Warts & Corns: Causes, Types, and Their Homeopathic Treatment

Unpleasant skin growths like Warts & Corn are a very common problem but are highly troublesome & painful sometimes.

Scientists estimate that about one in ten people has warts or verrucas at some point in time in their lives. Warts and corns are the most common skin problem after acne.

What are warts?

Warts are annoying skin growths that are caused by the excessive and rapid growth of keratin, which is a hard protein on the top layer of the skin. Sometimes they go away within months or years.

Causes of Warts

Warts are caused by a virus called ‘Human Papilloma Virus’ (HPV). There are more than 60 kinds of HPV, out of these; some are responsible for warts on the skin. 

HPV virus infects the superficial layer of the skin and enters the body from the broken surface of the skin. HPV stimulates the quick growth of cells on the skin's outer layer, forming a wart.

Risk factors for Warts

Although we are all exposed to HPV, some people seem to be more susceptible to it, while others are naturally resistant. Warts can appear more often in:

• People with weakened immune systems.
• Children and teenagers, as have not (yet) built up antibodies to the virus and have more frequent contact with other wart carriers.
• People who are on steroid treatment, or who are suffering from the disease like HIV infections, which suppress the immune system of the body.
• People who walk barefoot where exposure to a wart-causing virus is common, such as in locker rooms.

Genital warts are more contagious. Different HPV strains cause different warts.

Risk of Spread of Warts

They may occur in any age, sex & society. They can happen anywhere on the body, are disfiguring and embarrassing, are highly contagious, and can also spread from one part of a body to another. 

They may be painful if they are located in areas of repeated friction or pressure. The virus can spread to other parts of the body through:

• Scratching or biting a wart
• Sucking fingers
• Cutting or biting the nails, if there are warts around the nails
• Shaving the face or legs

Having wet or damaged skin, and coming into contact with rough surfaces increase the risk of infection.

Types of warts

There are different types of warts depending on location and their structure:

Common wart (Verruca vulgaris) - 

These warts have a firm, raised, rough surface and may appear cauliflower-like.

They can occur anywhere on the body but mostly appears on hands, knuckles, fingers, elbows, knees, and any area with broken skin. 

Flat wart (Verruca plana) - 

Flat warts are small, smooth flattened warts, flesh-colored, which can occur in large numbers; most common on the face, neck, hands, wrists, and knees.

Also known as plane warts, they grow most often in sun-exposed areas.

Filiform or digitate wart -

These are thread- or finger-like warts, long and thin in shape, most common on the face.

They can grow rapidly on the eyelids, neck, and armpits.

Genital wart (venereal wart, Condyloma acuminatum, Verruca acuminata) - 

A wart occurs on the genitalia. Most warts are harmless, but some strains of HPV can cause warts on, in, or around the genitals. These warts can be more serious. In women, they can potentially lead to cervical, anal, and vulvovaginal cancer.

In men, anal cancer and cancer of the glans penis can also occur as a result of infection with some types of genital warts.

• Mosaic warts - These are multiple plantar warts in a large cluster, commonly on the hands or soles of the feet.

• Periungual wart - A cauliflower-like cluster of warts that occurs around the nails.

• Plantar wart (Verruca plantaris) - These are painful (in some cases) and hard lumps, usually only appearing on pressure points on the soles of the feet. Painful verrucae appear on the soles of the feet, heels, and toes.

Plantar warts are often difficult to clear.

Symptoms of Warts

Symptoms mainly depend on the type of warts. They are usually painless. But at pressure sites, they can be painful.

How to diagnose warts?

The physical appearance of a wart can suggest the diagnosis and type of wart. In a rare cases, it can be confirmed by skin biopsy by taking a sample of the wart. It is needed if it isn't clear that the growth is a wart or if it bleeds and is fast-growing.

It is a good idea to see a doctor if the wart:

• Causes pain
• Bleeds easily
• Changes appearance
• Spreads easily to other parts of the body
• Comes back after prior removal
• Needs to be removed for cosmetic reasons.

Treatment of Warts & Corns

Warts are usually harmless, but in case they are problematic and need treatment, the choice of treatment includes:

• Using a home treatment such as salicylic acid or duct tape. You can get these without a prescription.
• Putting a stronger medicine on the wart, or getting a shot of medicine in it.
• Cryotherapy - Freezing the wart.
• Removing the wart with surgery by electro-surgery, curettage, or laser surgery.

