Warts - Supplements

 
Warts
Flat. Plantar. Common. While most people carry the virus that causes these and other types of warts, you can treat your warts and stop the spread. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Turn up the heat

    Apply a heating pad set to 122°F (50°C) for 30 seconds at a time, one to four times, to regress common warts and prevent regrowth

  • Control contact

    If you have warts of any kind, avoid scratching them; if you have genital warts, limit sexual contact with others and see a healthcare professional

Also indexed as:
  • common wart,
  • condyloma,
  • filiform warts,
  • flat wart,
  • genital warts,
  • genital warts (HPV),
  • genital warts (human papillomavirus),
  • mosaic wart,
  • periungal wart,
  • periungual wart,
  • plantar warts,
  • verruca plana,
  • verruca vulgaris,
  • verruga,
  • verrugas,
  • warts

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Garlic
Rub cut clove onto area nightly and cover until morning, or apply oil-soluble extract twice per day3 stars Studies have shown topically applied garlic to be effective at clearing common warts.


3 stars Garlic

Rub cut clove onto area nightly and cover until morning, or apply oil-soluble extract twice per day

In a preliminary trial, topical application of garlic cloves was used successfully to treat warts in a group of children. A clove was cut in half each night and the flat edge of the clove was rubbed onto each of the warts, carefully cleaning the surrounding areas, so as not to spread any garlic juice. The areas were covered overnight with Band-Aids or waterproof tape and were washed in the morning. In all cases, the warts cleared completely after an average of nine weeks.6 In another study, 23 people with warts applied an oil-soluble garlic extract twice a day to the warts. Complete recovery was seen in every case after one to two weeks. A water-soluble garlic extract was less effective.7 Side effects after application of the oil-soluble extract included blistering, redness, burning, and increased pigmentation of the skin around the application area, which usually disappeared completely in one to two weeks. Zinc oxide ointment was applied to the surrounding normal skin in all cases in an attempt to prevent these side effects.


SupplementAmountWhy
Zinc
Take under medical supervision: 2.25 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) body weight, up to 135 mg per day2 stars In one study, supplementing with zinc, resulted in complete disappearance of warts in 87% of people treated.


2 stars Zinc

Take under medical supervision: 2.25 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) body weight, up to 135 mg per day

In a double-blind study, supplementation with oral zinc, in the form of zinc sulfate, for two months resulted in complete disappearance of warts in 87% of people treated, whereas none of those receiving a placebo improved.8 The amount of zinc used was based on body weight, with a maximum of 135 mg per day. Similar results were seen in another double-blind study.9 These large amounts of zinc should be used under the supervision of a doctor. Side effects included nausea, vomiting, and mild abdominal pain.


SupplementAmountWhy
Greater Celandine
Refer to label instructions 1 star Herbalists sometimes recommend the use of topically applied greater celandine in treating warts.


1 star Greater Celandine

Herbalists have sometimes recommended the use of greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) for the topical treatment of warts.10 The milky juice from the fresh plant is typically applied to the wart once daily and allowed to dry.


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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