Plantar warts happen as a viral infection in the skin known as Human Papillomavirus or HPV. Plantar warts take place at the feet, in the sole area. The viral infection enters through the skin cuts, wounds, or anything like a scarf, hands, napkin or towel, socks, or even floor, already infected with a wart.
Plantar warts can be unpleasant and painful as warts popping up become uncomfortable while walking or standing. It has a rooted black spot that connects to veins. When there is a lot of pressure on the foot, the condition worsens while walking and standing. But such a condition is unavoidable because of the pressure warts suppressed inwards inside the skin. Sometimes it gets flattened and becomes coarse.
How To Cure Plantar Warts On Foot
There are many home remedies to get relief from plantar warts naturally. It may take a few weeks to get it resolved. Some of the things available at home to get it to heal are below.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used in various health issues as it has anti-infective properties. You can apply it directly to the wart by putting it on a cotton swab and apply it directly.
A Pumice Stone Or Emery Board
Wet your foot in warm soapy water for about 15-20 minutes; plantar’s warts get softer. Then rub the sole by using a pumice stone or emery board. While using a pumice stone or emery board, there could be an increase in the spread of infection. It is advisable to change it to avoid the recurrence of the disease.
Freezing Therapy
Freezing therapy is a way of putting liquid nitrogen with either a cotton swab or through spray used to “freeze” the plantar wart, and later ones it freezes, cuts out the wart and applies for medicine. This therapy is called cryotherapy, which is a very efficient way to remove warts. Using liquid nitrogen destroys the binding of warts, and later the dead skin goes away on its own within a few days. Though freezing the plantar warts is very painful, repeating this procedure will completely relieve plantar warts.
Salicylic Acid
One small study proves that salicylic acid can treat acne. It removes the dead skin; hence a highly concentrated portion has been used to remove ointment and creams available at all medical stores.
Applying directly or on a cotton swab to plantar warts helps make the infected portion into dead skin.
Duct Tape
Stick a piece of duct tape on plantar warts and keep changing the duct tape often. Apply the duct tape twice a day for a few days. This process will completely peel off warts affected skin.
Using Banana Peels
Banana is rich in potassium, and the peel of it is said to cure HPV. There is no specific finding of potassium used to treat plantar warts or viral skin infections. It has not yet been identified or proved in any scientific research that banana peels are a cure for plantar warts. To give it a try, rub it daily on infected warts.
Garlic
Garlic is considered a potion for many diseases and heals the severest of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections like psoriasis, scars, and corns. Using garlic extract can get rid of warts in a few weeks. A component in garlic called allicin has a lot of medicinal properties.
Grind one to two cloves of garlic and mix it with water. Directly apply on warts and put a bandage.
Repeat the same process for about four to five weeks.
Prevention Is Better Than A Cure
In diabetes, there is a reduction of blood flow to the feet. It also leads to a decrease in general body immunity. People who have diabetes are very prone to infections, and because of less or no sensation, people generally don’t get a check-up done. Due to late diagnosis, the condition of diabetic patient’s feet gets worsened. The healing process also becomes slow. It is always better to show a Diabetic Neuropathy doctor or a Podiatrist for specialized treatment for plantar warts. People with diabetes should also not be doing a home remedial treatment for plantar warts as this could be dangerous.
How To Prevent Plantar Warts
- Control sugar levels
- Using public swimming pools and common areas should be avoided without protecting your feet
- Visit your doctor for HPV vaccination
- Always wear comfortable footwear. Avoid barefoot
- Clean and dry your feet to maintain good hygiene
- The feet should not be kept dry and scaly; always apply moisturizer or foot care cream
- Diabetic people should wear shoes with socks as advised by the doctors
Keep consulting your diabetes doctor or a podiatrist to examine any cuts and wounds. Special care is needed during plantar warts, like no touching with hands and cutting warts at home.
Side Effects
Some side effects like redness of the skin, rashes, and redness or peeling due to some medicines—the side effects like pus formation or a deep sore (ulcer) at the treatment part. In case of allergies, immediately seek the doctor’s advice.
Before medicines for older adults, pregnant women, and lactating mothers’ safety consulting a doctor is advisable. In various cases, it is also essential to discuss the benefits and consequences. However, none of the findings have shown any adverse effects.
Conclusion
Plantar warts often get cured with home remedies and also go away on their own.
Home remedies documented here do not have any evidential proof, but people who have tried these remedies have given their feedback and reviews. Also, it is better to see a doctor for consultation if your condition worsens or causes you immense pain.
