Warts and its types with Homoeopathic therapeutics

Dr Shwetha Bhat

Abstract
Warts are the Cutaneous neoplasms caused by Human Papilloma Viruses(HPV).
This article reviews knowledge about etiology, types, pathogenesis, causes, diagnosis ,general and Homeopathic management of Warts.

Keywords  : Warts, DNA virus, hyperkeratosis, hyperplasia.

Introduction
Warts are also known as Verrucae are the Cutaneous neoplasms caused by Human Papilloma Viruses(HPV). 

Complications of genital warts

• HPV plays a role in the development of neoplasia of utreus,cervix and anogenital skin
• HPV-16, 18-cervical cancer
• HPV plays a role in the development of neoplasia of utreus, cervix and anogenital skin

Diagnosis

• By looking at the shape and structure of the eruptions
• Skin biopsy to rule out  malignancy

The treatment used in a conventional mode of management

• Podophyllin-anti mitotic agent
• Cantharidin
• Cryotherapy-freezing with liquid nitrogen to destroy infected tissue
• Electro surgery-to burn the area with current
• Curettage-scrapping off
• Excision-cutting
• Laser treatment
• Chemical peeling-salicylic acid, bleomycin

Management

General

Prevention

• To prevent warts from spreading, dermatologists recommend the following:
• Do not pick or scratch at warts.
• Wear pool shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas.
• Do not touch someone’s wart.
• Keep foot warts dry, as moisture tends to allow it to spread

NOTE

In Diabetic patients

• Never try to remove any wart on your foot if you have diabetes
• If you cut or burn your skin, it could cause lasting damage to the nerves in your feet.

RED LINE SIGNS

• Warts that hurt, itch, burn, or bleed.
• You should see a dermatologist when you have:
  • A suspicion that the growth is not a wart.
  • A wart on your face or genitals.
  • Many warts.
  • A weakened immune system.

Some of the homoeopathic remedies that could be thought of  based on their appearance, location or signs

• Nitricum  acidum: Warts on abdomen  which bleeds on touch , on washing, large jagged, inflamed.
• Belladona: Wards red in colour, inflamed.
• Calcarea carb: Warts on face, arms and hands, break open, inflamed, hard.
• Ferrum picricum (Ferr-pic.): Small pointed warts appearing in large groups. Also useful in some cases of flat or plane warts with irregular borders that grow on the face, neck, wrists, hands and knees. Men may have prostatic enlargement.
• Natrum muriaticum (Nat-m): An important remedy for warts on the palms of the hand and soles of the feet. Painful on deep palpation .Indicated in those who are closed, reserved and sensitive.
• Causticum (Caust.): Old, large, gagged warts on the face (especially the nose), under the fingernails, or warts on fingertips & nose that bleed easily suggest the need for this remedy. The warts also tend to be hard, inflamed, and painful and sit on whitish-yellow, dirty looking skin. People who benefit from this remedy tend fear that something awful will happen and feel intensely sympathetic about the hardship of others.
• Graphites (Graph.): Especially in periungual warts or corn-like warts on palms or soles of feet that may be tinged with yellow. Indicated in those who have trouble making a decision and who are prone to keloid scarring.
• Dulcamara: Warts, large, smooth, flat,on face and palmar surface of the hands., cold washing aggravation.
• Ruta graveolens (Ruta): This is a leading remedy for plantar warts, especially on the palms of the hand. People needing Ruta are prone to injuries of tendons and periosteum of bone.
• Thuja occidentalis (Thuj): The most common remedy for various kinds of warts. If no other remedy is obviously indicated, consider Thuja. Particularly indicated in isolated, jagged warts that smell or bleed easily or mosaic warts on the sole of the foot. Fissured very sensitive to touch, dark coloured, commonly needed for ano-genital warts or butcher’s warts. Indicated in those prone to numerous growths or tumors and who worry too much about what people think of them.
• Sulphur: Warts with burning pain, with dryness of skin and increased perspiration.
• Antimonium crudum (Ant-c.): Hard, smooth warts that often appear in groups. Irritability and a thickly coated white tongue also suggest the need for this remedy. The person may also overeat and have various digestive complaints.
• Natrum sulpuricum:  Sycotic excrescences, wart like red lumps all over the body.

References

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Dr Shwetha Bhat
B.H.M.S., M.D.
Assistant professor
FMHMC, Mangalore

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