Wart treatment doesn't always work. Even after a wart shrinks or goes away, warts may come back or spread to other parts of the body. This is because even if you remove warts by surgery or salicylic acid, the virus remains in the body that causes the wart.

How to prevent warts & Corns?

The first way to prevent skin warts is to avoid coming into contact with the virus and reduce the risk of catching or spreading warts:

• Do not touch other people's warts.
• Do not use the infected person's towels, washcloths, or other personal items.
• Do not share shoes and socks with the infected person.
• Do not scratch or touch warts repeatedly, as this can cause them to spread.
• Wear sandals when entering and exiting communal showers and pools.
• Do not use the same nail cutter on the infected nail and the healthy nails.
• Do not bite fingernails if warts are near them.
• Keep hands as dry as possible.
• Wash hands thoroughly after touching a wart.
• Also, when if you go to the barber for shaving, be sure to use a new razor that won’t tear or cut your skin, and don’t use their towel, etc.

Warts are common, and they can cause embarrassment. Sometimes they need treatment to eliminate them.

Homeopathic Treatment for Warts & Corns

The conventional mode of treatment of warts, like cauterization, freezing, and putting acid on warts, doesn't always work. Even after removal, warts may come back or spread to other parts of the body. This is because most treatments destroy the wart but don't kill the virus that causes the wart. 

On another side, they may cause pain and scarring. But homeopathic medicines for warts treat this condition in a very safe, mild, gentle, and painless way. Homeopathic medicines follow a curative approach to treat warts by removing them completely. 

These medicines also stop their recurrence. Homeopathic medicines for warts & corns boost the immune system of the body to fight infectious viruses and destroy them. Homeopathic medicines for warts & corns are natural and easy to take and free from any side effects. 

The best Homeopathic medicines for genital warts or warts on the face and other parts of the body are Causticum, Antimonium crudum, Dulcamara, Nitric acid, Ruta, and Thuja Occidentalis, etc.

Some of our cured cases of Warts & Corns, treated with Homeopathic medicines 

Case 1

This is a case of a young lady of 23 years old, which was having multiple warts on the upper surface of both hands for the last 6 months. As her marriage was scheduled for 3 months, she was very nervous and anxious. She has taken some conventional treatment without any relief.

When she came to us, she started crying due to the condition of her hand as warts were on the exposed part and she has to put the Mehandi (henna) on them. She had a fear that her husband and in-laws might reject her due to this problem. 

Now, this was a challenge for me to treat her in a short period so that she can enjoy her marriage.

After completing case taking and an assessment of her symptoms, we gave the Homeopathic medicine to her. 

Within 6 to 7 weeks, all her warts disappeared. She was very happy and returned to ‘Gadwal’ with some more medicine, at her hometown for marriage, as she came to Delhi at her sister's home for the treatment of these warts.

Case 2

This is a case of a male of 25 years old, which was having a large horny plantar wart on the plantar surface of the left palm. It was too big and painful if something hit with this. The patient was unable to close the fist completely as it was painful.

After a complete assessment of his symptoms we prescribed the homeopathic medicine to him and in two months, that planter wart had gone completely.

Case 3

This is a case of a small girl 7 years old, which was having a big wart on her tongue. The girl feels very uncomfortable due to the presence of this wart on her tongue.

Considering her all symptoms we prescribed the right homeopathic medicine to her and in one month, her tongue wart had gone completely.

About the Author: Dr. Rahul Singh

Dr. Rahul Singh is a registered Homeopath and Certified Nutritionist with over 16 years of experience and recipient of multiple awards, helps busy people in this fast life, re-energize with tips on a healthy diet, yoga, beauty, health, and wellness strategies that have an impact on their life.

How to Get Rid of Acne (Pimples) - Acne Cause, Types, Symptoms, Tips, and Their Homeopathic Treatment 

What is Acne?

Acne, also known as pimples, is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. 

Acne usually appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. It affects almost all teenagers during puberty. It is not caused by bacteria, although bacteria play a role in its development. In some women acne develops in their mid-to-late-20s may be due to hormone imbalance.

Acne is characterized by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and greasy skin, and may result in scarring.

Causes of acne

There is no exact cause of acne, known. Acne occurs when sebaceous (oil) glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated and get inflamed

Hormonal cause: 

According to some experts, the primary cause is a rise in androgen levels which is a type of hormone in puberty. 

Rising androgen levels make the oil glands under your skin grow; the enlarged gland produces more oil. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance that lubricates and protects the skin. Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls into your pores, causing bacteria to grow.

Hormone changes during pregnancy may cause acne either to develop for the first time or to recur.

