Q: I want to thank you for listing different remedies for warts. I’ve tried freezing compounds, bleach, tea tree oil, cider vinegar, duct tape, iodine, and fingernail polish. Nothing worked. After reading your column about chalk, I decided to give home remedies one more try. This time it worked!
I’m convinced different remedies work for different people. Thank you again for listing the many different remedies so we can find which one works for us.
A: Common warts (which typically appear on the hands) can be unsightly and embarrassing but generally, aren’t a health concern. Removal can often be achieved with relative ease, but the lesions can recur frequently.
Plantar warts which appear on the soles of the feet are usually harmless but can be more deeply rooted, making removal difficult. Especially large or deep plantar warts can also impede walking, as can the wounds left behind by removal.
There are so many home remedies that it’s impossible to list them all but some of the more common ones appear to be effective for many of the individuals who try them; however, you are absolutely correct that not every option will be successful or appropriate for every person. Some individuals are more resistant to not only home remedies, but also over-the-counter and prescription medications than the average patient, making their treatment harder. This is not only frustrating for the patient, but for the physician as well.
I am glad that you were able to eventually find a remedy that was successful for you. Other possibilities that you didn’t mention include a slice of garlic placed into the wart (replaced daily), held in place with a small bandage, applying castor oil two or three times daily and placing a banana peel (inside on the wart and replaced daily), held in place with a small bandage.
For those that don’t have success with home remedies, a dermatologist (or podiatrist in the case of plantar warts) may be appropriate. These specialists can use a variety of procedures to remove the lesions. These can include scalpel removal, freezing, burning, and more.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order Dr. Gott’s Health Reports “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 (for each report) US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
