As mentioned above, the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can penetrate the skin through cuts and bruises, is the most common cause of this skin condition. This highly contagious virus is often found in communal showers, public swimming pools, and can spread even through touching. Moreover, sharing athletic or gym facilities, or performing any group activity barefoot, such as yoga or martial arts, puts you at a higher risk of getting infected with this virus. Also, the infection can be contracted by sharing personal items, like razors and towels.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of plantar warts can include:
- Thickened skin. Often a plantar wart resembles a callus because of its tough, thick tissue.
- Pain. Walking and standing may be painful. Squeezing the sides of the wart may also cause pain.
- Tiny black dots. These often appear on the surface of the wart. The dots are actually dried blood contained in the capillaries (tiny blood vessels).
Natural Home Remedies for Plantar Warts
There are many folk remedies that have proved beneficial in removing plantar warts naturally. These are some of them:
1. Duct Tape
- This is a highly efficient method of removing warts.
- First, you soak the wart in warm water then cover it with duct tape, and then exfoliate the war-affected area.
- Finally, cover the wart with the tape for about 6 days.
- Don’t forget to soak your feet every time before removing the tape.
- Continue with this treatment for a few months or until the wart is completely removed.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar has proved to be one of the best all-natural treatments for plantar warts.
- Simply, dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the wart. Cover it with a duct tape.
- Replace it once in every couple of days.
- Soak your feet in warm water every time you remove the tape.
3. Banana Peel
Put the inner part of the banana peel on the wart and simply fix it with a tape.
4. Tea Tree Oil
- Tea tree oil is another efficient folk remedy for plantar warts, especially those on your toes.
- Apply it frequently to get the desired results.
5. Onions
- Crush some onion and apply its juice on the plantar wart.
- This is another simple method of treating plantar warts effectively.
6. Lemon Essential Oil
A few drops of lemon essential oil on the plantar wart used for a few days in a row can do wonders for your condition.
7. Aloe Vera Gel
- Extract some fresh aloe vera gel and apply it heavily on the affected area as it is quickly absorbed by the skin.
- Apply it several times a day every day covering it with a tape or bandage until the wart dries off.
8. Garlic
- The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic are extremely efficient in the removal of plantar warts.
- Just cut a thin slice of garlic and put it on the wart. Fix it with a bandage.
- Optionally, you can press a garlic oil capsule on the plantar wart.
- Keep applying it for a month until the wart disappears completely.
Preventive Measures
Although plantar warts generally disappear with time, preventing their appearance is solving the problemaforehand. There are several preventive measures to be taken in order to prevent warts, and these include:
1. Avoid Going Barefoot:
- Warts are very infectious and walking barefoot is an easy way of contracting the virus.
- A lot of public places, like pools, locker rooms, public showers, even the rugs or carpet at hotels, host millions of viruses.
- Thus, wearing footwear before going out is highly recommended.
2. Try Covering Your Cuts or Bruises:
Always cover your cuts and bruises with duct tape as this is the easiest way for a virus to get into your skin.
3. Keep Your Feet Dry:
- Damp or sweaty skin makes the perfect environment for viruses to thrive in, so try to keep your feet dry any time you exercise or jog.
- If your feet tend to sweat excessively, use some medicated foot powders so as to keep them dry and sweat-free.
4. Avoid Touching Frequently:
Touching the affected area of your skin can easily spread the virus to other parts of your body.
5. Wear Clean and Dry Socks:
- Clean and dry socks are a must.
- Change them every day in order to prevent infection.
6. Avoid Sharing Personal Items:
Use towels and socks of others may also increase your risk of getting warts, so avoid these habits as much as possible.
