Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Can Toothpaste Get Rid of Warts?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026

Toothpaste
It is observed that toothpaste can make warts slowly dry out by cutting off the oxygen supply.

Though toothpaste is one of the popular home remedies for getting rid of warts, it is advised to not use toothpaste on your warts because it can do more harm than good by irritating your skin. Some people have reported warts getting smaller by applying toothpaste on them. They suggest applying a non-gel toothpaste on the wart, covering it completely with a band-aid or duct tape, and keeping it overnight. The procedure may be repeated multiple times until warts are completely removed. It is observed that toothpaste can make warts slowly dry out by cutting off the oxygen supply. A detergent called sodium dodecyl sulfate, which is a common ingredient in toothpaste, helps in getting rid of warts.

What are warts?

Warts are small, circumscribed growths on the skin caused by a virus of the human papillomavirus (HPV) group. Most warts are benign (noncancerous), but highly contagious, through direct or indirect contact. They are one of the most common skin problems. An unusual outgrowth of hardened skin is generally considered a wart. They are most commonly found on the hands and the feet, though they may occur on other parts of the human body as well. There are more than 100 distinct strains of HPV that can cause different types of warts. Different and common types of warts are:

  • Common warts: Small, rough bumps typically flesh-colored or greyish with small black specks; they appear alone, usually on hands and fingers (common among children).
  • Flat warts: Small, smooth lesions that form clusters on the face, legs, or back of the hands.