How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Remove Warts?

The Procedure

Apple cider vinegar does not kill the virus that causes warts which is the human papilloma virus (HPV). However, the acid in the vinegar attacks the wart area which allows it to peel away from the healthy surrounding skin taking the virus with it. This method can be used on all types of warts except genital warts which are caused by a serious sexually transmitted disease and should be treated by your health care professional. Depending on the size of the wart it can take a week or two for the wart to be removed. Using this treatment on a planters wart can take a bit longer as this type of wart grows inward instead of lying flat on the skin.

The Practice

Soaking the wart in equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water for a period of 15 to 20 minutes a day is one procedure. Although, this process does not work as quickly as the second method, it is not as likely to cause irritation to the skin surrounding the wart.

A piece of cotton cloth or cotton ball, soaked in apple cider vinegar, should be placed on the wart and then taped in place. This procedure should be done each night and then removed during the day.

Both procedures should continue until the wart core is completely removed. If either process is stopped before the core is gone, the wart could grow back.

The Stages

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If you know what to expect ahead of time, the stages of wart removal will not be so disconcerting.

Stage 1: The wart will swell and it may even throb, although some people do not experience this stage.

Stage 2: After a few days, the wart will turn darker until it is black.

Stage 3: It is important to allow the wart to come off of it’s own accord. If you peel it off you may find the core has not been removed.