Warts are small growths that are generally caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). There are at least sixty known types of HPV. Warts can appear singly or in clusters. In the following information, three types of warts will be addressed: common warts, plantar warts, and genital warts.

Common warts can be found anywhere on the body, but are most common on the hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, knees, face, and the skin around the nails. They most often occur on skin that is continually exposed to friction, trauma, or abrasion. Common warts can also occur on the larynx, causing hoarseness. Common warts can be either flat or raised, and dry or moist. They may have a rough and pitted surface that is either the same color as or slightly darker than the surrounding skin. Common warts can also be as small as a pinhead or as large as a small bean. The virus that causes warts is highly contagious and is acquired through breaks in the skin. If common warts are picked, trimmed, bitten, or touched, they can be spread. Warts on the face can spread due to shaving. Thankfully, common warts typically do not cause pain or itching.

Plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet and the undersides of the toes. These warts are bumpy white growths which often resemble calluses. However, plantar warts are tender to the touch and often bleed if the surface is trimmed. Plantar warts also often have an identifiable hard center and do not generally spread to other parts of the body.

Genital warts are soft, moist growths that can be found in and around the vagina, anus, penis, groin, and scrotum. In men, they can even grow in the urethra. Genital warts are usually pink or red in color and often resemble tiny heads of cauliflower. Most times, genital warts occur in clusters, but they can also appear singly as well. Genital warts are transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex and are extremely contagious. These warts do not usually appear until three months or more after an individual becomes infected with the HPV virus that causes them. Because of this, the virus can be spread before the carrier is even aware that he or she has it. Even though genital warts are not cancerous, they often cause changes in the cervix that are viewed as a precursor to cervical cancer. An infant that is born to a mother who has genital warts may contract the virus as well.

The following nutrients are viewed as being very important in dealing with warts: vitamin B complex and vitamin C with bioflavonoids, while l-cysteine, MSM, vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc are also important. Additionally, a multivitamin and mineral complex and reishi extract are both determined to be helpful in dealing with warts, as the multivitamin and mineral complex is needed for normal cell division and reishi extract has antiviral properties.

The following herbs are also beneficial in dealing with warts: aloe vera gel; myrrh; essential oils of clove, lemongrass, peppermint, tea tree, or wintergreen; tinctures of black walnut, chickweed, goldenseal, and pau d’arco; astragalus; and black walnut extract.

Tea tree oil is extremely effective in removing warts. Using a 50% to 100% Pure tea tree oil for external use is recommended for short periods of time throughout the day as tolerated can help reduce or eliminate warts all together. Look to your local or internet vitamin store for herbs for internal and tea tree oil for external use to help prevent and remove warts for good!

Author Bio: You can get tea tree oil and herbs for the immune system at VitaNet ®, LLC Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Remove warts naturally, Tea Tree Oil, Natural Wart Remedy, Virus, Aloe Vera