HPV Home Treatment

The human papillomavirus (HPV), which appears in 130 different forms, has come to be known for its association with certain forms of cancer over the years (specifically, cancer of the cervix). More commonly, however, HPV is associated with various types of warts, including warts on the genitals. For those who do not want to take up the invasive and often painful HPV treatments of Western medicine, natural treatments are available to try. Be sure to check with your doctor first to make sure the HPV is not the type associated with cancer.

Diet

• Get your diet in order. All forms of HPV are fought by your immune system, so if your body is weak or does not get enough nutrients and vitamins, you will be less able to fight off the HPV infection. Stay hydrated and eat fruits and vegetables, which are known to contain antioxidants and boost immune-system performance.

Acids

• Create an acidic environment for the external warts. The virus cannot thrive in acidic conditions, so try applying apple cider vinegar or folic acid to the affected area. If this is too uncomfortable (it may sting), you can take the vinegar and folic acid orally, although they are more effective if used in direct contact. Commerical acids such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) currently are used in medical settings to burn away warts; vinegar and folic acid are natural alternatives.

Lotion

• Apply lotion with vitamin E and aloe vera to the affected area. Warts caused by HPV are hard to get rid of because the skin cells do not shed normally. Applying the lotion to the warts keeps them moist, so layers of skin cells can be rubbed off more easily through natural wear on the skin. Vitamin E and aloe vera help to keep the skin healthy and to heal it.

Cleanliness

• Keep good hygiene habits. First, this keeps the infection from spreading. Second, keeping the warts dry and clean makes them more likely to die and fall off on their own. Lastly, when the affected areas are clean and dry, it is easier for medications that are applied to penetrate the skin and to work against the virus.

Thuja

• Try applications of Western red cedar (Thuja). A tincture with a ratio of 1:2 can be made using the Thuja leaves and alcohol; this then can be added to water, which can be soaked up by a tampon and inserted into the vagina. This should be applied three times a day. You also can fill a 1-ounce bottle with olive oil and 20 to 30 drops of Thuja essential oil; apply this mixture for up to three weeks, three times a day to external warts. Women can use both techniques, while men can stick to just the latter.

Safety and Precautions

• Most cases of HPV do not require treatment. The only time where treatment is necessary is when outbreaks are active and causing substantial discomfort or when they have been connected to abnormal cell growth such as as occurs with cancer. Many people live with the HPV virus for months and never have symptoms. While most treatments are completely safe, some treatments are not suitable for pregnant women, so you should consult your doctor before beginning any regimen, homeopathic or otherwise. Safer sex practices also are recommended if you know you have the virus, especially if lesions are active; this helps stop the spread of the disease.