How to Get Rid of Genital Warts
If you have genital warts, you are not alone. Genital warts are very common. There are up to one million new cases of genital warts diagnosed each year in the United States, and many cases are not diagnosed yet. Most cases of genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 120 strains of HPV, but types 6 and 11 are the strains that cause genital warts. Those strains of HPV don't usually cause cervical cancer, but they do lead to genital warts. Read on to learn about some home remedies that may help treat genital warts.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an easy and cost-effective option. It contains strong antimicrobial properties that are known to be effective against warts. It is definitely one of the most consistently recommended options. If you're wondering how to get rid of genital warts with apple cider vinegar, put some of it on a cotton swab or cotton ball, and then apply it to the warts three times a day. After a week, you'll notice the warts will change color, turn into a scab and then fall off.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Along with other health benefits, essential oils have been studied for use as antifungal agents. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has been found to be useful against fungus and other organisms, including head lice. Tea tree oil is a remedy that might be useful against genital warts. You can apply a drop of diluted tea tree oil (mix one drop of the oil with a drop of carrier oil) and apply directly to the wart. Some people may be allergic to tea tree oil, so test a small amount of the diluted tea tree oil on your arm first. If there is no reaction after 24 hours, it should be safe for further use. Tea tree oil can be irritating and cause some burning which is how it reduces the size of the wart. It’s important not to take tea tree oil internally by. You will need to apply the oil repeatedly for several weeks. Discontinue use if it is too irritating.
3. Pineapple Juice
Pineapple contains a compound called bromelain, which may help with inflammatory skin conditions and help break down genital warts. It also has manganese which helps prevent scarring after the warts are removed. So, simply squeeze a few pineapple slices and add the juice to a cotton swab. Apply the swab to the warts for 10 minutes then rinse afterward.
4. Witch Hazel
Like tea tree oil, witch hazel is a popular remedy for various skin issues. It is relatively mild, so unlikely to irritate sensitive skin. It should not be used on mucous membranes. One study found that witch hazel might be effective at fighting HPV type 16, which is one of the strains of HPV that causes genital warts.
5. Garlic
This little vegetable happens to have strong antiviral properties that make it a great genital warts remover. To use it, you need to create a raw garlic paste. Crush 10 cloves of garlic until you get a paste, and then apply it to your warts. Cover it with a bandage for an hour, and then wash off with water. Repeat this once a day until the warts are gone.
As HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). People with the virus should take steps to reduce the risk of passing the virus on, including the use of condoms during sexual intercourse. However, HPV often affects areas not covered by a condom, so can be easily transmitted even when using this form of contraception. But, the good thing is that you can help treat genital warts at home. You should definitely still see a doctor to check for and treat any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that may be causing the warts. If an STI is causing your warts, you may need additional medication to treat the condition and prevent passing the infection on to any sexual partners.
