If you’ve dealt with the irritation of plantar warts or the nuisance of skin tags, you’re certainly not alone. These common skin conditions can show up in people of all ages and lifestyles, often catching you off guard. Though generally harmless, they can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and sometimes painful—particularly when they appear in sensitive or highly visible spots.

Here’s the best part—you don’t need to book a pricey dermatologist visit or go through uncomfortable treatments to get rid of warts or skin tags. There’s a powerful, natural remedy you can make right at home with a few common kitchen staples. This easy-to-mix solution can help shrink, dry out, and eventually remove these pesky skin growths—sometimes starting as soon as overnight.

Why Go the Natural Route?

Many over-the-counter treatments for warts and skin tags contain strong chemicals or acids that can be harsh on your skin, particularly in sensitive areas. Natural remedies, on the other hand, offer a gentler yet equally effective alternative—often at a fraction of the cost.

This particular method combines the healing, antibacterial, and exfoliating properties of three key ingredients: apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and tea tree oil.

Each of these ingredients plays a unique role in targeting the root of the issue, and when used together, they create a powerful blend that works deep beneath the skin’s surface. If you’re searching for a safe, affordable, and effective way to treat warts and skin tags, this natural remedy might be exactly what you need.

The Ingredients Behind This Natural Healing Remedy

Let’s take a closer look at how each ingredient contributes to the effectiveness of this powerful blend:

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar is well-known in the natural wellness world for its detoxifying and antibacterial properties. But when it comes to skin growths, it really shines. The acetic acid in ACV penetrates the wart or skin tag and begins to break down the abnormal tissue from the inside out. It also creates an acidic environment on the skin that discourages further viral or bacterial growth, helping to prevent recurrence.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a gentle yet effective exfoliant. It works to remove dead skin cells on the surface and also balances the skin’s pH level, which helps create a hostile environment for bacteria and fungi. In this remedy, it helps thicken the mixture into a paste that stays in place while enhancing the healing process.

Tea Tree Oil

One of nature’s most powerful essential oils, tea tree oil has potent antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial effects. It helps attack the root cause of warts (often caused by viruses like HPV) and soothes the inflammation and redness that often accompanies skin tags. When applied consistently, it aids in drying out the growth while reducing irritation.

How to Prepare and Use This Natural Remedy at Home

Making this powerful treatment takes just a few minutes. Here’s a simple guide to help you get the best results:

What You’ll Need:

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon of baking soda

3 to 4 drops of tea tree essential oil

A cotton ball or pad

A bandage or medical tape

Directions:

1. Create the Paste
In a small bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar and baking soda until it forms a thick paste. Add the tea tree oil and stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.

2. Apply to the Affected Area
Dip a cotton ball or pad into the paste until it’s well-soaked but not dripping. Gently place it over the wart or skin tag, making sure the area is fully covered.

3. Keep It in Place
Secure the cotton ball with a bandage or medical tape. This helps the remedy stay in contact with the skin so the ingredients can work their magic overnight.

4. Let It Sit Overnight
Leave the treatment on for several hours or while you sleep. This gives the natural compounds time to start breaking down the growth from the inside out.

5. Repeat as Needed
Some people see improvement within a day or two, but more stubborn growths may require continued treatment. Repeat nightly until the wart or skin tag dries up, shrinks, and falls off naturally.

What You Can Expect from This Remedy

Natural remedies require a bit of patience, but their results are worth the wait. With consistent application, you can expect:

Visible Shrinking of Warts and Skin Tags
The acidic and drying properties of the ingredients start to reduce the size of the growth from the very first night. Over time, the tissue begins to dry out and detach from the healthy skin beneath.

Smoother, Healthier-Looking Skin
Once the growth falls off, your skin will begin healing. You may see a pink or light-colored patch where the wart or tag was, but this typically fades with time. Keeping the area moisturized and protected can speed up the recovery process.

Little to No Pain or Irritation
This remedy is gentle enough for most skin types and should not cause stinging or burning like many chemical treatments. However, always perform a patch test before applying it to a sensitive area.

No Harsh Side Effects or Scarring
Because you’re using natural ingredients, there’s a much lower risk of scarring or adverse reactions compared to conventional treatments.

Extra Tips to Support Faster Healing

To speed up your skin’s recovery and get the most from the natural remedy, consider adding these simple habits to your routine:

1. Stay Well-Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps your skin flush out toxins and stay healthy and hydrated as it heals.

2. Avoid Picking or Scratching
Let the wart or skin tag come off naturally. Picking at it can cause irritation, infection, or even leave behind scars.

3. Strengthen Your Immune System with Nutritious Foods
A healthy immune system is key in fighting viruses like HPV, which are often behind skin growths. Incorporate vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidant-rich foods to support your skin’s repair and defense.

4. Soothe the Skin with Coconut Oil
After the wart or skin tag falls off, apply coconut oil to the area. It helps moisturize, protect, and promote gentle healing.

A Word of Caution: When to Seek Medical Advice

While natural treatments can be very effective, it’s important to keep an eye on the affected area. If the growth starts changing color, grows rapidly, becomes painful, or you’re uncertain about what it is, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for a professional evaluation.