Three Home Remedies for Common Warts

Common warts are small, fleshy, skin-colored growths that have a rough surface. They can appear singly or in groups, and some may have small, black dots across their surface.

But, as embarrassing as they can be, common warts are actually harmless. And you can't get them from touching a frog. Common warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus causes skin to grow rapidly in a specific area, which results in warts.

At least 75% of all people will have warts at some point in their lives. In fact, according to statistics, 10% of the people you know probably have them right now. Just not all in places you can see.

Many warts will disappear all on there own, but that can take as much as two years. Also, if left untreated, they can get bigger. They can also spread, causing even more warts.

While a trip to the doctor can get rid of your warts, there are some home remedies that might also do the trick.

Use vitamin A to treat warts.

Every day, squeeze some of the liquid from a vitamin A capsule onto your warts. Persistent, daily use of this treatment could start showing results in anywhere from one to six months.

Wrap your warts with tape.

Wrap warts with a medical or first aid tape that won't allow air in. (You might have to wrap the area several times.) Leave the tape on every hour of every day, changing the tape about once a week. If done properly, you can see results in three weeks.

Try an over-the-counter remedy for warts.

Products that contain salicylic acid soften and dissolve warts away. And you should see results soon after using them. In fact, if you have been using one of these products in a week or two, and haven't seen any change in your warts, you should probably see a doctor.

But, remember, liquids and gels might not be as effective or work as fast as ointments or pads, which usually contain more salicylic acid. But, the more salicylic acid a product contains, the more irritating it can be to the skin around the wart.

For warts on your hands, or other areas, start with an over-the-counter treatment that contains 17 percent salicylic acid. For plantars warts (which form on the soles of your feet and are covered by a thick callus) you will need something stronger.

Before using over-the-counter remedies, read the directions carefully.

Common warts can be embarrassing and annoying. But one of these home remedies could make your warts vanish.