Warts

Warts are small, flesh coloured growths with a rough surface
arising from the skin.

DESCRIPTION

Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus. The virus makes
skin cells multiply, causing an overgrowth of cells which form the
Wart. These infections can come singly or in multiples and commonly
occur on the hands.

Warts can be spread by direct skin contact and are usually
painless.

Children from the age of 12 to 16 years are the most common
group with Warts, although they can occur at any age.

There are different types of Wart and the plantar Wart is one
variety. This painful Wart is found on the sole of the foot. It is
usually more deep seated and is much harder to remove. See the
topic on Plantar Warts on the Healthpoint.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

See your Doctor for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Ask your Doctor about the latest advice on this
ailment. 

Most Warts will disappear naturally within 2 years, but
treatments are available to remove them sooner. A wide range of
topical ointments are available to treat Warts. These work by
killing the skin cells that the Wart-causing virus lives in. When
applying these ointments, care should be taken to protect
surrounding skin.

Sometimes the Doctor will freeze the Wart using liquid nitrogen.
Other treatments include surgical removal and burning the Wart
tissue away using a high voltage electric current. Even after
successfully treating a Wart topically, it may reappear.

DIET HINTS

• Eat raw fresh fruits and vegetables including seeds
  (particularly pumpkin seeds) which will help boost the immune
  system.
• Try to eat a diet which is low in fat and sugar.
• Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Vitamins and minerals may only be of assistance if dietary
intake is inadequate.

INTERNAL ONLY

• Zinc has been shown to have an important effect on the immune
  system and has been successfully used to boost immunity in the
  treatment of a variety of skin diseases. For people who have low or
  borderline levels of zinc, supplements may help offer resistance to
  infection with the wart virus by boosting immunity. And for those
  who have already developed warts, supplementing with zinc may
  provide an effective cure. 

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL

• Goldenseal can be taken internally and applied topically. It
  may be valuable in fighting certain viral skin ailments. This
  includes warts (both genital and nongenital), which are caused by
  the human papillomavirus. 
• Vitamin E is important for immune function and to combat viral
  infections. It may be beneficial in the treatment of warts both
  internally and externally as a cream.
• Echinacea  has anti-viral properties and may enhance
  immune function therefore may be useful in the treatment of
  warts.

 

• Aloe vera gel may be beneficial in the treatment of warts if
  applied topically as it has anti-viral and anti-bacterial
  properties.
• Tea tree oil may be beneficial if applied topically to warts,
  which are caused by viruses.
• Black walnut has healing properties which may be beneficial in
  treating mouth and throat warts.
• Pau d’arco bark has anti-viral compounds and can be used to
  eliminate warts by applying directly to warts.
• Garlic oil has anti-viral properties and it may shrink
  unsightly but harmless common warts. Moisten a compress with garlic
  oil or insert a slice of fresh garlic. Leave on overnight, repeat
  until the wart heals. Keep oil or clove away from unaffected
  skin.
• Thuja occidentalis may be useful when applied topically. The
  tincture is applied topically morning and night. Thuja oil and
  ointment is also used topically. Thuja is a herb with antiviral
  activity, thought to be active against the Wart virus. Reapply 2 to
  3 times per day.

NOTES

Seek medical advice if a Wart is brown in colour.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Follow the Diet Hints.
2. If the diet is inadequate consider some supplements.
3. Several Wart paints are available. Consult your Pharmacist for
   advice.