How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to Remove Warts

When we have a wart or two, nothing matters more than getting rid of it, cheaply and with as little pain as possible. For those of us who would rather avoid the doctor or the painful freezing, burning, and laser treatments, we have apple cider vinegar (ACV), a natural home remedy option with substantially less potential for both pain and scarring. Who knew that one application of this useful substance was wart removal?^†

Here's How It Works

The acidity of ACV is its weapon here. The acid works on the wart, causing the afflicted skin to peel away from the healthy skin. These two effective methods of wart removal take just a few days to do their work (a few weeks for plantar warts). Rather than freeze off the wart, spare yourself the headache (and doctor bill) by going the home remedy route with one of these two cheap, easy, and natural methods.

^{† Under no circumstances should anyone with genital warts attempt to use apple cider vinegar as a cure. Genital warts require treatment from medical professionals and will not respond to this home remedy. Vinegar belongs nowhere near your precious bits!}

You Will Need...

• 4 cups warm water
• 4 cups apple cider vinegar
• A big bowl or pot

This method works well for hands and feet, especially if the sufferer has several warts. This method also tends to produce less skin irritation, so those with sensitive skin should take note.

Mix together the 1:1 solution of water and apple cider vinegar in your bowl or pot. Carefully place the afflicted part of your body into the solution until it covers the wart(s). Soak for 15 minutes a day if you have sensitive skin, 20 minutes a day if you don't.

You Will Need...

• A cotton ball, pad, or piece of cotton cloth - very clean
• A BandAid - medical tape also works
• A little Vaseline (optional)

This works for warts that crop up in more difficult areas, like the face or neck. You should try to do this before bed each night. If you prefer, you can wear this treatment at all times, refreshing it three to four times each day, for faster results.

Clean the area thoroughly - try to remove all the makeup, grime, or dirt on and around the afflicted area. Next, soak the bit of cloth or cotton ball in pure apple cider vinegar. Place the cloth or cotton ball over the wart and use the BandAid or medical tape to keep it in place. Note: to prevent irritation to surrounding skin, try dabbing a little Vaseline on the healthy areas around the wart before applying the vinegar treatment.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect when using this treatment.

Pain

Many people experience no pain, while others experience a short period of pain. For a very few, the wart will grow a little in size, throb, or sting within a few hours or days after beginning the treatment. Do not be alarmed. If, however, the pain is intense and consistent, another method of treatment may be appropriate. Those with a low pain threshold or sensitive skin should start with Method One.

Discoloration

The wart will begin to darken or turn black and purple. That's the acid at work! Discoloration is normal and means that the apple cider vinegar is causing the wart to detach or peel away.

Peeling

After a few days or a week, the darkened wart will begin to fall away. It is essential that you allow the wart to peel away at its own pace: do not pick at the wart. Peeling off the wart prematurely may leave behind its core. This risk is much greater with plantar warts.

• Sufferers should wait for the wart to peel off of its own accord. Picking at the wart may cause only the top part of the wart detach, leaving the root in place. With the core intact, the wart will regrow within a few days or weeks.
• For areas with extensive warts, try applying large gauze pads soaked in apple cider vinegar and wrapping the area with an ACE bandage.
• Those with diabetes or other illnesses that affect the ability of the body to heal should consult a doctor before beginning this or any treatment.