Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is one of the most popular natural remedies used to treat various skin conditions. ACV has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, rosacea, athlete’s foot and other skin diseases. There are many different types of ACV available. Some of them include: acetic acid, citric acid, malic acid, pectin and tannins. All of which contain acids found naturally in fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges or lemons. These acids work together to cause the desired effect. For example, when applied topically it helps to kill bacteria that causes infections like strep throat or cold sores while leaving healthy cells intact. When taken internally, it works to fight off infection caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. The main active ingredient in ACV is acetic acid. Acetone is another common form of acetate. Both of these ingredients are derived from fruit juices. However, some brands of ACV contain alcohol as well as other chemicals that may not be good for your health.
What Causes Warts?
Warts are caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is spread by direct contact with an infected person or object. HPV infects the top layer of the skin causing changes in the DNA and cells. These changes cause growths to form on skin surfaces that look like warts. The virus can also cause growths to form in the mucous membranes such as inside the mouth, nose or genitals. While these growths can appear anywhere on the body, they are most commonly found on the hands and feet as well as in and around the genitals. Warts can be unsightly and in some cases cancerous.
How does Apple Cider Vinegar treat Warts?
While there is no cure for warts, there are many treatment options available to remove them including over-the-counter products as well as natural home remedies. Apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular home remedies. The inner layer or skin and the wart are susceptible to damage by the acid found in ACV. The acid works by breaking down the skin cells, which causes the wart to slowly fall off. If the wart is visible on the skin’s surface it may take between one and four weeks before it begins to fall off. Most people report that the procedure is painful.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Treat Warts?
Many people choose to use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) as a treatment for warts because it is easy to find, inexpensive and made from natural ingredients. Apple Cider Vinegar is made from the fermentation of apple cider that has been allowed to go bad. The liquid contains a lot of nutrients and vitamins and is known for its ability to aid in digestion due to its acidity. It also contains anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It can be used both internally and externally with no known side effects. These properties make it an attractive option for wart treatment.
What Is The Process For Using Apple Cider Vinegar To Treat Warts?
There are several different methods for treating warts with apple cider vinegar. Those who have chosen the treatment option have reported success using both methods. It is thought that the success rate increases when ACV is paired with a bandage, tape or other covering.
What Is The Best Type Of Tape To Cover Warts Before Applying Apple Cider Vinegar?
For treating warts with ACV, many people use duct tape because it is strong and cheap. However, duct tape can be painful to remove and many find it too harsh for the skin. Other options include medical tape or even electrical tape, which is softer on the skin.
How To Apply Apple Cider Vinegar To The Wart?
There are several ways to apply apple cider vinegar to the wart. Each method has its pros and cons. In addition to using a band-aid or tape to hold the cotton just outside the reach of the ACV, some people have also found it helpful to use a dropper to directly apply the acid to the wart. Do not be alarmed if the wart begins to bubble and or smell. It is important to hold the cotton or a band-aid over it for 20-30 minutes. The wart should be soaked in the ACV for at least 4 hours.
What Is The Best Way To Soak A Wart With Apple Cider Vinegar?
1) Cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar: Place the cotton ball directly over the wart and tape it in place using medical tape.
Change the cotton ball every 2-3 days, replacing it with a fresh one that has been soaked in apple cider vinegar. Do this for at least two weeks after the wart has fallen off.
2) ACV soaked Band-aid: Place a band-aid directly over the wart and tape it in place.
Change the band-aid and soak it in apple cider vinegar every 2-3 days, replacing it with a fresh one that has been soaked in apple cider vinegar. Do this for at least 2 weeks after the wart has fallen off.
3) Dropper: For this method it is important to have a few droppers on hand.
Use one dropper to place a small amount of apple cider vinegar directly on the wart. Do not use too much as this can be painful and irritate the skin.
After 10 minutes, wipe off the excess with a tissue. Do not wash off. Let dry. Do this 2-3 times per day.
When Can I Expect To See Results?
In a week you should notice that the skin around the wart has dried up, is flaky and begins to peel. This indicates that the wart is beginning to die. It can take up to 1-3 months for all of the above steps to work, however, most people will see results within 2 weeks.
Does It Hurt?
The first time you apply apple cider vinegar it may sting a little. After that, most people do not experience any pain. If you are experiencing extreme pain, stop using the apple cider vinegar and contact your doctor.
Why Did My Wart Grow Bigger?
It is a common misconception that by applying a caustic substance to your skin you can cause warts to grow. This is not true. Warts grow in size because they are growing deeper into the skin due to an inability of the skin to fight off the virus. The wart may look as if it is growing bigger, however, it is just the wart that is dying and the immune system is working to fight off the virus.
Does It Hurt The Skin?
No, this treatment should not cause damage to the healthy skin around the wart.
Will It Cause Other Warts To Appear?
No, in fact by killing the virus it helps the skin to return to a healthy state.
How Long Does It Take For The Wart To Disappear?
Most warts will disappear with in 2-3 months, however, it can take up to 3-6 months or even longer for some people.
What If I Miss A Day?
You can miss a day or two of applying the apple cider vinegar, however, if you find that you are missing more than 2-3 days in a row it is best to stop the treatment and consult a physician.
Sources & references used in this article:
Chemical burn from topical apple cider vinegar by CG Bunick, JP Lott, CB Warren, A Galan… – Journal of the American …, 2012 – jaad.org
Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss and Good Health by C Holzapfel – 2001 – books.google.com
Apple Cider Vinegar and Allergies by S Branson – 2017 – Workman Publishing
Apple Cider Vinegar by C Georgiou – 2016 – Castle Point Books
Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of apple cider vinegar on normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by OAC Vinegar, AB Tonics – coraltree.co.nz
Apple Cider Vinegar: History and Folklore-Composition-Medical Research-Medicinal, Cosmetic, and Household Uses-Commercial and Home Production by OAC Vinegar, AB Tonics
Weight Loss and Good Health with Apple Cider Vinegar by AC Vinegar – lup-tup.com
