Warts are stubborn, but they can be beaten! This is my natural warts protocol, with the options I have used to get rid of warts and help keep them from coming back.
What Causes Warts?
Warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). It gets into the skin through tiny cuts or scrapes, which is why warts can pop up almost anywhere on your body. Warts can spread to other spots on your own skin and to other people, especially in warm, wet places like showers and pools. That is why I believe it is important to support the whole body from the inside, as well as treating the warts you can see. You can learn more about warts on MedlinePlus.
When to See a Doctor
Please see a doctor instead of treating at home if:
- The wart is on your face, genitals or under a nail
- You have diabetes or poor circulation, especially for warts on the feet
- The growth bleeds, changes color or shape, or you are not sure it is a wart
- You have a weak immune system, or warts keep spreading
Step 1: Support the Body From the Inside
Because warts come from a virus, I like to support the immune system from the inside while treating the warts on the outside. Some people take oregano oil internally for this, a few drops in an empty capsule, for a short time of 1 to 2 weeks. Oregano oil is very strong. Only take it in a capsule, never straight, and talk to your provider first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, giving it to a child, or taking medications like blood thinners. I do not recommend taking rosemary oil internally.
Step 2: Treat the Warts You Can See
Warts can seed and spread in the area where they grow, so you want to treat them consistently until they are completely gone. Pick one of these options:
Option 1: Oregano Oil and OnGuard
Layer oregano oil and the OnGuard blend on the wart twice a day until it dies, usually about 10 days. These oils are hot, so dilute them with a carrier oil if your skin is sensitive.
Option 2: Frankincense
Frankincense is milder and great for sensitive skin areas. Apply it twice a day, morning and night, until the wart is gone.
Option 3: Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
Food grade hydrogen peroxide is much stronger than the brown bottle of peroxide you use for first aid. Dip a Q-tip in it and dab it only on the wart, twice a day. The wart turns white right away, and it can be gone in about a week as it dies and the root comes out.
VERY IMPORTANT safety: Food grade peroxide (35%) is a strong chemical that can burn the skin and is dangerous, even deadly, if swallowed. Wear gloves, protect the surrounding skin with a little coconut oil or petroleum jelly, keep it far away from your eyes, and store it locked up away from children. Never use it on the face or on children without talking to a doctor. Stop if it blisters or the pain does not fade quickly.
Option 4: Salicylic Acid
Over-the-counter salicylic acid is one of the most studied wart treatments. Soak the wart in warm water, file it gently, and apply the salicylic acid daily. The American Academy of Dermatology has great tips for treating warts at home.
Warts Protocol Tips
- Stay on the wart. With any of these remedies, try to get it only on the wart and not the skin around it.
- Expect a little sting. Depending on where the wart is, it may sting or burn for a bit. You are killing something that does not want to die! But stop if you get blisters, open sores or lasting pain.
- Keep going until it is COMPLETELY gone! Or it will just grow right back. Depending on the size, it might take a month or less. The time depends on your consistency.
- Do not pick or shave over warts. This spreads the virus. Keep any broken skin clean and protected; see my post on how to keep out infection.
- Wear flip flops in public showers and pool areas to help prevent foot warts.
This post shares my own experience and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor before treating warts at home, especially on children. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
