A Co-morbid Condition of Warts and Vitiligo Treated with Individualized Homeopathy: An Evidence-Based Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Whilst warts and vitiligo are both common skin diseases, their co-morbidity is rare. Here we present a clinical case of warts with vitiligo to illustrate the utility of individualized homeopathic treatment. METHOD: The homeopathic medicine Sepia officinalis was prescribed, based on individualization. During follow-up, changes were documented by photographs. The non-invasive methods ORIDL (Outcome Related to Impact on Daily Living), VASI (Vitiligo Area and Scoring Index), and VETF (Vitiligo European Task Force) were used to assess treatment progress. Possible causal attribution of outcome with treatment was evaluated using the Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH). RESULT: There was a marked improvement of vitiligo, along with the disappearance of warts, as evidenced photographically. VASI and VETF scores were significantly reduced. Main complaints, as well as overall well-being, improved on the ORIDL scale (+3). The MONARCH score (+9) suggested that the clinical improvement was attributable to the homeopathic intervention. CONCLUSION: The study suggests a significant role for individualized homeopathic treatment in the co-morbidity of warts and vitiligo.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Trial of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines for Cutaneous Warts.

BACKGROUND: Though frequently used in practice, research studies have shown inconclusive benefits of homeopathy in the treatment of warts. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a future definitive trial, with preliminary assessment of differences between effects of individualized homeopathic (IH) medicines and placebos in treatment of cutaneous warts. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (n = 60) was conducted at the dermatology outpatient department of D.N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal. Patients were randomized to receive either IH (n = 30) or identical-looking placebo (n = 30). Primary outcome measures were numbers and sizes of the warts; secondary outcome was the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire measured at baseline, and every month up to 3 months. Group differences and effect sizes were calculated on the intention-to-treat sample. RESULTS: Attrition rate was 11.6% (IH, 3; placebo, 4). Intra-group changes were significantly greater (all p < 0.05, Friedman tests) in IH than placebo. Inter-group differences were statistically non-significant (all p > 0.05, Mann-Whitney U tests) with small effect sizes-both in the primary outcomes (number of warts after 3 months: IH median [inter-quartile range; IQR] 1 [1, 3] vs. placebo 1 [1, 2]; p = 0.741; size of warts after 3 months: IH 5.6 mm [2.6, 40.2] vs. placebo 6.3 [0.8, 16.7]; p = 0.515) and in the secondary outcomes (DLQI total after 3 months: IH 4.5 [2, 6.2] vs. placebo 4.5 [2.5, 8]; p = 0.935). Thuja occidentalis (28.3%), Natrum muriaticum (10%) and Sulphur (8.3%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines. No harms, homeopathic aggravations, or serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: As regards efficacy, the preliminary study was inconclusive, with a statistically non-significant direction of effect favoring homeopathy. The trial succeeded in showing that an adequately powered definitive trial is both feasible and warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2019/10/021659; UTN: U1111-1241-7340.

Milky Sap of Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) and Anti-Viral Properties.

The milky juice of the greater celandine herb has been used in folk medicine and in homeopathy for treatment of viral warts for years. However, classical medicine fails to use properties of celandine herbs in treatment of diseases induced by papilloma viruses. Nevertheless, dermatological outpatient clinics are regularly visited by patients reporting efficacy of milky sap isolated from celandine herb in treatment of their own viral warts. Authors of this report decided to analyze the respective world literature in order to critically evaluate the potential for treatment of viral dermal warts using the milky sap of celandine. Moreover, the case of a 4-year old boy was presented, the parents of whom applied the milky sap of celandine on viral warts on hands. Thus, Ch. majus may be a potential therapeutic modality for skin warts, especially in a young patients, where conventional therapy may be difficult to apply.

Homeopathy for childhood and adolescence ailments: systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence of any type of therapeutic or preventive intervention testing homeopathy for childhood and adolescence ailments. METHODS: Systematic literature searches were conducted through January 2006 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, British Homeopathic Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the UK National Research Register. Bibliographies were checked for further relevant publications. Studies were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. All double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials of any homeopathic intervention for preventing or treating childhood and adolescence ailments were included. According to the classification of the World Health Organization, the age range defined for inclusion was 0 to 19 years. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality were performed independently by 2 reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 326 articles were identified, 91 of which were retrieved for detailed evaluation. Sixteen trials that assessed 9 different conditions were included in the study. With the exception of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and acute childhood diarrhea (each tested in 3 trials), no condition was assessed in more than 2 double-blind randomized clinical trials. The evidence for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and acute childhood diarrhea is mixed, showing both positive and negative results for their respective main outcome measures. For adenoid vegetation, asthma, and upper respiratory tract infection each, 2 trials are available that suggest no difference compared with placebo. For 4 conditions, only single trials are available. CONCLUSION: The evidence from rigorous clinical trials of any type of therapeutic or preventive intervention testing homeopathy for childhood and adolescence ailments is not convincing enough for recommendations in any condition.

