Duct Tape Wart Removal - Does it Work?

Warts are unsightly growths on the skin caused by human papillomavirus or HPV. They are rather harmless but they could prove to be bothersome and annoying. The peculiar thing about this virus is that it takes residence in the skin's upper layers without alarming the body's immune system.

Warts can be passed on to other people not only through skin-to-skin contact, but also through materials that had contact with infected skin such as clothes, towels, and bed sheets. They are said to be very common in children.

In 2002, a small study made waves when it claimed that duct tape wart removal was an effective way of removing warts, especially those on children and young adults. Duct tape wart removal makes use of duct tape - yes, the ever reliable wonder tape - by attaching it to the infected area. It works supposedly by irritating the skin, thereby stimulating the body's immune system to attack the virus that is causing the warts.

So how is the duct tape wart removal actually done? First, apply the piece of duct tape directly on the wart for six days. If it falls off earlier, simply reapply the tape. Second step is to remove the duct tape, soak the wart in warm water, then use an emery board or a pumice stone to buff the skin on top of the wart. Lastly, reapply the duct tape after 24 hours and simply repeat steps 1 and 2.

Some experts claim that doing this for one or two months will eliminate the annoying growth. Positive effects can sometimes be seen as early as two weeks.

However, many people are skeptical towards the duct tape wart removal as a home remedy for warts. Most people aren't as comfortable with the idea that their trusty adhesive could also be capable of curing a common skin problem.

A more recent study has strengthened the doubt by showing that duct tape wart removal isn't as effective as some people would like to think. However, this study is a bit problematic as it did not make use of the same constants and variables as the earlier study.

On the other hand, dermatologists share that a lot of their patients show up seeking help since they have tried using the duct tape method, and it miserably failed.

The duct tape's success as a wart remedy has been observed to work better in children than in adults. This may probably be attributed to the fact that children have stronger immune systems than adults, making them better equipped to get rid of warts, regardless of what treatment might be used on them.

So what then is the final verdict on duct tape? Does it work or is it a myth? Well, there really is no harm in trying it. It is, after all, a cheap and painless remedy you can easily do at home. If it doesn't work, you can check out other remedies. And if it would make you feel better, experts say warts typically go away on their own in about two years. But if the duct tape wart removal works on you, say sayonara to your hideous warts!