How to Soak a Plantar Wart to Get Rid of It

Plantar warts appear on your feet, usually at the soles. They're caused by a virus called human papillomavirus. Most warts are harmless, but because plantar warts appear on the bottom of your feet, they're often sore or irritated from walking and friction. If this is the case, you can take steps at home to remove them, requiring multiple treatments and a few weeks time.

Soaking feet helps remove warts. (Image: vora/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Fill a large bowl or the bottom of your bathtub with warm, soapy water. Wash your feet with soap and water. Keep them in the tub to soak for at least 10 to 20 minutes, according to MayoClinic.com. Add more hot water if the water starts to cool.

Step 2

Remove your feet from the tub or bowl and rinse away the soap. Pat your feet dry.

Step 3

Use something coarse such as a pumice stone, washcloth or nail file to scrape away the top layer of newly-softened skin on your wart, recommends FamilyDoctor.org. Stop when you get to the tender skin below the dry, loosened skin to prevent bleeding or infection.

Step 4

Repeat the foot soak and skin removal each day for several weeks or until you can't see the plantar wart anymore.

Step 5

Combine the soaking method with an over-the-counter salicylic acid-based wart remover for faster results.