A double-blind, controlled clinical trial of homeopathy and an analysis of lunar phases and postoperative outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To use scientific methods to evaluate 2 claims made by practitioners of alternative medicine. DESIGN: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study of homeopathy in children with warts, and a cohort study of the influence of lunar phases on postoperative outcome in surgical patients. SETTING: Outpatients of a dermatology department (homeopathy study) and inpatients evaluated at an anesthesiology department (lunar phases). SUBJECTS: Sixty volunteers for the homeopathy study and 14,970 consecutive patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia for the lunar phase study. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment of children with warts with individually selected homeopathic preparations (homeopathic study); surgical procedures including abdominal, vascular, cardiac, thoracic, plastic, and orthopedic operations and assessment of the lunar phase at the time of operation (lunar phase study). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reduction of area occupied by warts by at least 50% within 8 weeks; death from any cause within 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: Nine of 30 subjects in the homeopathy group and 7 of 30 subjects in the placebo group experienced at least 50% reduction in area occupied by warts (chi 2 = 0.34; P = .56); the mortality rate was 1.20% in patients operated on during waxing moon and 1.33% in patients operated on during waning moon (chi 2 = 0.49; P = .50). CONCLUSIONS: Statements and methods of alternative medicine--as far as they concern observable clinical phenomena--can be tested by scientific methods. When such tests yield negative results, as in the studies presented herein the particular method or statement should be abandoned. Otherwise one would run the risk of supporting superstition and quackery.

[Warts and molluscum contagiosum: practical point of view]. / Verrues et molluscums contagiosums: mise au point pratique.

Warts and molluscums contagiosums are two benign viral skin diseases that commonly affect children. Contamination occurs by autoinoculation or during skin to skin contact. Molluscums contagiosums are more frequent in immunodeficient and atopic children. Swimming-pool practice and contact sports favour warts transmission. The choice of treatment depends upon the age of the child and the number and location of the lesions. Natural resolution can be awaited when lesions are limited. In first intent, curettage of the lesions under local anesthesia for molluscums contagiosums, salicylic acid preparation or cryotherapy according to location for warts, are the treatment of choice. In neither affection school ousting is necessary.

Tratamiento Homeopático de la Verruga Plantar. Caso Clínico Tratado en una Farmacia Comunitaria / Homeopathic Wart Treatment Plant. Clinical Case Treated in a Community Pharmacy

Las verrugas plantares son un tipo de infección causadas por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH). En muchos de los casos son muy dolorosas y difíciles de tratar; aunque generalmente desaparecen con tratamiento en unos meses, en otros casos persisten durante años. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 13 años que acudió a la oficina de farmacia tras el fracaso de un prolongado tratamiento convencional para una verruga plantar en el talón. Existen antecedentes documentados y experiencias favorables en el tratamiento homeopático de las verrugas plantares y de su utilización en farmacia. Se le pautaron Thuja occidentalis 15CH (10 gránulos semanalmente), Dulcamara 9CH (5-0-5), Antimonium crudum 15CH (5-0-5) y Nitricum acidum 15CH (5-0-5) durante 1 mes. Se observó una mejoría clínica importante al cabo de sólo 1 mes exclusivamente con tratamiento homeopático, que puede suponer una posibilidad de tratamiento eficaz para las verrugas plantares, incluso tras el fracaso de otras intervenciones convencionales.(AU)

Plantar warts are a type of infection caused by the human papillomavirus. In many cases they are very painful and difficult to treat, they usually disappear in a few months with the treatment but in several cases they will persist for years. The case of a 13 years old male is presented, who came to the pharmacy after a long and unsuccessful conventional treatment of a plantar wart on the heel of the left foot. The plantar warts have been successfully treated by homeopathic medicines in the bibliography and according to our own experience. The chosen medicines were Thuja occidentalis 15CH (10 granules weekly), Dulcamara 9CH 5 (5-0-5), Antimonium crudum 15CH (5-0-5) and Nitricum acidum 15CH (5-0-5). An important improvement was observed after 1 month of treatment. The homeopathic treatment can be an effective treatment option for plantar warts, including those where other conventional interventions have not succeeded. (AU)

Systemic treatments for cutaneous warts: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Systemic therapies are routinely used for the management of cutaneous warts. However, there is a lack of evidence-based data on their effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence for the efficacy of systemic treatments for cutaneous warts. METHODS: We designed a systematic review of the randomized controlled clinical trials (1962 to April 2010) investigating systemic therapies for the treatment of cutaneous warts. We obtained data from MEDLINE, PubMed, Current Contents, reference lists, and specialist textbooks, with no restriction on language. The main outcome measures were the total clearance of warts and the adverse effects. RESULTS: There was substantial heterogeneity in the design of the trials. No consistent evidence was found for the efficacy of cimetidine, levamisole or homeopathy, and only limited evidence was found for the efficacy of zinc. CONCLUSIONS: Reviewed trials of systemic treatments for cutaneous warts were highly variable in methods and quality, and there was a paucity of evidence from randomized, placebo-controlled trials on which to base the rational use of such therapies. Limited evidence is emerging that zinc may be effective in selected populations with zinc deficiency.

