Plantar warts grow either on the toes or the bottoms of the feet. The human papiloma virus (HPV) causes them, but they are generally harmless. However, unlike most warts, they can be quite painful and often cause trouble walking. Fortunately, planters wart removal options are many, and is not very difficult.
Over-the-counter planters wart treatment usually contain salicylic acid which is very effective in the removal of the excess keratin that causes the most discomfort from these warts. To help the medicine work, you should soak the area in warm water for about five minutes and use an emery board to file the wart down before applying the salicylic acid.
Duct tape occlusive therapy is one of the most popular methods in getting rid of plantar warts. Duct tape actually helps to treat warts in several ways. First of all, it keeps the area dry and clean which stops the wart from growing or spreading the way that it would if you wore socks or walked barefoot. Second, the tape irritates the skin that it is applied to and causes the immune system to react, effectively fighting the virus that caused the wart. The tape also keeps the virus from being transmitted to another person. It is important to use traditonal duct tape, though, because the newer clear duct tape is not effective when used for this purpose.
In order to use duct tape to treat a plantar wart, you need to place some on the wart and leave it for six to seven days. You then take the tape off and soak the area for several minutes. Use an emery board to remove any excess tissue. Replace the duct tape, and do this again every six days. It usually takes several months for this to work.
Apple cider vinegar can also be used in getting rid of plantar warts. First, you soak the wart in the vinegar for about 20 minutes. As with the other methods, you also use an emery board to remove the loose tissue. Petroleum jelly should then be used to protect the skin in that area. Soak a cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar, and use it to cover the wart - keeping it in place with a bandage. Repeat every few days until the wart goes away.
Although any treatment usually takes months to work, you should start to experience some results within the first two weeks. If you do not experience any relief, or if there are signs of infection, you should immediately see a doctor. Changes in color or appearance should be reported to the doctor as well. Self-treatment of warts is not recommended for people with diabetes, HIV or other diseases that affect the immune system.
Getting rid of plantar warts is a long process, so it takes some patience. If home remedies do not appear to be working, the doctor may employ cryotherapy (freezing the wart off) or another method to remove the warts. After the warts are removed, it is important to keep them from recurring by not walking barefoot, by keeping the feet clean and dry, and by not sharing socks or shoes with others.
