Herbal Treatment for Plantar Warts : Symptoms, Cause and Herbal Supplements

Abstract

Skin conditions are among the most common reasons patients seek medical attention, and one such condition is warts. Warts are benign, yet persistent growths on the skin, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they can appear anywhere on the body, plantar warts are unique to the soles of the feet, often forming in areas subjected to pressure, such as the heels and balls of the feet. These warts are typically distinguished by their thick, rough texture and the presence of small black dots—clotted blood vessels beneath the surface. Plantar warts can be particularly painful, especially during walking or standing, and they are sometimes mistaken for calluses. Treatment options range from over-the-counter solutions like salicylic acid to cryotherapy and, in more persistent cases, surgical removal. In the following sections, we will explore plantar warts in greater detail, delving into both modern treatment approaches and the insights offered by traditional Indian medicinal systems of Ayurveda.

Introduction

Plantar warts are a type of wart that develops on the soles of the feet, caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Unlike common warts, which typically appear on hands or other parts of the body, plantar warts form in areas of the feet subjected to pressure, such as the heels and balls of the feet. They are characterized by rough, thickened skin and may have small black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. Plantar warts can be painful, especially when walking or standing, due to the constant pressure placed on them. The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, making it highly contagious. These warts are often slow to heal and may require medical treatment to remove. In Ayurveda, the condition can be correlated with Charmkeela mentioned in Sushruta Samhita. Let’s have a look at the causes, signs and symptoms and management of the same.

Causes

• Human Papillomavirus infection: Can enter through cuts or broken or discontinuous skin.
• Weakened immune system: Increases susceptibility to HPV infection.
• Moist environments: Public pools or showers promote HPV spread.
• Direct Skin Contact: Contact with infected skin or surfaces.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain and discomfort: When standing, walking, or applying pressure on the wart.
• Rough and thickened skin: Hard and raised on the sole of the foot.
• Black dots: Small black spots visible on the wart’s surface.
• Callus formation: Can be present.
• Wart size: May increase with time.

Investigation

• Clinical Examination
• Dermatoscopy: To closely examine the characteristics of the warts.
• Skin biopsy

Management

• Topical treatments: With salicylic acid, cantharidin.
• Cryotherapy
• Laser ablation
• Electrosurgery: (Cauterisation)
• Surgical removal
• Immune response modulation
• Duct Tape method
• Preventive measures: Avoid direct contact with infected surfaces and maintain proper foot hygiene.

Ayurvedic View and Management

Plantar warts can be correlated with Charmakeel, which is a clinical ailment described in Arshroga Nidana in Sushruta Samhita. It is a nail-shaped or peg-shaped immovable lesion on the skin caused by the exacerbation of Vyana Vayu in association with Kapha. Aggravated Vata causes pricking pain, Kapha results in white lesions similar to an abscess, and Pitta along with Rakta vitiation gives a black and red discoloration to the lesion—characteristic signs of plantar warts. Treatment includes Chedana (excision), Kshar Karma (application of caustic agents), and Agnikarma (cauterization). Conservative therapies are also beneficial, including multimodal treatments such as topical applications, Avgah Sveda (soaking the feet in herbal decoction), and oral medications.

Herbs such as manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), khadira (Acacia catechu), sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), nimba (Azadirachta indica), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), chandan (Santalum album), vasa (Adhatoda vasica), karanja (Pongamia pinnata), neelini (Indigofera tinctoria), kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia), haridra (Curcuma longa) and others are effective in managing Plantar Warts.

Management includes avgahan sveda with triphala decoction, applying paste of garlic cloves, panchtikta ghrit guggulu, mahamanjishthadi kwath, khadirarishta, haridra, mahatiktam kashayam, panch tikta kashaya, patolakaturohinyadi kashayam, gandhak rasayan, triphala guggul, kaishore guggul and other medicines that are helpful in providing relief from Plantar Warts.

Herbal Remedies for Plantar Warts by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified ayurvedic company and manufacturing unit. Planet Ayurveda’s products are indeed pure and effective and composed as mentioned in the ayurvedic formulatories and texts. The products are free of chemicals, additives and sweet enhancers. They are devoid of preservatives and synthetic drugs. Planet Ayurveda is pleased to present its list of herbal products that are effective in managing the condition of Plantar Warts.

List

1. Gandhak Rasayan
2. Mahamanjisthaghan vati
3. Neem Capsules
4. Kustha Rakshas Tel
5. Thuja Occidentalis Mother Tincture

Description

1. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation that contains sulphur as its active component. It is indicated in a number of conditions. It is commonly used in skin related conditions including warts, acne and others. Gandhak Rasayan helps in this condition with its antiviral properties, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and immune modulation properties. All these properties make Gandhak Rasayan an effective remedy in managing Plantar warts.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

2. Mahamanjisthaghan vati

Mahamanjisthaghan Vati is a classical herbal ayurvedic medicine. The tablets contain the extract of the decoction of the herb manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). The herb is well known for its blood cleansing or purifying property. Not only this, but it also exhibits antiinflammatory and antiviral activity. With these properties the tablets help in fighting HPV and removing the warts and enhancing the overall skin health. Therefore, Mahamanjisthaghan vati is an absolute choice in the said condition.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

3. Neem Capsules

Neem Capsules contain the essence of neem (Azadirachta indica). The skin benefits of neem are world famous. Skin beautifying, blood purifying, antimicrobial and antiviral actions of neem are over the top. These extraordinary properties of neem makes neem an extremely beneficial choice in managing the condition of Plantar warts.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

4. Kustha Rakshas Tel

Kustha Rakshas Tel is a classical oil preparation. As the name suggests, Kustha Rakshas Tel is indicated in skin conditions (Kustha means skin diseases). The formulation has the skin benefiting properties of gandhak (purified sulphur), parada (purified mercury), kutha (Dolomiaea costus), saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris), lashun (Allium sativum), bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia) and others as well. The oil works wonders on skin and manages pain, itching, discomfort well and also eases the process of healing. These properties make this oil an important topical management plan for Plantar Warts.

5. Thuja Occidentalis Mother Tincture

Thuja Occidentalis Mother Tincture is a popular homeopathic remedy derived from the leaves and branches of the Thuja occidentalis tree, also known as the Eastern Arborvitae or White Cedar. Thuja Occidentalis is primarily used in homeopathic treatments for various skin conditions, including warts, especially when they are caused by viral infections like the human papillomavirus (HPV). It has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating these growths, promoting healing, and relieving discomfort. Thuja is also used for other health issues such as fungal infections, acne, and even conditions related to the immune system. It is considered particularly useful when warts are recurrent or appear in clusters, especially when the skin has a tendency toward abnormal growths. Therefore, this is indeed an efficient remedy in managing Plantar Warts.

Usage : Take the amount of Kustha Rakshas Tel to be used. Now add 3-4 drops of thuja occidentalis mother tincture. Mix well and apply over wart/warts.

Conclusion

Plantar warts is a condition when the warts are caused by human papillomavirus when a person gets infected with it. The virus enters through the skin and causes inflammation and callus-like appearance. The condition is quite discomforting as one finds it difficult to stand and walk as the pressure exerted onto the sole leads to pain. The management of the condition includes topical ointments, cryotherapy, laser ablation and surgical removal. In Ayurveda the management is quite effective and includes topical and internal usage of medicines. The condition of Plantar Warts can be well managed with herbal remedies as warts go away without leaving a scar or hyperpigmentation. In the end, using ayurveda and natural remedies should be of utmost priority.