Warts (Verrucae) – benign skin changes usually caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV) "Support" Homeopathy according to Dr. Banerji

Dr. Banerji Protocols

Warts (Verrucae) – benign skin lesions usually caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV)

Warts, medically known as verrucae, are mostly benign skin growths predominantly caused by an infection with certain types of human papillomaviruses (HPV). They can appear at any age but are particularly common in children and adolescents.

The viruses enter the uppermost layer of the skin through tiny injuries or softened skin, leading to increased keratinization and thickening of the skin.

Warts can appear individually or in large numbers. Many disappear spontaneously over time, but some persist for months or years or reappear after treatment.

Infection and Transmission

Wart viruses can be transmitted through direct skin contact as well as indirectly via contaminated surfaces.

Possible transmission routes include:

• direct contact with a wart

• sharing towels or personal items

• walking barefoot in swimming pools, communal showers, or changing rooms

• small skin injuries

• shaving over existing warts

• scratching or manipulating warts

Scratching or cutting can spread viruses to other areas of the skin. This is called autoinoculation.

Common Warts – Verrucae vulgares

The common wart is one of the most frequent forms.

Typical characteristics are:

• rough surface

• roundish or irregular shape

• firm, keratinized structure

• skin-colored, gray, or brownish coloration

They are particularly common on:

• hands

• fingers

• knuckles

• elbows

• knees

Small dark spots may be visible within the wart. These are often thrombosed or clotted small vessels.

Plantar Warts – Verrucae plantares

Warts on the soles of the feet are called plantar warts.

Due to the pressure of body weight, they can grow inwards and develop a pronounced layer of hardened skin. Such painful plantar warts are often referred to as thorn warts.

Typical symptoms include:

• pain when walking

• pressure sensitivity

• keratinized surface

• small dark spots within the lesion

Several plantar warts located close together can form larger areas and are called mosaic warts.

Flat Warts – Verrucae planae

Flat warts are usually:

• small

• flat

• relatively smooth

• skin-colored to slightly brownish

They can appear in large numbers, particularly on the face, hands, or legs.

Shaving or scratching can cause them to spread along small skin injuries.

Filiform Warts – Verrucae filiformes

Filiform warts are narrow, elongated skin growths.

They preferentially appear on the face, for example:

• on the eyelids

• around the mouth

• on the nose

• on the neck

Due to their location, they can be cosmetically bothersome or become irritated by friction.

Warts in the Nail Area

Periungual and subungual warts develop around or under the fingernails or toenails.

They can:

• be painful

• alter the nail plate

• impair nail growth

• be particularly stubborn

Manipulation of cuticles and nails can promote their spread.

Genital Warts are a Special Form

Genital warts (condylomata acuminata) are also caused by certain HPV types, but they differ from common skin warts in terms of transmission, location, and treatment.

They are primarily transmitted through sexual or intimate skin contact and should be medically evaluated separately.

Wart or Corn?

Plantar warts on the sole of the foot can be confused with a corn (clavus).

In a wart, small dark vascular dots may be visible, and the normal skin lines are often interrupted. A corn, on the other hand, is primarily caused by chronic pressure and friction and typically has a central horn-like core.

In cases of unclear changes, the diagnosis should be dermatologically or medically confirmed.

Course and Spontaneous Regression

The immune system can recognize and eliminate HPV-infected skin cells over time. Therefore, many warts disappear spontaneously without treatment.

However, this process can take months or longer.

Treatment is particularly advisable if warts:

• are painful

• multiply rapidly

• bleed frequently or become irritated

• cause functional impairment

• are cosmetically very bothersome

• persist for a long time

Treatment with Salicylic Acid

A commonly used treatment for common and plantar warts is salicylic acid.

It gradually dissolves the thickened keratin layer of the wart.

Treatment often needs to be carried out consistently for several weeks. Healthy surrounding skin should be protected according to the respective product application.

In cases of diabetes, circulatory disorders, or pronounced sensory disturbances in the feet, self-treatment of foot warts should not be undertaken without medical consultation.

Cryotherapy – Freezing

Warts can be treated with cryotherapy, usually with liquid nitrogen.

This involves targeted freezing of the wart tissue.

After treatment, the following may occur:

• pain

• redness

• blister formation

• temporary pigment changes

Several treatment sessions are often required.

Further Treatment Options

For stubborn warts, further dermatological procedures may be considered, depending on the type, location, and findings.

These include, for example:

• curettage

• certain keratolytic procedures

• electrosurgical procedures

• laser treatment

• selected immunomodulatory procedures

No method guarantees that a wart will disappear permanently. Recurrences are possible because HPV-infected cells can remain in the surrounding tissue.

Do Not Cut Warts Yourself

Warts should not be cut out with knives, scissors, or other instruments by oneself.

This can lead to:

• bleeding

• bacterial infections

• scars

• spread of viruses to other skin areas

Prevention and Avoiding Spread

The following measures can help reduce further spread:

• do not scratch warts

• do not cut or bite warts

• wash hands after contact

• do not share towels and personal hygiene items

• wear bathing shoes in public showers and swimming pools

• keep foot skin as dry as possible

• avoid shaving directly over warts

HPV Vaccination and Common Warts

The available HPV vaccines protect against certain HPV types, particularly those associated with genital warts and various HPV-related cancers.

However, they are not a general vaccination against common hand or foot warts, as these are usually caused by other HPV types.

When should a presumed wart be examined?

Not every keratinized or nodular skin change is actually a wart.

Dermatological clarification is particularly advisable for:

• unclear diagnosis

• rapid growth

• repeated bleeding

• noticeable change in color or shape

• non-healing skin lesions

• unusually numerous warts

• pronounced immunodeficiency

• warts on the face or genital area

• changes that continue to grow despite treatment

Especially in older people, new, unusual skin changes should not automatically be classified as harmless warts.

Homeopathy according to Dr. Banerji

In homeopathy according to Dr. Banerji, specific homeopathic remedies and potencies are used for warts and various HPV-related skin changes according to the Banerji protocols.

A reliable elimination of HPV, permanent removal of warts, or prevention of their spread through homeopathic remedies is not scientifically proven.

In cases of unclear, growing, bleeding, or unusual skin changes, a medical or dermatological diagnosis should not be replaced or delayed by homeopathic treatment.

Important Note

Warts are predominantly benign. However, a presumed wart should be medically examined if it looks unusual, grows rapidly, bleeds spontaneously or repeatedly, changes significantly, does not heal, or the diagnosis is unclear.

The information on this page is for general information purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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