Warts are the simple, non-malignant growths, usually caused by virus. Its incubation period will be in the range of 3-4 months. This means, the virus, once inside the body can take up to 3 – 4 months time to show up warts. It may affect any part of the body.
Table of Contents
Virus
Virus and spreading of warts
Warts are caused by filterable virus called Human Papilloma Virus – HPV 6 and 11.
Filterable means, a virus particle small enough to pass through a filter of diatomaceous earth or porcelain. It may spread from one part of the body to another within the individual.
Warts are caused by filterable virus called Human Papilloma Virus – HPV 6 and 11.
Filterable means, a virus particle small enough to pass through a filter of diatomaceous earth or porcelain. It may spread from one part of the body to another within the individual.
But, spread of the diseases from one to another is rare, as the skin surface does not allow for the lodgment of the virus in the individuals with good immunity. Having said that, it may spread from one to another with long skin contacts.
Warts in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda warts are called Charmakeela.
Charma means skin and
Keela refers to growth or eruption.
Types of warts
Depending upon the nature of the warts they are classified as below,
A) Verruca vulgaris (common warts):
Most common types of warts.
Usually skin coloured or brown coloured with irregular shape and surfaces.
Common sites: Arm, forearm and face.
B) Verruca plana (flat warts, plane warts):
They are also found in skin colour only. But they are flat trapped papules possessing little elevation. Backside (dorsal aspect) of the arm and fore arm are the common sites of this.
C) Filiform warts:
These are finger like projects. Face and neck are the common areas of this varieties of warts. They appear in multiple numbers.
D) Plantar warts:
Plantar warts are larger in size and they appear usually in the base of the foot (sole). In due course of time they become painful.
E) Genital warts:
Affects genitals. In the medical terms they are called Condylomata acuminata. In male, in the area of glans penis and in female in vulva it is originated. These warts grow and spread faster than any other kind of warts. Sexual contact usually spreads this kind of viral warts.
F) Seborrhoic warts:
Flat, and dark brown in colour. These appear in face and old aged people are commonly affected by these.
G) Juvenile warts:
Found only in children. They are flat and found near the genital organs. Associated with bad odour.
H) Verruca necregenica:
These are red or pink coloured dark papules. Gradually they are converted into pus filled warts/blisters (pustules). After the pus discharge the elevated growths will be stable in the body part for longer period.
Ayurvedic treatment for warts
Vata- Kapha Dosha balancing treatments are adopted.
A combination of oral Ayurvedic medicines along with topical application of ointments or herbal powder mixes is advised.
External application:
It is best to undergo these therapies under the care of an Ayurveda doctor.
It is advised to do this only once per day.
The below applications work well when the wart area is made moist and the top layer of dead skin is scraped out under sterile conditions. (Disinfectant liquid like dettol / savlon can be applied to the affected area).
Do not scrape the warts till it starts bleeding. Bleeding may cause spread of warts to the adjacent areas.
You can use pumice stone or nail shaper for scraping. Be gentle, be careful.
Avoid these in case of genital warts or warts on lips etc, consult a doctor.
Avoid these on pregnant mothers and children and consult a doctor.
Whenever excess scraping leads to bleeding, apply dettol or savlon immediately.
External remedies
1. Six C ointment – an Ayurvedic ointment with purified sulphur, zinc, neem oil, Karanja oil etc. Available in Ayurveda stores or even in online.
This ointment can be applied 2 – 3 times a day.
After application, it can be left over the place for as long as possible. At night, you can apply and leave it overnight. This works best with Oral Ayurvedic medicines that are explained below.
2. Tankana bhasma is mixed with lemon juice and fine paste is made and applied over the warts.
Take 3 grams of Tankana Bhasma in a stainless steel spoon. Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice (available in any Ayurveda medical store) to it. Apply this paste over the wart region. You can use the end part of another spoon to apply it. Do it once a day. Be careful not to apply it to other parts of skin, as it may cause burning sensation. Wash it off after 5 minutes. (Learn more about Tankan Bhasma)
3. Yavakshara and Saindhava lavana – Rock salt are taken in equal quantity and fine powder is made. To this, cow’s urine is added and fine paste is made. While mixing, dehydrated lime powder is also added. This is placed over the wart and bandaged with a cloth. This is done daily for 15-21 days. Warts soften and reduced by this.