Hereditary Factors: 

Some studies indicate that acne is a result of hereditary. Children whose parents have dealt with acne are more likely to struggle with this skin condition. 

Family history can have a lot to do with the way your skin looks and feels and is usually a good indication of whether or not an individual will deal with acne breakouts.

Stress: 

While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can trigger or exacerbate a breakout. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol and androgen. 

When these hormones fluctuate, your skin secretes more oil, which can bring on a breakout or worsen pre-existing pimples.

Medication: 

Some types of medications such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids, androgen, and lithium may cause or worsen acne. 

Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.

Cosmetic: 

Some cosmetics and skin-care products are pore-clogging (Comedogenic). Faulty and oily cosmetics may cause acne in some people. 

So it is important to read the list of ingredients and choose those which have water as a base. The "water-based" products are usually best for your skin, especially if it has acne.

Some myths about causing the Acne

There are a plethora of myths about the causes of acne, many of which are untrue and baseless.

•    Food: Parents often tell their teenage children to avoid oily, greasy, and fried foods and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse. 

Although some recent studies indicate that a diet rich in carbohydrates can aggravate acne.

•    Frequent washing of face: Blackheads are oxidized oil, not dirt. Sweat does not cause acne and is produced by entirely separate glands in the skin. 

So frequent washing of the face does not help to cure acne. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.

•    Poor hygiene: It does not cause acne.

•    Chocolates: Eating chocolates is not a cause of acne break out.

Types of Acne

Acne is typically categorized into two main types: non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne.

A.    Non-Inflammatory Acne

Non-inflammatory acne is characterized by comedones (whiteheads & blackheads), which can be open or closed. 

Comedones are generally smaller and easier to treat. They develop when skin pores become plugged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

1. Whiteheads- These look like small blemishes with whitish “heads,” which are plugged with sebum and dead skin cells. It happens when there is an excess formation of sebum and dead skin cells.

2. Blackheads- If there are tiny blemishes that look like black dots, you’ve got blackheads. It is also called comedones. Blackheads appeared when the debris inside the follicle becomes oxidized.

B.  Inflammatory Acne

Inflammatory acne is a result of bacterial infection. They develop when blocked pores get increasingly irritated and are more difficult to treat. 

There are four types of inflammatory acne: papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Inflammatory pimples include papules and pustules.

1. Papules - When there is a presence of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells under the skin, which have caused inflammation, it is called papules. Papules do not have pus in them.

2. Pustules - Pustules are similar to papules, but they have pus inside and they may feel painful to the touch.

3. Nodules- Acne nodules appear in the latter stages of an acne breakout and are usually seen in severe cases of acne. They present as large, tender bumps underneath the skin’s surface and can feel hard and stiff to the touch. 

Similarly to papules, nodules contain sebum and dead skin cells, but at a deeper level of the skin and are much bigger and more painful than papules. They do not contain any pus but can remain buried within the skin for a long time.  

If squeezed or ruptured, these nodules can spread over a larger area of the skin and cause deep infections. These lesions can cause damaging and permanent scars on the skin.

4. Cysts - Cysts are similar to nodules, but cystic acne contains pus in it.  Cystic acne is one of the hardest types of acne to treat. 

Cysts are usually painful to the touch. They look like a big, red, and swollen lump on the skin.

Other Types of Acne

There are other types of acne that are different from Acne Vulgaris. Their appearance and symptoms can look similar to acne vulgaris, but they tend to be much more difficult to treat.

Acne Conglobata

These are uncommon and the worst type of acne which is characterized by painful abscesses and irregular scars, and features a large number of inflamed comedones, and nodules. 

It drains all connected sinus tracts underneath the surface of the skin and causes inflammation.  

These are indicative of a deeper condition than your average acne type and can cause more severe and permanent damage to the skin if left untreated.

Acne Rosacea

Acne Rosacea is not a disease of teenagers but it occurs mostly in adults of ages 30-45. It especially occurs in people with fair skin. 

Unlike common acne, there are usually no blackheads or whiteheads in rosacea. Symptoms can include facial flushing, facial redness, spots, thickening of your skin, and eye problems such as dry eyes and sore eyelids.

Acne Fulminans

It is a rare condition and a severe form of Acne Conglobata that is accompanied by horrible systemic symptoms. It always affects adolescent males. 

This condition can actually begin with pain and swelling in the joint and turn into nodular acne. 

This type of acne can come on suddenly and severely, with inflammatory and ulcerated nodular acne appearing on the chest or back.

