Fact Check: Can Chuna, Baking Soda, and Water Permanently Remove a Wart Or Skin Tag in a Minute?

An Instagram post claims that Chuna, Baking Soda, and Water Permanently Removes a Wart or Skin Tag in a Minute. The claim is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that Chuna, Baking Soda, and Water Permanently Remove a Wart in a Minute. The reel by the user healthyyjevan says, "Just don’t ignore this thing worth only ₹1 — it can permanently remove warts from the root in just 1 minute! All you need is half a spoon of chuna, used in paan (slaked lime), half a spoon of baking soda, and 2–3 drops of water. Mix it well and apply it only on the wart."

The claim can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is false. There is no scientific proof that a paste made from slaked lime (chuna), baking soda, and water can permanently remove a wart or skin tag in one minute. 

What are Warts?

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths triggered by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are highly contagious and can appear at any age, although they’re most frequently observed in children and teens. The virus enters the skin through minor cuts or abrasions, causing an overproduction of skin cells and resulting in thickened, raised lesions.

While warts are generally harmless and may disappear on their own over time, they can sometimes cause discomfort—especially when located on pressure points like the feet. Some may also contain small black or brown dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels beneath the surface.

What are Skin Tags?

Skin tags are soft, harmless growths that usually appear on areas like the neck, eyelids, armpits, and under the breasts. They may match the skin tone or be slightly darker and can become red or pink when irritated. These growths typically occur in spots where skin experiences friction—either from movement, clothing, or jewelry. People with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or a family history of skin tags are more prone to developing them.

What are the Health Benefits of Chuna (Slaked Lime) and Baking Soda?

Chuna also known as Slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂) is commonly used to boost calcium intake, especially in areas where it is added to staple foods like rice. Calcium is vital for bone strength, growth, and development, and maintaining adequate levels helps prevent conditions such as rickets, which results from calcium deficiency.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, decomposes into carbon dioxide, water, and salt, making it a key ingredient in baking by helping dough rise. Beyond cooking, it can enhance physical performance by regulating the body’s pH and reducing muscle fatigue. It may also help lower blood sugar and bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. In people with kidney disease, it can slow the condition’s progression and improve nutritional status.

Can Chuna, Baking Soda, and Water Permanently Remove a Wart Or Skin Tag in a Minute?

Research indicates that slaked lime can enhance calcium absorption when added to staple foods like rice, and baking soda may help regulate acidity, ease muscle fatigue, and benefit heart health. However, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus supporting the claim that slaked lime and baking soda can eliminate warts or skin tags in a minute.

An article in Clinical Medicine and Research states that no single treatment works universally for all patients. It outlines several options, including salicylic acid application, surgical removal through curettage or cautery, chemical cauterization, and cryotherapy. However, it does not mention the use of this home remedy for wart removal.

An article published in the Journal of Integrative Dermatology notes that sodium bicarbonate may be a safe and effective option for certain skin conditions due to its antimicrobial properties. It is used in clinical settings, particularly for preoperative skin preparation. The article also suggests it may help manage conditions like psoriasis and aquagenic pruritus, and might serve as a shampoo alternative with caution.

Further, topical application of chuna (slaked lime) may pose harmful effects on the skin. An article by the Ministry of Education highlights that direct skin contact with slaked lime can trigger several harmful effects. It may cause irritation, leading to redness and itching. Extended or concentrated exposure can result in chemical burns. Furthermore, repeated contact might lead to dermatitis—characterized by skin inflammation, dryness, flaking, and cracking.

These studies do not provide any direct evidence that slaked lime or baking soda can remove warts or skin tags within a minute. Moreover, there is no medical consensus supporting the claim that applying these substances can eliminate them in just a minute.

In a conversation with The Health Dialogues Fact Check Team Dr. Rema Devi T J, Consultant, Dermatology & Cosmetology, KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum said, "There is no proven evidence that slaked lime and baking soda can remove warts or skin tags in 2 days. Chuna is calcium oxide which is caustic. Chuna and baking soda are irritants that can burn the skin, causing redness, peeling, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Most scientific, safe and best treatment option is electrocauterisation of warts with monopolar cautery"

Dr. Asha Zacharia, Consultant, Dermatology & Cosmetology, KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum further added, "Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated using appropriate methods recommended by a dermatologist. Using substances like chuna (lime) and baking soda can lead to chemical burns, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and infections, rather than eliminating the virus."

Health Dialogues Final Take

The claim that a paste made from slaked lime, baking soda, and water can completely remove warts in a minute is not backed by scientific evidence or medical consensus and Chuna may pose health risks.

Therefore, the claim is FALSE.