Warts under the eyes can be a distressing problem. While not typically harmful, these small growths, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), can be cosmetically bothersome and sometimes irritating. Conventional treatments like cryotherapy, laser surgery, or prescription medications can be effective, but they can also be costly, invasive, and might lead to scarring. Many individuals prefer to explore natural remedies first, especially for the sensitive skin around the eyes. This article will delve into five popular home remedies for warts under the eyes, providing you with the knowledge to try safe, effective treatments at home.
What Are Warts?
Warts are non-cancerous growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus infects the top layer of the skin, causing the cells to grow abnormally, forming a wart. These growths can appear anywhere on the body, including around the eyes, but they are most common on the hands, feet, and face.
There are different types of warts. Those that typically appear around the eyes are often filiform warts, characterized by their long, narrow shape. They are usually flesh-colored and can grow quite quickly. Although they are not dangerous, filiform warts around the eyes can be sensitive due to their proximity to the delicate eye tissue.
Why Do Warts Develop Under the Eyes?
Warts can develop in various parts of the body when the skin comes into contact with the HPV virus. The areas under the eyes are particularly sensitive and prone to growths due to the thin skin and frequent touching or rubbing of the face. The HPV virus thrives in areas where the skin is moist or damaged, allowing the virus to enter through small cuts or abrasions.
Now that we understand what causes warts, let’s explore five home remedies that can help treat them, particularly when they appear under the eyes.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the most popular home remedies for warts, including those under the eyes. ACV contains acetic acid, which is believed to attack the wart tissue, causing it to break down over time. It’s a safe and natural option when applied correctly.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Warts Under the Eyes
Dilute the vinegar: Since the skin around the eyes is delicate, it’s essential to dilute the ACV before applying it. Mix one part ACV with one part water.
Apply with a cotton swab: Soak a cotton swab in the diluted solution and gently dab it onto the wart. Avoid getting the vinegar too close to the eyes as it can cause irritation.
Cover the area: Some people prefer to cover the treated wart with a bandage to keep the vinegar in place. However, for warts near the eyes, simply applying the solution and allowing it to dry naturally is sufficient.
Repeat daily: For best results, apply the ACV once or twice a day for several weeks until the wart begins to darken and eventually falls off.
Benefits of Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Natural antiviral properties: ACV has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that may help combat the HPV virus responsible for warts.
Mild acid: The acetic acid helps exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and breaking down the wart tissue over time.
Caution
Be cautious not to get the vinegar in your eyes, as it can cause a stinging sensation. If this occurs, rinse your eyes immediately with cool water.
See also: 7 Natural Remedies To Treat Milia Under Eyes
2. Banana Peel
Banana peel is another simple and widely-used remedy for warts. The peel contains enzymes and compounds like lutein, which may help reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. The theory behind this remedy is that the enzymes in the peel work to dissolve the wart over time.
How to Use Banana Peel for Warts Under the Eyes
Cut a small piece of banana peel: Choose a ripe banana, and cut a piece of the peel large enough to cover the wart.
Place the peel on the wart: With the inside of the peel (the white part) facing the skin, gently place it over the wart.
Secure the peel: If the wart is in a tricky position near the eye, securing the peel with medical tape can help keep it in place. Alternatively, you can simply hold it there for 10-15 minutes.
Repeat regularly: For best results, apply the banana peel to the wart once or twice a day. This method is gentle enough for the sensitive skin around the eyes and can be continued for several weeks.
Benefits of Banana Peel
Natural enzymes: The enzymes in banana peels may help to break down the wart’s structure.
Moisturizing: Banana peel provides natural moisture to the skin, which is beneficial for maintaining skin health during treatment.
Caution
Be careful not to press too hard when applying the banana peel, as the skin under the eyes is sensitive.
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil is a thick, nutrient-rich oil often used for skin care due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Its high concentration of ricinoleic acid is believed to help dissolve warts over time, making it a gentle option for treating warts under the eyes.
How to Use Castor Oil for Warts Under the Eyes
Apply a few drops of castor oil: Using a clean fingertip or cotton swab, apply a few drops of castor oil directly onto the wart.
Massage gently: Gently massage the oil into the wart for a few minutes, ensuring the area is fully coated.
Leave overnight: For the best results, leave the oil on the wart overnight. You can reapply it in the morning and throughout the day if desired.
Continue daily: Castor oil treatments can be done daily and may take several weeks to show noticeable improvement.
Benefits of Castor Oil
Safe for delicate skin: Castor oil is very gentle, making it suitable for use around sensitive areas like the eyes.
Anti-inflammatory properties: The oil can help reduce redness and irritation caused by the wart, promoting overall skin health.
Caution
Avoid getting castor oil directly into your eyes, as it can cause temporary blurriness and discomfort.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. This essential oil can help reduce the size of the wart and may even prevent the spread of the HPV virus.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Warts Under the Eyes
Dilute the oil: Since tea tree oil is potent, it should be diluted before applying to the sensitive skin around the eyes. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
Apply with a cotton swab: Soak a cotton swab in the diluted mixture and gently dab it onto the wart.
Let it dry: Allow the tea tree oil mixture to dry naturally.
Repeat daily: Apply the oil once a day for several weeks to help the wart diminish.
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
Antiviral properties: Tea tree oil’s antiviral properties may help target the underlying virus that causes warts.
Anti-inflammatory: It can help reduce inflammation and redness around the wart.
Caution
Always dilute tea tree oil before applying it to the skin, especially around the eyes, as undiluted oil can cause irritation.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing and healing properties, particularly for burns and skin irritations. It’s also used as a natural remedy for warts due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Warts Under the Eyes
Extract the gel: If you have an aloe vera plant, cut a leaf and extract the fresh gel. You can also use store-bought aloe vera gel, but ensure it’s 100% pure without added chemicals.
Apply the gel: Using clean fingers or a cotton swab, apply a small amount of aloe vera gel directly onto the wart.
Leave it on: Allow the gel to dry naturally, and reapply several times a day.
Continue daily: Aloe vera can be used as a long-term treatment, and its gentle nature makes it ideal for use on sensitive areas like the skin around the eyes.
Benefits of Aloe Vera
Soothing properties: Aloe vera soothes irritated skin and reduces inflammation, making it ideal for warts that cause discomfort.
Gentle and safe: Aloe vera is very gentle and can be safely used around the delicate eye area.
Caution
If using store-bought aloe vera gel, make sure it’s free of additives that could irritate the skin.
Conclusion
Warts under the eyes can be challenging to treat, but natural remedies like apple cider vinegar, banana peel, castor oil, tea tree oil, and aloe vera offer gentle, effective options. These remedies work best when used consistently over time, and they are safe for the sensitive skin around the eyes. However, if warts persist or become painful, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to explore alternative treatments.
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