Common warts are caused by a virus and are transmitted by touch. Like we said, they usually occur on your fingers or hands and may be:
- Small, fleshy, grainy bumps
- Flesh-colored, white, pink or tan
- Rough to the touch
- Sprinkled with black pinpoints, which are small, clotted blood vessels.
Duct Tape for Removing Warts
One of the best-known home remedies for removing warts is everyday silver duct tape. Duct tape has emerged as a viable treatment, based on some preliminary studies.
In one study, 61 patients with common warts received either cryotherapy or duct tape treatment. After two months, 85 percent of those using duct tape were rid of their warts, while only 60 percent who received cryotherapy were wart-free.
Here’s how to use it: Cover the wart with a small piece of silver duct tape for six days, replacing the tape as needed. Then soak it in water and gently remove dead tissue with a pumice stone or disposable emery board.
Leave the wart exposed for about 12 hours, and then repeat the process until the wart is gone.
“You do have to be patient, however. This method is not an overnight cure” – says Dr. Julian Whitaker, director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute.
To reduce your risk of common warts:
- Avoid direct contact with warts. This includes your own warts.
- Don’t pick at warts. Picking may spread the virus.
- Don’t use the same emery board, pumice stone or nail clipper on your warts as you use on your healthy skin and nails.
Don’t bite your fingernails. Warts occur more often in skin that has been broken. Nibbling the skin around your fingernails opens the door for the virus.
Note: See your doctor if the growths are painful or change in appearance or color; you’ve tried treating the warts, but they persist, spread or recur; you aren’t sure whether the growths are warts.
