Flat warts are flat or slightly raised, smooth, non-cancerous (benign) growths that appear on the skin. These are small in size compared to other types of warts. The size of these warts varies from 1 mm to 3 mm in diameter. One may confuse flat warts with acne or age spots. Flat warts are also known as plane warts. These usually occur in big clusters (multiple numbers) so ensure to notice them. The number of these warts vary from about a dozen to 200 varying from case to case. These may develop on different body parts, such as on the face, back of the hands, neck, wrists, forearms, arms, legs and the knees. These warts are round or oval-shaped. The colcolorour may too vary on a case-to-case basis. They may be flesh-colored, yellowish, brown, reddish – brown or pinkish. Irritation or itching can occur in these warts. Irritation usually is a result of scratching these warts. There is no pain in these warts. Flat warts are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Many different types of strains of HPV can lead to warts.  Among these usually four strains are known to cause flat warts. These four strains of HPV include 3, 10, 28, and 49. Flat warts are contagious i.e. these spread from skin-to-skin contact with a person infected with this virus. Though these are contagious but not highly contagious like many other types of warts. One may also get this infection by touching surfaces carrying this virus. Sharing towels, clothes, razors and other personal objects of an infected person also carries the risk of getting this infection and wart formation. This virus gains entry into the skin via a small cut or crack in the skin. After entering the skin, it causes infection of the cells in the top layer of the skin (epidermis) and results in quick multiplication of these cells causing the development of flat warts. Not everyone who has this infection develops warts as several factors increase the risk of the formation of warts after exposure to HPV. These factors mainly include low immunity, maintaining poor hygiene, having a cut or break in the skin, chemotherapy treatment and genetic tendency towards it. A person with flat warts at one place on the skin may also spread them on his/her other body parts. This is known as autoinoculation. Flat warts affect children more frequently than adults due to this reason. These warts are also known by the name of juvenile warts. Most commonly these affect children between ages of 12 years and 16 years.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy provides excellent treatment to cure flat warts. It proves effective in treating warts by boosting the body’s natural defense mechanism to fight the infectious agent causing warts and eliminate it from the body in a very natural and safe manner. With use of homeopathic medicines, formation of new warts is halted. Further, these medicines work in getting rid of the warts that are already present on the skin. Homeopathic medicines to manage these cases are of natural origin. These medicines suit people of all age groups and treat this condition with zero side-effects. For prescribing homeopathic medicine in case one has flat warts, a detailed case evaluation is required based on the symptom picture in every individual case. So it is advised to always consult a homeopathic doctor for the prescription of medicines along with their dosage and repetition. One should avoid homeopathic self-medication.

Homeopathic Medicines For Flat Warts

1. Dulcamara – Top Recommended Medicine

Dulcamara is the number one ranked medicine in homeopathy and manages cases of flat warts quite well. This medicine offers excellent results when the warts are flesh-coloured. These warts are smooth to the touch. Though the warts can occur anywhere on the body, for those who need this medicine the warts are prominently visible on the face and the back of the hands and fingers. The warts are present in groups or crops i.e. in multiples at a place. In general, the skin is dry and hot. Itchy spots can be present in different areas of the body.

2. Thuja – For Warts On Neck, Back Of Hands, Chin, Forehead

Another highly recommended medicine to manage flat warts is Thuja. Not just flat warts, this medicine helps manage different types of warts. Thuja is the best choice of medicine for treating the warts that form on the neck and hand. There are several warts on the neck and back of the hands. The warts on the hands are small like little seeds and have smooth surfaces. This medicine can also help when warts form on the chin and the forehead.

3. Sepia – For Warts On Face, Hands and Fingers

Homeopathic medicine Sepia is of great use to manage warts, especially, which form on the face and the hands. The warts on the face keep on forming one after the other. The warts are small-sized and have a flat top. These can be itchy as well. The warts are mainly located around the mouth and the chin. There is also a possibility that the warts may appear on the face even after treatment. The warts can also occur on the sides of fingers where this medicine is required.