The above two should not be practised if the warts are formed in genitalia or vital area like eyes, lips etc
4. Take any kshara powder – such as yavakshara, Kalyana Kshara, Palasha kshara etc. Apply it on the duct tape bandages (such as hansaplast, band aid etc). Apply such duct tape over the warts, leave it for 10 minutes and remove the duct tape.
Oral Ayurvedic medicines
1. Kanakabindu arishta-Acts as antiviral; viricide medicament too.This purifies the blood and possesses laxative effect.
2. Aragvadharishta -Laxative, blood purifier and free radical scavenging agent.
3. Khadirarishta-Well-known blood purifier.It has its role even in strengthening the muscles and blood tissues.
4. Gandhaka Rasayana– Well known and potent drug to strengthen the skin and connective tissues.
5. Rasamanikya-Anti viral and bactericidal drug of Ayurveda.
6. Arogyavardhini Vati-Potent Ayurvedic tablet to combat the skin diseases.
7. Chandraprabha Vati– Rejuvinative, revitaliser and immune-modulator.
8. Panchanimbadi Gulika – Has potent antiviral activity.
Prevention tips
How to prevent warts from spreading (or even occurring in the first place)
When the immunity is low, the virus attacks become more visible. This is the reason, warts are common in children, during pregnancy and in middle age people.
Keep your immunity at optimum levels with regular use of turmeric, curry leaves, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, Chyawanprash, etc.
Yoga and Pranayama keep your stress levels low, thereby immunity levels high. Learn a simple Pranayama technique
Regular exercise at least for 10 minutes a day is good for immunity.
Always maintain hygiene. Wash your hands at regular intervals.
Do not share your razors.
Don’t share towels, socks, or shoes with others.
Keep separate shaving blades for face, underarm and pubic hairs. Do not use one common shaver for all purposes. Keep on changing the shavers regularly.
Do not pluck at the warts repeatedly. You will end up spreading the infections to nearby areas.
In case of plantar warts (on the foot), apply bandage or athletic tape and change it daily. This prevents warts from spreading.
Surgical treatments:
Cauterisation, or minor surgical procedures are adopted if the oral medicines and external application do not yield results.
Verruca necrogonica — is a rash of small, red papular nodules in the skin that may appear 2–4 weeks after inoculation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a previously infected and immuno competent individual. The literal meaning being generated by corpses meaning that it can be spread from an individual having a tuberculin bacteria within him mainly seen in Butchers, Pathologists etc.,
The other name of Plantar warts are Verruca that develop on plantar surfaces — that is, the soles (or bottom) of the feet.Verrucas are caused by a virus that invades the skin through tiny cuts or scrapes. It can take some weeks, or even months, for a verruca to appear after you have caught the infection.
Corns on the other hand are hard, thickened areas of skin that form as a consequence of friction, rubbing or pressure on the skin. Usually, simply eliminating the source of friction or pressure allows corns to heal.
Remedies for corn
Some simple home remedies you can follow are:
> Add two to three tablespoons of baking soda to a basin of warm water. Soak your feet in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Rub the affected area with a pumice stone to remove the dead skin.
> Apply fresh lemon juice on the corn and allow it to air dry. Do this at least three times daily.
> Cut two to three garlic cloves into small pieces, add a pinch of salt and then make a paste of it. Apply the paste on the corn, secure it with an adhesive bandage and leave it on for three days. On the third day when you remove the bandage, the corn will also come off. If needed, repeat the process.
> Mix one teaspoon of turmeric power and a little honey to make a thick paste. Apple the paste on the corn and allow it to dry on its own. Repeat two or three times a day for at least one week or until the corn comes out.
Regarding Genital warts: The genital area is too sensitive for many products and you could damage your skin. Instead, see your doctor, who may provide treatment or prescribe a drug for you to apply to the warts
Article by Dr MS Krishnamurthy.
