Foot warts are those warts that grow on the underside of the foot. These appear on all people but are most common among children and teenagers. They are also called verrucae; and they can cause some discomfort and pain. These may look similar to corns but are actually different types of skin disease. The surface of the foot warts is covered by black dots which are actually blood vessels which feed the verrucae. You would know if you have foot warts when you feel like a small stone is under your foot and there is pain when some pressure is applied into it.

The warts are caused by a virus, Human Papilloma Virus or HPV which can enter the body through damaged skin such as cuts, wounds or scratches. They are also commonly transferred through direct contact with people who already have warts, in public swimming areas, shower floors, locker rooms and other similar warm moist environments.

These are practical methods to prevent foot warts by using some herbal remedies:

• Use vinegar to treat the foot warts by soaking a cotton swab and applying a generous amount to the infected area. Leave the cotton on the foot and secure it by using a duct tape. There may be some stinging pain but the warts would be cured in a week when they turn black and dry out.

• Apply generous amounts of castor oil over the warts daily. Treatment may last for several months.

• Rub freshly cut onions on the warts and let its juice rub off on the skin. This stimulates blood circulation and most warts disappear in shorts periods of time.

• Make a powder of some Indian squill bulbs and apply on the infected area. Use daily.

• Dandelion herbs can be used as the extracted juice or milk; it can be applied to the infected area 2 or 3 times in a day for better results.

• Use some cut fresh potatoes; rub it on the warts several times a day for at least 2 weeks for quicker cure.

• Use Marigold herbs by using the juice of its leaves and the sap of its stem on the warts.

• Try to extract some natural oil from cashew nuts and apply on the infected areas.

• Use other remedies like papaya juice and pineapple juice and apply on warts daily for at least 2 weeks.

It is also recommended to have an all fruit diet for at least a week while under treatment. Meals should be a combination of juicy fruits such as grapes, oranges and apples, mangoes, papayas and pears; also, a lot of natural foods like grains, nuts and some vegetables.

Severe cases of foot warts can be treated with more medical procedures such as laser treatment, incision, burning or freezing. There are also over the counter medicines that can be bought and prescribed medicines as well to treat foot warts.

Mark Perry

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