Warts are growths caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), which are unsightly and can be difficult to remove! One of the popular home remedies for getting rid of warts is to use duct tape. In a method called duct tape occlusion therapy (DTOT), you have to cover the wart with duct tape for a set period of time, then rub the dead skin on the wart with a rough object. After that, leave the wart exposed to air for a few hours, then apply a new duct tape. This process must be repeated until the wart is gone (may take 2 months). It may not always work on all warts, but it's a healthy and safe option.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Covering Warts
Step 1. Wash and dry the wart and surrounding skin
Clean the wart and surrounding skin using warm soapy water. After that, rinse off the soap. Use a dry, washed towel to dry the skin. Make sure the skin around the wart is dry and clean so the duct tape can adhere tightly.
If the leather is still wet, the adhesive on the duct tape will weaken and cause it to come off. So, make sure the skin is completely dry
Step 2. Apply a wart remover to speed up the process
Use a wart remover that contains salicylic acid. High concentrations of salicylic acid can kill warts. Wart removers containing salicylic acid can be found at drug stores or pharmacies. Apply this medication directly to the wart before applying the duct tape. Try not to get the medicine on the surrounding skin. This drug can make the skin to die and turn white.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using the drug.
- Although optional, these drugs can help speed up the process of duct tape therapy. If you only use duct tape to remove the wart, the process can take up to 8 weeks.
Step 3. Apply silver-colored duct tape to the wart
Cut the silver duct tape into small squares. You only need a piece of duct tape that is just enough to cover the wart and a small area of skin around it for the duct tape to stick. Place the duct tape on the wart, then press it firmly against the skin so that it adheres well.
Do not use clear duct tape as it is not as effective as silver duct tape
Tip: You can cover the wart with plain silver duct tape or an opaque patterned duct tape. If you treat warts on children, let them choose their preferred type of duct tape so that they retain the duct tape and don't remove it.
Step 4. Leave the duct tape there for 6 days
If the duct tape comes off or starts to open at the edges, replace it with a new one immediately. It is very important to keep the wart covered with duct tape to block the supply of air and light. It is useful for killing warts.
The wart may appear white and the skin around it may appear shriveled. This is normal and it means the duct tape is working properly
Part 2 of 2: Remove Warts
Step 1. Remove the duct tape at night, on the sixth day
After you've had it on for a full 6 days, remove the duct tape to check for warts. The wart will look white and the skin around it will also appear white and shriveled.
If the wart looks irritated or worse than before, stop using the duct tape and see a doctor or dermatologist
Step 2. Soak the wart in warm water for 5-10 minutes
Soak the wart with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. You can also soak the affected area in a sink, bowl, or tub. The warm water will soften the skin so that you can remove the wart and rub off the dead tissue easily.
Step 3. Scrape off the wart using an emery board or pumice stone
Gently rub the surface of the wart to scrape off the dead skin. Do this for about 1 minute, or longer if needed. However, stop if you feel pain.
- By scraping the wart with fine sandpaper, the dead wart tissue will be removed. This process is called "debriding" (removing dead material).
- Do not reuse the sandpaper and pumice stone. Warts are contagious and can spread the virus to other parts of the body if you reuse the scrubbing agent.
Tip: You can also use fine grit sandpaper to scrape off the wart. Purchase a sheet of sandpaper with a grit of 200 or higher at a hardware store, then cut it into small pieces to remove the wart. After that, remove the piece of sandpaper and use a new piece to continue the process.
Step 4. Leave the wart open for one night, then apply the duct tape again
You should give the skin a chance to dry before repeating this treatment. Leave the skin exposed for one night or several hours during the day. Once the skin has been exposed to air, re-apply the piece of duct tape to the wart as in the previous step.
Do not expose the wart to sunlight when you open it. This can make the wart grow bigger
Step 5. Repeat this process until the wart is gone
Continue the process by leaving the duct tape on the wart for 6 days, then removing it every sixth night. After that, soak the wart with warm water, do debriding, and leave the wart exposed to air for one night. Next, apply duct tape to the wart and start the process all over again. Over time, the wart will decrease in size and eventually disappear.
Go to the doctor if the warts do not improve or get worse after you have been doing this process for 2 months. Maybe you have very strong warts. Fortunately, there are other options for getting rid of warts, such as salicylic acid, cryotherapy (cooling), medications, and surgery
Tips
Be patient. It may take you a few weeks or sometimes months to remove the wart
Warning
- Do not try this treatment without consulting your doctor first if you have a weak immune system, diabetes, or bad sensation in the feet (if the warts are on the feet).
- Never scratch or pick the wart. Warts are contagious and can spread to other parts of the body.
