Warts are a common skin concern, appearing as small, rough growths on the skin. While generally harmless, many people seek ways to remove them due to their appearance or discomfort. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity as a home remedy for warts. This article explores the scientific principles that may explain why ACV works against these skin growths.
The Key Component in Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is produced through a two-step fermentation process of apples. Yeast ferments sugars into alcohol, then bacteria convert this alcohol into acetic acid. Acetic acid is the primary active ingredient in ACV, typically making up about 5% of its composition. This mild acid is responsible for many of ACV’s effects.
How Apple Cider Vinegar Acts on Warts
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which stimulates an overgrowth of skin cells. When applied, the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar breaks down wart tissue. This acidic action can lead to a chemical burn effect, similar to how other topical acids like salicylic acid peel away the infected skin.
The acetic acid also acts as a keratolytic, dissolving keratin, the main protein forming the wart’s structure, and by disrupting this protein, ACV compromises the wart’s integrity, leading to the death of infected cells. Warts rely on tiny blood vessels, or capillaries, for growth. ACV can damage these capillaries, cutting off the wart’s blood supply, resulting in cell death and often a darkening or blackening of the wart. The irritation caused by ACV may trigger a localized inflammatory response, stimulating the body’s immune system to fight the underlying HPV infection. While ACV doesn’t directly kill the HPV virus, it damages infected cells, which may help the immune system clear the virus.
Applying ACV: Practical Steps and Safety
Applying apple cider vinegar to warts involves a simple process. Soak a cotton ball or cotton-tipped applicator in ACV and place it directly onto the wart. Secure this with a bandage or medical tape and leave it in place for several hours or overnight. Repeat this application daily until the wart falls off.
Dilute apple cider vinegar with water before applying it, often in a two-parts ACV to one-part water ratio, to prevent irritation or chemical burns to the surrounding healthy skin. Protecting the skin around the wart with petroleum jelly can also minimize irritation. ACV should not be applied to broken skin, open wounds, or sensitive areas like the face or genitals. Monitor the treated area for signs of excessive burning, pain, or redness.
What to Expect and When to Seek Professional Help
When treating a wart with apple cider vinegar, the wart may swell or throb initially. The treated wart may darken, sometimes turning black within a few days, indicating cell death. After a week or two, the wart might dry out and eventually fall off. Continuing treatment for a few days after the wart falls off may help prevent recurrence.
While ACV can be effective for some, potential side effects include skin irritation, pain, or even chemical burns, particularly if used undiluted or on sensitive skin. Scarring is also a possibility. Consult a healthcare professional if warts persist, spread, become painful, bleed, or change in appearance. Individuals with conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system should seek medical advice before attempting home remedies. Warts on the face or genital area should also be evaluated by a doctor due to the sensitivity of these regions.