Warts are a very common problem in our population. This is seen very often in children. Every other day I get a case in my clinic where the mother has brought her child for this problem.

WHAT ARE WARTS?

Warts are non-cancerous growths seen in the top layer of the skin. They are different kinds of warts - common warts, foot warts, flat warts and genital warts. These are the different manifestations of the same infection. They are normally skin coloured and rough to touch but can also be smooth, flat, dark in colour etc… Warts develop in areas where the skin has been broken or damaged.

Warts are often seen around the nails, fingers, hands, arms, feet. Sometimes they are also seen on the sole of the foot. These warts are known as Plantar warts. Occasionally these growths are also seen in the genital, rectal area and even inside the mouth.

WHAT CAUSES WARTS?

Warts are caused by a family of viruses known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are atleast 60 different types of these viruses. Different types of HPV can cause warts in various parts of the body, some may have more affinity for the hands while others may produce warts in the genital area. People who have a habit of biting their nails or the skin are more prone to developing this infection in that area.

Warts are passed on by direct or by indirect spread. This infection is contagious and you can get warts by touching someone else's. You can also get infected by using the same towel or clothes which has been used by the infected person.
(Genital warts are transferred from one partner to the other during sexual intercourse).
Once contact has taken place and the person has become infected it can take months before these growths surface.
Many people ask me this question that why do some people get this infection while others don't. Firstly you have to be in contact with someone who has this infection to acquire it. Also some people seem to be naturally resistant to this virus while others are prone to getting infected by it. People whose immune system is weak are at more risk than others.

WHY ARE WARTS COMMONLY SEEN IN CHILDREN?

Warts develop in areas where the skin has been broken or damaged and this frequently happens in children. They also have the habit of biting their nails or the skin around which makes them more prone to get this infection. And since children touch and play with each other the infection can easily get transferred from one child to the other.
They also tend to share their towels, clothes and toys.
The child's immunity is lower than in adults and this makes them more susceptible to acquire these kind of infections. However peculiarly these warts are commonly seen in children between the age of 4 to 18 years.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF WARTS?

Normally a wart appears as a tiny skin coloured bump, which is rough to feel but there are many variations. They can be white, pink or dark in colour. If you look carefully you might see a tiny black speck which looks like hair.
There might be just one wart in the area or a group of these growths together.
The warts found on the palms and soles of the feet are normally flat. The warts found on the feet are known as Plantar warts. These can cause discomfort especially while walking. The patient describes the symptoms saying that he feels as if there is a small rock in the shoe.
Warts are usually painless however they can become painful if that area gets irritated.
They can even itch and bleed if the wart gets a secondary infection. Then they become red, hot and feel sore.

HOW ARE THESE WARTS TREATED?

There are several methods of treatment available in the market. The variety is so much that people get confused about which one to select. However all these methods are temporary and invariably warts will recur.
In homoeopathy we not only treat the warts but also take into consideration all the other symptoms and constitution of the individual. Also improving the immunity of the child is important in order to prevent these infections from recurring.

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS

This is one of the most popular homoeopathic remedy for warts. Even the lay public know about it and therefore sometimes it is misused. Thuja should only be given where the symptoms are present.
Here the warts appear large, seedy and as if there is a peduncle. They may itch especially where the skin is covered. This child will feel better by warmth and covering himself up properly and will feel worse by cold water.
These children also have a tendency to develop polyps and ulcers.

Thuja Occidentalis 200, 5 pills in repeated doses should be given till all the warts have fallen off and no new ones arise.

NITRICUM ACIDUM

When the warts bleed on touch and washing this remedy should be thought. They are large and have a jagged appearance. These warts are seen on the back of the hands and other parts of the body.
The Nitric acid patient is worse by touch or cold air. Night time is especially troublesome. They feel better by applying something hot.
The Nitric acid patient is prone to developing ulcers, which are sensitive and bleed easily. They get splinter like pains especially under their fingers and nails. This remedy also works wonders in case of ingrowing toenails.

Nitric Acid 1M, 5 pills should be given in these cases till not a single new wart appears.

CAUSTICUM

The appearance of the warts are similar to that of Nitric Acid but the symptoms are different. The warts are large, jagged and seedy. They bleed easily and are very sensitive to touch.
These warts are found more on the tips of the fingers and nose. This is seen more around the fingernails. Children who bite their nails are more prone to develop these warts. These warts are painful and the symptoms are worse at night.
Causticum patients feel worse in dry cold weather and drafts of air. They are ameliorated by warmth and damp wet weather.

Give the child Causticum 200, in repeated doses when the symptoms are present to cure.

There are a number of other very useful remedies in our Homoeopathic materia medica which have proven effective in the treatment of warts. Therefore it is not advisable to self medicate your child.