Apple cider vinegar contains antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that might help treat warts. However, limited research supports its effectiveness.

Skin warts are harmless raised bumps that form mainly on the hands and feet and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In many cases, warts will get better on their own without any treatment.

There’s no cure for HPV, so treatment is aimed at removing the wart and skin affected by the virus. Treatment typically includes medical treatments, such as topical cream, laser therapy, or cryotherapy.

Some people also suggest that complementary remedies, such as apple cider vinegar, may help treat warts. However, it’s important to note that the research supporting these claims is limited, and the results are mixed.

Keep reading to learn more about how apple cider vinegar may help support wart treatment

Vinegar has been used for thousands of years to treat various skin conditions and other ailments.

Apple cider vinegar may help manage warts due to its antimicrobial properties, which could help kill or prevent the growth of certain viruses, bacteria, and fungi that contribute to the development of skin warts.

In general, apple cider vinegar is believed to work for warts in the following ways:

  • Vinegar contains acetic acid, which can kill certain types of bacteria and viruses on contact.
  • Vinegar burns and slowly destroys the infected skin, causing the wart to fall off or peel, similar to salicylic acid.
  • Irritation from the acids stimulates your immune system’s ability to fight the virus that caused the wart.

While apple cider vinegar may kill harmful pathogens, limited scientific evidence suggests that it can reliably treat warts.

For instance, a 2012 study found that applying apple cider vinegar to warts helped remove the top part of them, but these quickly regrew. The vinegar also caused skin irritation to the surrounding skin.

As such, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before applying apple cider vinegar to your skin. They can help develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Apple cider vinegar is a relatively weak acid, containing 3% to 5% acetic acid. However, even weak acids can cause chemical burns.

For instance, a 2019 study found that apple cider vinegar soaks caused skin irritation in people with atopic dermatitis.

Similarly, older reports from 2015 and 2012 found that apple cider vinegar caused chemical burns when applied directly to the skin and covered with a bandage.

An allergic reaction is possible with any natural product. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

  • difficulty breathing
  • rash or hives
  • dizziness
  • fast heartbeat

You should exercise extreme caution when applying apple cider vinegar directly to your skin. It’s likely you will feel mild irritation or a burning sensation.

If you experience significant pain and burning, remove the cotton ball and rinse the area with water. When trying this remedy, be sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar with water to help prevent burns.

You shouldn’t apply apple cider vinegar to open wounds or directly to the face and neck. Also, don’t use apple cider vinegar on a genital wart. This type of wart is distinct and should be treated by a healthcare professional.

The most recommended method for treating a wart with apple cider vinegar is fairly simple. You just need a cotton ball, water, apple cider vinegar, and duct tape or a bandage.

  1. In a bowl, mix two parts apple cider vinegar with one part water.
  2. Soak a cotton ball in the vinegar-water solution.
  3. Apply the cotton ball directly to the wart.
  4. Cover the wart with tape or a bandage, leaving the cotton ball in place overnight (or for as long as possible).
  5. Remove the cotton ball and bandage or tape, then discard them.
  6. Repeat every night until the wart falls off.

Another method involves creating a solution for submerging your hands or feet:

  1. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a bucket or large container.
  2. Submerge the affected area with warts in warm water for about 15 minutes each day.
  3. Rinse the skin with water when you’re done.

Limited studies have assessed the time it takes for apple cider vinegar to remove warts and prevent them from recurring.

Anecdotal reports suggest that it can take around 1 to 2 weeks for warts to fall off after treatment with apple cider vinegar.

It’s best to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, before applying apple cider vinegar to warts. They can help develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Some people claim that apple cider vinegar may help treat warts, largely due to its antimicrobial properties.

However, like many natural remedies, the evidence supporting the use of apple cider vinegar to treat warts is mostly anecdotal.

Before trying apple cider vinegar, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to help reduce the risk of side effects like irritation, burning, and allergies.

A doctor can also help develop an appropriate treatment plan for your warts, which may include a combination of home remedies and medical treatments.