Planters Warts

Flat. Plantar. Common. While most people carry the virus that causes these and other types of warts, you can treat your warts and stop the spread. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

• Turn up the heat

  Apply a heating pad set to 122°F (50°C) for 30 seconds at a time, one to four times, to regress common warts and prevent regrowth

• Control contact

  If you have warts of any kind, avoid scratching them; if you have genital warts, limit sexual contact with others and see a healthcare professional

About This Condition

Warts are common abnormal skin growths caused by one of many types of human papilloma virus, which infects the outer layer of skin.

Common warts (verruca vulgaris) can appear on any part of the body but are more common on the fingers, hands, and arms. They are most common in people 30 years old or younger, but can occur at any age and are almost universal in the population. Other types of warts also exist, including flat warts, genital warts, laryngeal papillomas, and others.

Symptoms

Appearance and size of warts depend on the location and the amount of irritation and trauma. Common warts are sharply demarcated, rough-surfaced, round or irregular in shape, firm, and either light gray, yellow, brown, or gray-black in color. They are small nodules ranging in size from 2–10 mm in diameter. Plantar warts (on the bottoms of the feet) are flattened and may be exquisitely tender. Flat warts, more common in children and young adults, are smooth, flat-topped yellow-brown elevations, most often seen on the face and along scratch marks. Genital warts (also called condyloma acuminata or venereal warts) are soft, moist, small pink or gray polyps that enlarge and are usually found in clusters on the anus and the warmer, moister areas of the female and male genitalia. Genital warts caused by HPV are considered a major cause of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. All warts are contagious.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Warts can be spread by contact, and the transmission can occur between two people as well as between different parts of the body of the same person. To prevent the spread of the virus, warts should not be scratched. Genital warts are spread by sexual contact.

A study of HIV-infected and HIV-negative women found that current smokers were over five times more likely to develop genital warts than nonsmokers.

Holistic Options

Distant healing is a conscious, dedicated act of mental activity that attempts to benefit another person’s physical or emotional well-being at a distance. A controlled study found that distant healing by an experienced healer for six weeks had no effect on the number or size of warts.

A controlled study found that the application of 122ºF heat from a heat pad for 30 seconds led to regression in 25 warts. After 15 weeks, none of the regressed warts had regrown.

Hypnosis is a widely recognized treatment for warts. One controlled trial found that twice-weekly hypnosis sessions resulted in greater wart disappearance than did medication, placebo, or no treatment after six weeks of therapy.

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PKU

Early diagnosis is key to treating PKU, a rare genetic disorder that results in an amino acid imbalance in the body. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

• Fight back with fish oil

  Take a daily supplement containing 500 mg for every 8.8 pounds of body weight to prevent deficiencies caused by the PKU diet

• Seek support from supplements

  Prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by the PKU diet by taking supplements that provide the daily value of L-tyrosine, vitamin K, vitamin B12, and selenium

• Discover branched-chain amino acids

  Under a healthcare provider’s supervision, improve mental functioning by adding amino acid supplements to each meal and at bedtime; take 150 mg per 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of body weight each of valine and isoleucine, and 200 mg per 2.2 pounds (1 kg) of body weight of leucine

• Monitor amino acids in your diet

  Work with your healthcare provider and a nutritionist to maintain a phenylalanine-restricted diet that is nutritionally adequate

• Pass up aspartame

  Help prevent increased phenylalanine intake by steering clear of soft drinks, candy, and other foods and drinks sweetened with aspartame (Nutrasweet)

About This Condition

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare genetic disorder that results in excessive accumulation of the amino acid, phenylalanine, and reduced levels of the amino acid, L-tyrosine, in the blood.

If untreated, high levels of phenylalanine can cause severe mental retardation, behavioral disturbances, and other brain and nerve problems. Fortunately, newborn screening programs now identify most cases of PKU in the United States and other countries. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to reducing or preventing PKU-related conditions. Gene therapy is currently being researched as a possible cure. Research is also being conducted on methods to decrease levels of phenylalanine in the blood through the use of certain enzymes and amino acids.

