The human papillomavirus (HPV) affects nearly 40% American women and 45% American men. HPV is capable of being transmitted through skin-to-skin or sexual contact(1). The virus can enter your system through a break in your skin, open wounds, or even a hangnail.
Some strains of HPV are asymptomatic and capable of going away on their own. On the other hand, other strains of HPV such as HPV-16 and HPV-18 could cause conditions like cervical cancer. So far, there is no end cure for HPV. However, vaccines are available against the high-risk strains of HPV.
The most common indication of HPV infection is warts, especially around the genital region. While these warts could be itchy, they do not cause any pain or discomfort. For women, genital warts appear on the vulva but could also be present inside the vagina or at the cervix.
In the case of men, warts appear on the penis and scrotum. Warts around the anus can occur for men and women, both. Common warts can also pop up on other parts of your body.
In this article, we will discuss how to treat HPV-related genital or common warts:
How to Treat HPV Naturally
CURE 1: Essential Oils
Certain essential oils could aid the healing of HPV naturally.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oil is loaded with an array of properties that can promote health and wellness amongst those using it.
Why Does It Work?
Tea tree oil possesses potent antimicrobial(2) properties that make it ideal for topical application over the affected region. It not only helps warts clear up, but this natural cure for HPV can also prevent the spreading of infections.
Materials Required
- 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil
- Two teaspoons of coconut oil
- A sterile cotton ball
Procedure
- Mix the tea tree oil and the coconut oil.
- Dab the cotton swab in the essential oil blend until it is generously coated.
- Apply it over the affected region and let the oil sit.
Frequency
Apply tea tree oil 3 to 4 times daily.
[ Read:Â Tea Tree Oil For Genital Warts ]
2. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is extracted from the Mediterranean herb of oregano. Let’s see how it can help to treat genital warts caused by HPV.
Why Does It Work?
Studies have discovered that oregano oil contains carvacrol(3), a compound that possesses potent antibacterial and antimicrobial(4) properties that may combat the root cause of the infection.
Materials Required
- 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil
- A sterile cotton ball
Procedure
- Dab the oregano essential oil on the cotton ball.
- Place it over the wart and let it stay.
Frequency
Apply oregano oil at least 3-4 times a day for a couple of weeks.
CURE 2: Herbal Treatment
Learn how to cure HPV with a few herbs that are readily available at home:
1. Turmeric
The golden spice, turmeric, can add a dash of health and wellness to your life. This remedy is the best cure for HPV.
Why Does It Work?
Turmeric is loaded with curcumin, which is an antioxidant possessing antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Studies(5)Â suggest that the curcumin present in turmeric could even help in the clearance of cervical human papillomavirus infection.
Materials Required
- Two teaspoons of organic, turmeric powder
- A few drops tea tree and eucalyptus oil
- A teaspoon of carrier oil
Procedure
- Combine the oils and turmeric to make a thick paste.
- Apply a generous layer of this paste over the affected region.
- Cover the area and let it sit for a couple of hours.
- Rinse it off. You may use a pumice stone over warts.
Frequency
Apply this paste after every 3 days until warts fall off.
[ Read:Â Home Remedies for Genital Warts ]
2. Garlic
If you want to implement herbal remedies for HPV, then you must give garlic a try.
Why Does It Work?
Garlic contains bioactive compounds like allicin that possess powerful antiviral and anti- carcinogenic properties that help with getting rid of cutaneous warts along with HPV treatment.
Additionally, it can also help control the proliferation of the HPV-infested cells(6) that could cause wart formation. In fact, studies(7) indicate that the application of garlic extract regularly for 2 months renders it as effective as cryotherapy!
Materials Required
- 3-4 crushed cloves of garlic
Procedure
- Make a paste of the crushed garlic.
- Apply it over the wart and cover it with a bandage.
- Leave it overnight.
NOTE: You can even get garlic extract supplements for HPV treatment.
Frequency
Follow this treatment once every night before going to bed.
[ Read:Â Sexually Transmitted Diseases ]
CURE 3: Home Remedies
Here is a list of reliable home remedies for treating HPV:
1. Green Tea Extracts
If you wish to get rid of HPV, antioxidants should be a vital part of your diet. Green tea is packed with such antioxidants and can actually help!
Why Does It Work?
The presence of catechins such as polyphenon E(8) in green tea extracts is capable of containing and treating genital warts.
Materials Required
- Used green tea bags
Procedure
- Allow the green tea bags to cool.
- Apply them over the affected region and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and rinse with water.
NOTE: You can even make use of ointments containing green tea extracts and apply it over the area.
Frequency
Apply the green tea extract daily.
[ Read:Â Get Rid of Warts Naturally ]
2. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel can be an effective cure for a variety of skin-related conditions, and warts caused by HPV infection are certainly no exception.
Why Does It Work?
Aloe vera gel contains malic acid(9), which possesses powerful antiviral properties. In fact, a number of formulations make use of malic acid to treat recurring warts.
Materials Required
- One to two teaspoons of freshly extracted aloe vera gel
- Sterile cotton swabs
Procedure
- Get some aloe vera gel on the cotton swab and apply it over warts.
- Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse it off.
Frequency
Apply fresh aloe vera gel twice a day.
Now that you are aware of how to get rid of HPV-related warts, you can easily try out the remedies to see what takes effect in your case. Include crunchy vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, etc. in your anti-HPV diet as they contain Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which speeds up the wart-clearing process.
While warts are not a medical emergency, it is advised to consult a doctor as you may have also contracted any sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which require medical attention.
[ Read:Â Get Rid of Plantar Warts ]
FAQs
1.How long does an HPV infection last?
According to WHO, nearly 90 percent of HPV infections clear within two years and it may take as much as five years in some cases. However, even though warts clear up, the HPV continues to remain in your body.
2. Can you get rid of HPV once you have it?
While there is no concrete HPV cure, it has been established that the virus can remain in your body for years. The body can get rid of most strains of HPV on its own.
3. Is there a treatment for HPV?
While research on how to eliminate the HPV virus is underway, there is no concrete HPV treatment. However, the symptoms of HPV are treatable.
4. How can you prevent an HPV infection?
Here are a few measures that you can take to prevent contracting an HPV infection:
- Get vaccinated against HPV
- Opt for regular checkups
- Practice safe sex
- Quit smoking
- Consume Folate and vitamin B12 supplements
