Posted on April 28, 2009 in Latest News
Plantar warts are skin growths on the soles of the feet and toes, caused due to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Plantar warts are caused when the HPV virus enters the foot through tiny cuts and breaks. Plantar warts can be painful and cause discomfort especially while walking.
Among several treatments for treating plantar warts such as salicylic acid, cryotherapy, cantharidin etc. duct tape is the most simple and effective way to get rid of plantar warts. In this method, the warts are covered with the duct tape for a period of time. A study conducted in 2002 showed that duct tape was more effective in getting rid of plantar warts than cryotherapy. This method of using duct tape is also known as duct tape occlusion therapy.
How Does Duct Tape Remove Plantar Warts?
Researchers opine that the duct tape works by irritating the skin surrouding the warts. This stimulates the immune system to attack the warts and destroy them. The rubber adhesive present in the duct tape may play a role in stimulating the immune system to attack and remove the warts
Duct Tape to Get Rid Of Plantar Warts:
Here are the following steps to use duct tape to get rid of plantar warts:
- Cut a piece of duct tape and apply this directly to the plantar wart
- Keep the duct tape for a period of 6 days. If the duct tape falls within this period, replace it with a new tape
- After 6 days, remove the wart and soak the warts in warm water. Now gently scrub the warts using a pumice stone or an emery board. This will remove the dead skin
- Repeat this every 6 days for a period 2 months or until the wart is eliminated
Duct tape for plantar warts is popular and nowadays salicylic acid is also added to the tape. Duct tape therapy is simple and effective. However, if the warts persist do consult your doctor for other treatments such as cryotherapy and salicylic acid treatment
Tips for using plantar warts duct tape
Here are some tips to use plantar warts duct tape:
- Select a multi purpose duct tape. Try to buy the gray color tape
- Apply the duct tape for six days. Dip the area in water and gently rub with pumice stone
- Apply more adhesive in the sides of the plantar warts duct tape. This will prevent it from moving from the area
- A white colored crust might be visible after 2 to 3 weeks when it is getting better. in this way the progress of the treatment might be obtained
How to avoid getting plantar warts
One might not use plantar warts duct tape if he or she takes some precautions. Here are some methods with which you can avoid getting plantar warts. They are:
- Warts might spread from one person to another and from one body part to another. To be on the safer side, avoid public wash rooms
- Use sandals when having a shower outside
- Sterilize the razors, toothbrush and pumice stone to stay away from getting infection again. Boiling them for 10 minutes will make them germ free
- The plantar warts duct tape might help if the warts are small
- Do not neglect the plantar warts and delay the treatment.
- Consult a doctor for treating deep-rooted warts
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