Symptoms

Infants with PKU may be lethargic, feed poorly, and have a “mousy” odor from their sweat and urine. Eczema, sensitivity to sunlight, and light skin are also characteristic of PKU. Symptoms of children with untreated PKU include significantly diminished mental capacity, hyperactivity, and seizures.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Access to PKU resource/support groups, and education of family members may help simplify the complex dietary restrictions and improve one’s ability to follow them.

PKU during pregnancy (maternal PKU) is of particular concern. Excessively high or low levels of phenylalanine may occur during pregnancy, both of which may adversely affect the fetus. Maternal PKU can lead to fetal malformations, including small head size (microcephaly), heart abnormalities, failure to grow properly in the uterus (called intrauterine growth retardation), and mental retardation. Adverse effects on the offspring can be reduced and by careful dietary control both prior to and during pregnancy. Consultation and follow-up visits with medical and nutritional specialists are necessary for effective monitoring and dietary guidance in people with PKU.

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Pinworms

Food and water: sources of life—but also possible sources of parasites. Rid yourself of these intestinal pests and the infections they cause. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

• Stay hydrated

  When diarrhea strikes, replace lost fluids and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks or other rehydration solutions

• Make prevention a priority

  When traveling to areas where parasitic infections are common, don’t drink the tap water and avoid uncooked foods, foods prepared by street vendors, ice, and fruits that cannot be peeled

• Try a natural treatment

  Talk to a professional about treating parasitic infections with natural antimicrobials, such as propolis, and berberine-containing herbs, including barberry, Oregon grape, goldenseal, and goldthread (Coptis chinensis)

About This Condition

Parasites are organisms larger than yeast or bacteria that can cause infection, usually in the intestines. The most common parasites to infect humans in the United States and Canada are giardia (Giardia lamblia), Entamoeba histolytica, cryptosporidium (Cryptosporidium spp.), roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), and tapeworm (Taenia spp.).

Infection with parasites can be life-threatening in people with severe impairment of immune function. People should consult a physician if they suspect a parasitic infection.

Caution: Any herb potent enough to kill parasites could potentially harm the person taking it. Although some herbs have antiparasitic actions in test tubes, none has been adequately tested for efficacy or safety in humans. Safe and proper use requires the skills of an experienced practitioner.

Symptoms

Parasite infections can lead to a variety of symptoms, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal cramping and pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, rash, cough, itching anus, and bloody or foul-smelling stools.

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Pimples

Break free from acne breakouts. Put your best face forward with a few simple, yet effective, acne fighting actions. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

• Clean your skin

  Use over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, such as Stridex Clear Gel, Clearasil Maximum Strength Acne Treatment, or Oxy Oil-Free Maximum Strength Acne Wash to treat mild acne outbreaks

• Use acne-fighting lotions

  Lotions that contain niacinamide gel (4%) and tea tree oil (5%) can be helpful

• Try zinc

  60 to 90 mg a day of this mineral improves some people’s acne

• Add copper

  If taking extra zinc, your body will need 1 to 2 mg each day of copper to avoid deficiency of this mineral

About This Condition

Acne vulgaris, also known as common acne, is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands of the skin. It consists of red, elevated areas on the skin that may develop into pustules and even further into cysts that can cause scarring.

Acne vulgaris occurs mostly on the face, neck, and back of most commonly teenagers and to a lesser extent of young adults. The condition results in part from excessive stimulation of the skin by androgens (male hormones). Bacterial infection of the skin also appears to play a role.

Symptoms

Acne is a skin condition characterized by pimples, which may be closed (sometimes called pustules or “whiteheads”) or open (blackheads), on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Most acne is mild, although some people experience inflammation with larger cysts, which may result in scarring.

Holistic Options

Acupuncture may be helpful in the treatment of acne. Several preliminary studies have reported that a series of acupuncture treatments (8 to 15) is markedly effective or curative in 90 to 98% of patients. Besides traditional Chinese acupuncture using needles alone, a technique called “cupping” is frequently used in the treatment of acne. Cupping refers to the use of cup-shaped instruments to apply suction to the area being needled. Two preliminary trials of cupping treatment for acne reported marked improvement in 91 to 96% of the study participants. Controlled trials are necessary to determine the true efficacy of acupuncture and other traditional Chinese therapies in the treatment of acne.