4. Causticum – For Warts Near Eyebrows, On Nose And Fingers

Causticum is an effective medicine to manage small warts forming on different body parts. Firstly, it is helpful to manage warts growing near the eyebrows and on the nose. Secondly, this medicine is useful for managing warts developing on the arms. Next, this medicine is administered for warts on the fingers. The warts may be present on the tip of the fingers as well. The warts can also be present on the back of the fingers specifically near the nails.

5. Calcarea Carb – For Managing Skin Colored Warts

Calcarea Carb is another medicine that manages flat warts well in the list of homeopathic medicines. This medicine is indicated for managing cases having skin coloured warts. The warts are round and soft at the base. The warts are multiple in number appearing at several places. Though they can be present on any part of the body, most of the time these appear on the hands and arms especially, for those who need Calcarea Carb. For those who need this medicine itching in the warts is reported.

6. Natrum Carb – For Warts On Arms And Back Of Hands

This medicine is suitable for managing warts that form on the arms and back of the hands. For those who need this medicine, the skin is dry and rough in general. At some places cracks may be present on the skin. Sensation of insects crawling on the skin may be reported by the patient.

7. Natrum Sulph – For Red Colored Warts

This medicine can be considered when the warts are reddish coloured. The warts may be present on any skin area, however, the warts are mainly present on the arms.

8. Berberis Vulgaris – For Warts On Fingers

This medicine is of great value to manage warts that form on the fingers. The warts are tiny and flat in appearance. Itchy skin can be present that worsens from scratching.

Diabetes predisposes a person to several skin complaints. One of the common complaints among these is foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcer refers to an open wound that may form on the feet in persons having diabetes. Diabetes damages the nerves in the feet (peripheral neuropathy) that results in decreased sensation of pain in the feet. Due to this, feet get prone to an injury as diabetics may not feel a sharp object touching the feet. Along with this the wound healing is also delayed. Other than this, dry skin in diabetics may cause callus (thick, hard area on the skin) formation on the feet. Due to repeated friction, when this callus gets scraped it may lead to an ulcer formation. Diabetes also damages the blood vessels that decreases blood flow to the lower limbs. Due to this, the chances of infection rise in ulcers. Infected foot ulcers are quite serious that need immediate treatment and if not treated timely and rightly, they lead to intense damage that may require amputation. The signs of foot ulcers include drainage of fluid from the affected foot area. This is attended with redness and swelling. Irritation may be felt. Foul smell emanates from the ulcer. Pain or numbness may appear. In serious cases, a black area develops around the ulcer due to a lack of enough blood supply. There may occur tissue death called gangrene around the ulcer. Besides infection and gangrene, other complications include cellulitis (deep infection of skin from bacteria) and osteomyelitis (serious infection of bone). There are certain factors that increase risk of diabetic foot ulcers. These include poor diabetic control, having foot deformities that put high pressure on the feet resulting in callus formation, poor hygiene of the feet, wearing ill-fitted shoes, not trimming toenails properly, use of tobacco and obesity. Some measures can be taken to reduce the risk of diabetic foot ulcers like controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining proper foot hygiene, wearing properly fitted footwear, proper toenail trimming, changing socks regularly and giving up smoking, in case it is a habit.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines can be very helpful in managing diabetic foot ulcers. They help in healing skin ulcers along with managing associated signs and symptoms like redness, discharge, foul smell, itching, burning, etc. These are natural medicines that offer healing with zero side effects. There are no specific medicines for diabetic foot ulcers in homeopathy and the best-suited medicine has to be selected individually from among the list of generally indicated medicines of foot ulcers as per the case details. Homeopathic medicines are indicated only for mild cases of diabetic foot ulcers. Always consider the use of any homeopathic medicine after consulting a homeopathic physician.  In no case, self-medication be done. The severe cases need immediate treatment and should be handled with the conventional mode of treatment to prevent serious consequences. In such cases, homeopathy does not offer any help.

