By: Kim Mills (C. Ped (C), CAT(C), CCAA) Certified Pedorthist (Canada) Certified Athletic Therapist
A Plantar Wart is a wart on plantar (bottom) aspect of your foot or toe. The wart is caused by the human papillomavirus. They can be big or small, painful or not. The virus enters through a tiny cut or compromised area of the skin. The virus may be there for several weeks or months before it becomes visible to the unlucky person. Due to the location of the wart, the wart is pushed inward due to the constant pressure of the foot striking the ground surface, which causes a layer of hard skin to form over and around the lesion. It may look like a tiny cauliflower with tiny black dots. At this time the plantar wart can become painful if left untreated.
We all know that one size does not fit all. Therefore, one remedy does not work for everyone. Here are my top five homemade remedies to clear that annoying virus up.
#5 – Apple Cider Vinegar – after a shower or bath, use an emery board to fill off the dead skin. Soak the affected area in apple cider vinegar for 20 minutes and let air dry (do not rinse it off). Repeat once a day.
#4 – Banana – tape a piece of banana peel (inside of the peel against the skin) to the wart before bed. Do this every night before bed for at least a week.
#3 – Asprin – Add a drop of water to an aspirin tablet, and make into a paste. Apply to the wart and cover with a bandadge. Repeat twice a day.
#2 – Thyme Essential Oil – clean feet, and apply a few drops of thyme oil, cover foot with sock. Repeat 1-2 times a day
#1 – DUCT TAPE!! Cut the duct tape in a circle so the corners do not curl up. Apply new duct tape1-2 times a day.
Some remedies work on their own for some people. Others need to combine one or two remedies together to get the job done.