Acne Mechanica

Acne Mechanica is a specific form of acne that is caused by heat, friction, and pressure against the skin. It is sometimes called "sports-induced acne" because it occurs frequently in athletes. 

Anything that traps heat against the body, whether it’s clothing or athletic equipment, can elicit a breakout. 

This condition can be prevented with absorbent material and shower immediately after activity.

Acne Keloidalis Nuchae

In this type of acne, there is a keloid-like papules & plaques on the occipital scalp and the back of the neck. 

This type of acne mostly appears in African American men. The lesions are often painful and cosmetically disfiguring.

Symptoms of Acne

Acne signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of your condition:

•    Whiteheads - closed plugged pores

•    Blackheads - open plugged pores.

•    Pimples which are papules with pus at their tips

•    Big, solid, painful lumps (nodules) below the surface of the skin.

•    Painful, pus-filled lumps (cystic lesions) below the surface of the skin.

The Dos and Don'ts of Caring For Acne Prone Skin

Dos:

•   Do reduce Swelling with Ice - For swollen pimples, gently apply ice for a minute or so. Just don't keep the ice for so long that it irritates your skin.

•   Do look for cleansers with either alpha hydroxy acids (lactic or glycolic) or beta hydroxy acids (salicylic), or even better, a combination of the two. 

Check the bottle for those ingredients before you buy it. You can use any oil control natural face wash.

•  Do treat body acne. Use any natural antibacterial soap or benzoyl peroxide wash on your back and other areas of your body where you have acne.

•   Do wait for 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face to apply acne creams.

Don't:

•    Don't wash your face too much. Frequent washing can cause dryness and inflammation, making your skin feel itchy and painful?

•    Don't use exfoliating scrubs too often because they can irritate inflamed skin, causing tiny tears.

•    Don't pick, pop, or squeeze your skin. Squeezing blemishes or whiteheads can lead to scarring. And an open wound can get infected.

•    Don't forget to wash your pillowcase and phone! Dirt and bacteria can transfer from your phone, pillowcase, and anything else that touches your face. 

Complications

Possible complications include:

•    Cysts

•    Permanent facial scars

•    Changes in skin color

•    Damage to social life, self-esteem, confidence, and personality.

•    Side effects of conventional medications.

The Role of Homeopathy in Acne

Homeopathic treatment for Acne & pimples is a great alternative and natural therapy for acne. Homeopathic treatment of acne & pimples is totally side effect free and its long-term use does not lead to any damage to the body.

The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat Acne but to ensure that they do not leave any marks and scars. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several medicines are available for acne treatment that can be chosen on the basis of the cause of acne, the condition of acne, and the modalities of the complaints. 

There are many homeopathic medicines that have the potential to cure Acne. Out of them, some of the best Homeopathic medicines are Arsenicum brom, Arsenicum iod, Berberis aquifolium, Kali brom, Hepar sulph, Natrum mur, Pulsatilla, Sarsaparilla, Sulphur, etc.

Proper case-taking and detailed analysis of your symptoms can cure your acne permanently, with a well-selected homeopathic medicine.

About the Author: Dr. Rahul Singh

Dr. Rahul Singh is a registered Homeopath and Certified Nutritionist with over 16 years of experience and recipient of multiple awards, helps busy people in this fast life, re-energize with tips on a healthy diet, yoga, beauty, health, and wellness strategies that have an impact on their life.

11 Top Natural Remedies to Remove Acne & Their Scars

    

Skin is the largest organ of our body, which protects the body from the outside. It gives us a look to us. Everybody wants to be good-looking with fair and healthy skin. But imagine a bad scar on the skin and that too on the face! 

Acne is the common cause of scars on the face. Getting rid of acne is somewhat easier than treating its scars actually. To get acne-free skin many sufferers use many medicines and chemical-loaded creams. Some give quick and good results but either they are not permanent or have a long list of side effects.

But nothing is impossible. If you want some natural and safe alternatives to remove your acne & pimple scars, try the following 11 top natural remedies to remove acne & their scars. 

Regular use of these natural remedies may help you to get rid of these stubborn Acne scars, permanently.

1. Prevention is better than cure

To avoid further scars, do not touch or squeeze the existing acne or a pimple to remove the pus or blackheads. 

When you squeeze or pick your pimples, it leads to further inflammation and harm to your own skin and can cause new scar formation.

Also, prevent your scars from exposure to sunlight to prevent the darkness of your skin.

