, and it is best to consult with the doctor. Also, people suffering from leg swelling caused by kidney diseases or heart defects should not self-medicate when it comes to warts.

This article is purely for informational purposes. Do not self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for harm that may result from using the information stated in the article.