WARTS

    Common warts, also known as verruca, are non-cancerous tumors caused by pathoviruses. Under microscopic examination, the flat plates of the epidermis are seen to be tilted at ninety degrees, growing outward instead of lying flat with the skin surface. Otherwise, the skin cells appear normal. Viral warts most frequently grow on the hands or fingers of children. Warts on the elbows, knees, face, and isolated sites elsewhere on the body are less common. They appear most frequently on sites subject to injury. The appearance and size depends upon the location and on the degree of irritation they are subjected to. They can be round or irregular, and are usually firm and dry. Color varies from light gray, yellow, and brown, to grayish black. Size varies from 1/8 to 1/2 inch. They may come and go in the same individual in a haphazard way. Infections with the virus may appear as single or multiple growths and develop by spreading from one side of the body to the other. Complete regression is common, with or without treatment. Warts can persist for years and may reoccur at the same or different sites.


    Plantar warts are common on the sole of the foot. When they are flattened by pressure, they are surrounded by cornified tissue and may be very tender. They can be distinguished from corns and calluses by their tendency to pinpoint bleeding when the surface is shaved away. Filiform warts are long, narrow growths usually seen on the eyelids, face, neck, or lips. Flat warts are smooth, flat yellow brown lesions seen more commonly in children and young adults, most often on the face. Warts of unusual shape, which resemble cauliflower or other structures, are most frequent on the head and neck, especially the scalp and in the bearded regions. Around the moist genital area, they are often called venereal warts and may or may not resemble warts in other parts of the body.
    * For isolated common warts, apply T36-C5 each morning and night faithfully for up to 3 weeks. If the wart is thick and dry, shave the excess away before applying T36-C5. Body Satin Foot Scrub and Body Satin Foot Lotion can also be used to cleanse and stimulate improved circulation. For body warts, bathe in a hot tub with 1 oz of Sol-U-Mel and 1 oz of Renew Bath Oil for 30 minutes. Apply T36-C5 or MelaGel afterwards. Some warts require the added strength of T40-C3 to disappear.
    An alternate solution is to simply use Renew Intensive Skin Therapy to remove the skin warts. It may be a slower process, but it can be just as effective. Remember, a few types of warts do not respond to Melaleuca oil. Also see the section on Plantar Warts in this book.