Warts (non-genital).

INTRODUCTION: Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are over 100 types, which probably infects the skin via areas of minimal trauma. Risk factors include use of communal showers, occupational handling of meat, and immunosuppression. In immunocompetent people, warts are harmless and resolve as a result of natural immunity within months or years. METHODS AND OUTCOMES: We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for warts (non-genital)? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2008 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS: We found 12 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic, review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: intralesional bleomycin; cimetidine; contact immunotherapy; cryotherapy; duct tape occlusion; formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde; homeopathy; photodynamic treatment; pulsed dye laser; surgical procedures; topical salicylic acid; and zinc sulphate.

Warts (non-genital).

INTRODUCTION: Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus, of which there are over 100 types, which probably infects the skin via areas of minimal trauma. Risk factors include use of communal showers, occupational handling of meat, and immunosuppression. In immunocompetent people, warts are harmless and resolve as a result of natural immunity within months or years. METHODS AND OUTCOMES: We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for warts (non-genital)? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library and other important databases up to November 2006 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS: We found 23 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: bleomycin, cimetidine, contact immunotherapy, cryotherapy, duct tape occlusion, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, homeopathy, photodynamic treatment, pulsed dye laser, surgical procedures, topical salicylic acid, zinc sulphate.

Homoeopathic versus placebo therapy of children with warts on the hands: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the wide practical application of homoeopathy, scientific proof of its effectiveness and mechanisms is still lacking, and sound, placebo-controlled studies are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of homoeopathy in a prospective, double-blind randomized trial. METHODS: 60 children aged 6-12 years with common warts on the back of the hands were treated either with an individually selected homoeopathic preparation (n = 30) of at least a 1:1,012 dilution or with pure placebo in the form of saccharose globuli (n = 30) under double-blind conditions. The area occupied by warts was measured by computerized planimetry before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Reduction of the warty area by at least 50% was considered a response. RESULTS: There were a total of 16 responders: 9 of 30 patients in the homoeopathic therapy group and 7 of 30 patients in the placebo group (chi 2 = 0.34, p = 0.56). Total cure of warts occurred in 5 patients in the treated group and in 1 patient in the placebo group (chi 2 = 1.46, p = 0.22). CONCLUSION: There was no apparent difference between the effects of homoeopathic therapy and placebo in children with common warts under the conditions of this study.

Homeopathic treatment of plantar warts.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a homeopathic treatment of plantar warts. DESIGN: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Hospital-based family medicine unit. PATIENTS: Patients were recruited from the unit, through advertisements in the local media and through personal contacts with colleagues. Of the 853 people screened between December 1987 and January 1989, 174 met the eligibility criteria (age 6 to 59 years and presence of one or more plantar warts untreated during the previous 3 months) and agreed to participate; 162 (93%) completed the 18-week follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: The 6-week homeopathic treatment consisted of thuya 30 "centésimal hahnemannien" (CH) (one tube containing 200 pellets weekly), antimonium crudum 7 CH (5 pellets daily) and nitricum acidum 7 CH (one tube containing 200 pellets daily). The placebo pellets were identical to the treatment pellets in appearance and taste. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The proportion of healed patients; a patient was considered healed if all of the warts had disappeared. MAIN RESULTS: The rates of healing at 6, 12 and 18 weeks were 4.8%, 13.4% and 20.0% respectively in the homeopathic treatment group and 4.6%, 13.1% and 24.4% in the placebo treatment group. CONCLUSION: The homeopathic treatment was no more effective than the placebo treatment of plantar warts.

Calendula officinalis: a cura de verrugas / Calendula officinalis: a cure of warts

Descricao de tres experiencias clinicas de cura de verrugas mediante tratamento com Calendula Officinalis dinamizada nas potencias de 3CH e 5CH.(AU)

L'observance homeopathique du point de vue du pharmacien / The homeopathic observation by pharmaceutist point of view

En homéopathie comme en allopathie, croire a son traitement est essentiel et l'observance, l'un des points clés de la réussite du traitement. Le pharmacien qui délivre les remedes homéopathiques, et quelquefois les mêmes remedes pendant pluisieurs mois, doit faire les mêmes efforts pour que ce traitement soit bien suivi que ceux qu'il ferait pour l'observance de trout autre traitement. (AU)