Harmless yet contagious that are spread by a virus and are commonly found on hands, face, knees, scalp or feet (where they are know as verrucas or plantar wart). Usually warts are symptonless, though some times they may itch or be painful, particularly on the feet. Genital warts, found in around the vagina, anus, penis, or scrotum, can lead to cervical cancer in persons and should be reported to your doctor immediately. It is advisable to use condoms to prevent transmission of genital warts.

Treatment

Warts often disappear after about a year without treatment. The following treatments may help stubborn cases.

Herbal

Rubbing a crushed garlic clove on the wart is said to help remove it. Eating plenty of raw garlic may also help.

Homoeopathy

Professional treatment is strongly recommended though the following remedies may be tried initially, to be taken every 12 hours for up to 3 weeks:

* Large jagged warts on warts on the face, eyelids, fingertips that bleed easily: Causticum 6c.

* Cauliflower-like warts, itchy which bleed when washed: Nitric acid 6c.

* Flat horny warts on the hands and soles of the feet: Antimonium crudum 6c.

* Warts on the palms, when the hands tend to be sweaty: Natrum muriaticum 6c.

* Thuja mother tincture is a common remedy that is applied twice daily, then keep the wart covered.

Visualisation

Spend five minutes each day relaxing with your eyes closed and visualizing your wart(s) shrinking and gradually disappearing.

Other Applications

Castor oil and baking powder mixed into a paste: apply at night and cover with a band aid or sticking plaster. Leave exposed to the air during the day.

* Vitamin E oil: apply 3 times daily and cover.

* Vitamin A oil: apply 3 times daily and cover.

Professional Help

* Hypnotherapy can be effective.

Orthodox

* Freezing or burning, sometimes surgery.