Some hypnotherapists believe that hypnosis might help prevent facial scarring associated with acne. In one case study, a patient was instructed to say the word “scar” in place of picking her face, and the scratch marks resolved. The underlying acne was unaffected.

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Food Intolerance (Allergies and Sensitivities)

Some food, especially when consumed in excess, can cause slow digestion, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms can be easily relieved by homeopathic medicines Food allergies need medical attention. They usually cause rashes (see "Hives") that can also be relieved with homeopathic medicines. Metabolic intolerances (diabetes, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, phenylketonuria, etc.) require medical supervision.

Primary Remedies

Carbo vegetabilis

This remedy relieves intense flushing of the face, aggravated by drinking wine or spirits, and improved by being fanned.

Lycopodium clavatum

This is used to relieve discomfort and indigestion from intolerance to onions and garlic, with bloating around the waist and gas.

Nux vomica

Nux vomica relieves nausea and cramps from indigestion, especially after excessive eating of spicy food and drinking of alcohol.

Petroleum

This is often used to relieve diarrhea after eating cabbage or sauerkraut, associated with general feeling of cold, and hunger after bowel movements.

Pulsatilla

This homeopathic remedy relieves gastric discomfort caused by eating too much fatty food, cakes and ice cream, with bloating, belching and slow digestion.

Other Remedies

Antimonium crudum

This remedy relieves indigestion from eating too much, especially rich or acidic foods or cured meat. Symptoms are relieved by applying heat to the abdomen.

Cinchona officinalis

This is used to relieve painless, but exhausting, diarrhea with bloating of the abdomen and foul-smelling gas.

Kali bichromicum

This relieves indigestion, nausea and vomiting from intolerance to beer.

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Piles

The itching and burning caused by hemorrhoids can make it difficult to sit still. How can you ease the discomfort and fight flare-ups? According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

• Choose foods with fiber Eat more whole grains, bran, and vegetables, or take fiber supplements such as psyllium—along with plenty of fluids—to ease the passage of stools
  
• Try a topical astringent Relieve hemorrhoid symptoms by frequently applying a product that contains witch hazel

About This Condition

Hemorrhoids are enlarged raised veins in the anus or rectum.
Common hemorrhoids are often linked to both diarrhea and constipation. Although the belief that hemorrhoids are caused by constipation has been questioned by researchers, most doctors feel that many hemorrhoids are triggered by the straining that accompanies chronic constipation.³ Therefore, natural approaches to hemorrhoids sometimes focus on overcoming constipation.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a lump in the anus that can bleed and become inflamed, often causing discomfort and itching. There may also be bright red blood on the toilet paper, the stool, or in the toilet bowl.

• Get relief from flavonoids Reduce symptoms with a daily dose of healthful flavonoids; take 1,000 to 2,000 mg of hydroxyethylrutosides or diosmin, or take horse chestnut extract containing 90 to 150 mg of aescin

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Photosensitivity

A red rash that breaks out on your body during sun exposure may mean you’re “allergic” to light. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

• Try beta-carotene

  Increase your tolerance to sunlight by supplementing with beta-carotene

• Shield your skin from the sun

  Steer clear of excessive sun exposure by wearing protective clothing or smoothing on sunscreen

• Get a checkup

  Visit a qualified healthcare provider to find out if your photosensitivity is caused by a treatable medical condition or a side effect of medication

About This Condition

People with photosensitivity have an immunological response to light, usually sunlight. They typically break out in a rash when exposed to sunlight; how much exposure it takes to cause a reaction varies from person to person. Several conditions, such as erythropoietic protoporphyria and polymorphous light eruption, share the common symptom of hypersensitivity to light—also typically sunlight.

People taking certain prescription drugs (sulfonamides, tetracycline, and thiazide diuretics) or herbs (St. John’s wort, for example) and those with systemic lupus erythematosus have increased susceptibility to adverse effects from sun exposure.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include a pink or red skin rash with blotchy blisters, scaly patches, or raised spots on areas directly exposed to the sun. The affected area may itch or burn, and the rash may last for several days. In some people, the reaction to sunlight gradually becomes less with subsequent exposures.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

People with photosensitivity need to protect themselves from the sun by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing (such as long-sleeved shirts), and avoiding excess exposure to the sun.

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