“Apple cider vinegar gets rid of warts.”

FALSE

A wart is a harmless growth caused by a virus that settles in the top layer of the skin. This virus is called the human papillomavirus. Apple cider vinegar does not get rid of this virus.

Acidic substances such as vinegar can burn the healthy skin around a wart. The wound that results makes it easier for the virus to spread to the surrounding skin.

Why does a wart appear out of nowhere? The virus enters through small scratches and cracks. It spreads more easily in damp places such as swimming pools and gyms. A wart can show up months after the virus was picked up, so where it came from is often not known.

Some warts go away on their own. A wart that spreads, hurts, or appears on the face or the genital area should be checked. Not every raised bump that looks like a wart is a wart; telling them apart is done at the consultation.

Options such as freezing, burning and medicines applied to the skin are chosen according to the position, number and size of the wart.