Tree Oil Wart Removal

Warts are bumps on the skin that are caused by HPV, or the human papillomavirus. Warts are contagious and can spread if not treated properly. Over-the-counter remedies can be purchased for wart removal, but they can be expensive and painful. An alternative treatment, tea tree oil, is extremely effective in treating warts if applied diligently.

Warts and Tea Tree Oil

Warts can exist anywhere on the body. Warts that appear on the feet are called plantar warts. These types of warts are usually seen in clusters, rather than individually, as they tend to spread easier in the moist area of the foot.

Tea tree oil is extremely effective for treating warts, including plantar warts, when applied regularly. Tea tree oil is sold under many name brands and can be found in most natural health stores. Tea tree oil is sold in liquid form and is typically packaged with a dropper lid that controls the flow of the oil, as the product is extremely potent. According to Bill Gottlieb, author of "Alternative Cures," tea tree oil has antiviral properties (see Reference 1).

Treat Warts with Tea Tree Oil

In the morning, apply a couple of drops directly to the wart. Because tea tree oil does not damage surrounding tissue, it is not harmful if some of the oil gets onto unaffected skin. If plantar warts are apparent all over the foot's sole, apply the tea tree oil to the entire area. Allow the area to dry. Covering the wart is not necessary, although socks can be beneficial for plantar warts.

In the evening, repeat the application process. It is important to allow the area to dry before touching another object, as the oil needs time to absorb into the skin. This process should be repeated daily to receive maximum benefits.

Stubborn Plantar Warts

For more stubborn cases of plantar warts, investing in a foot bath can be an inexpensive way to help healing. Continue to apply the tea tree oil to the plantar warts twice daily. Two to three times a week, fill the foot bath with water, and then add five to 10 drops of tea tree oil. Soak the feet for at least 20 minutes.

Following this process meticulously should heal the warts in about a month. Sometimes treatment can take up to three or four months, and Gottlieb recommends abandoning the treatment if it is not successful within that time.