2. Lemon juice for scars and spots

The natural astringent and antibacterial properties of Lemon juice make it a natural bleaching agent which helps in the lightening of dark spots and acne scars on the face, promotes healing, and revitalizes the skin. 

Lemon juice has natural alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which makes it a good remedy to fade acne scars and unwanted marks on the skin. To get the best results of it, just apply the lemon juice directly to the skin and leave it for up to an hour. 

You should repeat this procedure three to four times a week for better results.

3. Cucumber

Cucumber is a famous ingredient that can treat inflammation caused by acne and acne scars. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and magnesium and helps in hydrating the skin. 

Take a cucumber and cut it off into slices and put them on the scarred skin. After half an hour, removes the slices and rinse your face with cool water. You can repeat this treatment daily. 

To fade away the scars, blemishes, dark spots, and dark circles around your eyes, you can apply fresh juice of cucumber.

4. Honey

Honey is a natural moisturizer that has Antibacterial, anti-allergic, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties that help in the healing of acne or pimple scars. 

Try to get the raw and original honey and not the processed one, which is not so effective. Take honey and simply massage a small amount of honey over your scars and leave it for some time. It can also reduce the irritation & redness caused by acne and pimples. 

Mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with two tablespoons of honey to increase its pore-cleansing power. Use this treatment frequently to get good results.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a popular home remedy for acne-prone skin. Aloe vera is a great natural moisturizer and a source of vitamins. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce acne, give a soothing effect on the skin, and help in reducing acne scars naturally. 

You can use the ready-made aloe vera gel available in the health store or take an Aloe vera leaf and peel away the outer flesh and massage it on your skin gently.  Aloe vera can make your skin look fresh, softer, and healthier.

Sometimes, Aloe vera may cause irritation to Some people might be allergic to Aloe vera, who have sensitive skin, so they should not use aloe vera.

6. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a compound of sodium bicarbonate crystals that exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells gently when used as a cleansing scrub. The particles of baking soda are very smooth and not coarse as considered and would not harm the skin.

Directions of use - Just mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste then massage into the skin where scars are present and leave for some time then wash with fresh water. 

Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a week.

7. Sandalwood paste

  

Sandalwood is a natural astringent with a cooling effect that soothes the skin of the face and helps in cleansing the skin deeply and fading away all acne scars and peeling off dead skin. 

Make a paste of Sandalwood powder mixed with rose water and apply this paste on the skin affected by acne or pimple scars. Sandalwood paste also provides a glowing effect on the skin.

8. Vitamin E

A popular belief is that rubbing vitamin E oil onto your acne scars can help them heal quickly, and reduce their visibility. Vitamin E helps to protect the body’s tissues from harmful free radicals, which can damage your body's cells. 

You can use either oil rich in vitamin E and directly apply it on acne scars or gel capsules of vitamin E by puncturing the capsule and squeezing the content on your finger and applying it on your scars.

9. Water

Water is a great purifier. By drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day, you can flush most of the impurities out of your body. 

You can also place a towel soaked in hot water over your scarred face to get the benefits of steam. Steam helps to open the pores of the skin and flush out the impurities. Water also improves your digestion.

10. Turmeric Powder

Turmeric powder is a famous home remedy to get rid of acne scars. Turmeric possesses anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties that help in treating acne. 

It has an active ingredient -  "Curcumin" which has an anti-inflammatory property that helps to heal the inflammation, pain, and discomfort of acne. It also possesses antioxidant property that helps to remove free radicals and clear acne and its scars.

Take 4 tablespoons of turmeric powder and to this add 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. You can also use olive oil or sesame oil instead of milk and honey. Stir this mix in a clean bowl and make a smooth paste and apply on your face regularly. 

Turmeric also helps to improve the complexion.

11. Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine that has very good natural medicine for treating acne & pimples and their scars. 

Some homeopathic medicine like "Berberis Aquifolium" and "Sarsaparilla" can be used to fade acne scars by taking them internally and applying them directly on the skin. Their anti-inflammatory properties heal acne and scars and prevent their further formation.

        

Whatever you use, use it properly and with discipline on a regular basis to get maximum results. After all who wants a face with acne and scars. 

Love your skin and protect your skin!

About the Author: Dr. Rahul Singh

Dr. Rahul Singh is a registered Homeopath and Certified Nutritionist with over 16 years of experience and recipient of multiple awards, helps busy people in this fast life, re-energize with tips on a healthy diet, yoga, beauty, health, and wellness strategies that have an impact on their life.