Homeopathic Medicines For Diabetic Foot Ulcer

1. Arsenic Album – For Ulcers With Burning Sensation

Arsenic Album is a very helpful medicine for managing ulcers attended with a burning sensation. Ulcers may form on the soles or toes. This medicine is also indicated when there occur blisters on the soles with discharge of fluid at night time. The discharge is yellow-colored and has a foul smell. In addition to the above complaints, the soles of the feet feel as if made of wood. The soles of the feet feel cold. Swelling and itching on the feet may be present. There may be pain in the soles.

2. Graphites – For Crusty Ulcers

Graphites is of great use where there is a tendency of ulcers to form easily. There is slow healing of skin lesions. In cases requiring it, crusty ulcers are formed on the feet. They ooze watery discharge or blood-stained pus. It has a bad smell. Itching and pain are felt in the ulcers along with inflammation. Stinging sensation may be felt. There is excessive sweating on feet.

3. Fluoric Acid – For Foot Ulcers Around The Joints

This medicine is indicated for ulcers on the foot, mainly those that form around the joints. In cases needing it, the ulcers are painful. There is increase in the intensity of pain from warmth. There is relief from cold. The margins of the ulcer may be red. Vesicles (tiny fluid-filled eruptions) may be present around the ulcers. Discharge may appear from the ulcers. Burning sensation is also felt in the feet. Next, there may be stitching pain in the soles. Soreness is felt in between the toes.

4. Kali Bichrome – For Irregular Ulcers Following An Abrasion

This medicine is beneficial when a swelling-like knot follows an abrasion (an area on the skin damaged by scraping) that soon turns into an irregular ulcer. The ulcer is painful to touch and is covered with a dry scab. The ulcers are yellow and oval-shaped. The centre of the ulcer is red. Its base is hard. The ulcer can be deep with regular margins.

5. Merc Sol – For Ulcers With Inflamed And Elevated Margins

This medicine is indicated for ulcers with inflamed and elevated margins. It is attended with pricking type of pain. The ulcers are flat and superficial. The base of the ulcers is whitish-grey. They may exude thin fluid and ooze blood sometimes. The complaint worsens from heat.

6. Lycopodium – For Managing Ulcers With Hard Red Shiny Edges

Lycopodium is a helpful medicine for managing ulcers with red, hard and shiny edges. There is inflammation and swelling around the painful ulcers. There is tearing or shooting type of pain in the ulcers mostly at night. Itching is also present in these ulcers. Burning sensation may be felt as well. A thin discharge may be emitted. Foul smell emanates from the ulcers. At times, bleeding occurs.

7. Carbolicum Acid – To Manage Ulcers Emitting Very Foul Smell

This medicine is valuable for managing ulcers on the feet that emit a very strong foul smell. There is burning sensation in the ulcers. Foul-smelling sweat appears on the feet and they feel heavy along with the above features.

8. Phosphorus – For Ulcers With Thin Pus Discharge

Phosphorus is another important medicine for managing foot ulcers. It is indicated to manage ulcers that secrete thin pus-like discharge. There is redness around the ulcers. There is burning and stinging type of sensation in the ulcers.

9. Pulsatilla – For Ulcers With Burning And Itching

This medicine is indicated for ulcers with burning and itching around its periphery. There is stinging sensation. The edges are red and hard. There is inflammation around the margins. The ulcers are flat. Pain in the ulcers may be smarting or shooting type.

10. Petroleum – For Ulcer Formation On The Toes

Petroleum is an effective medicine for managing cases of ulcers forming on the toes. The ulcers are flat and its edges are hard and elevated. The ulcers are moist with a red base. Feet may get swollen. There is offensive sweating on the feet.

Edema also known as dropsy and fluid retention refers to fluid build-up in the tissues of the body. It usually affects legs, feet and ankles though other body parts can also be affected by it like hands, face, eyelids, etc.

Edema can be pitting (when a swollen part of the body has a dimple after one presses it) or non-pitting type. In case of pitting edema when pressure is applied to the affected swollen area, the indentation persists for some time after the pressure is released. In case of non-pitting edema, the indentation goes away immediately after the release of pressure. Edema causes swelling, puffiness in the affected part. The skin above it looks shiny and stretched. Heaviness and pain in the affected area may also occur as also reduced urination.

Edema is given different names depending on the affected body part. When edema affects feet, legs and hands it is known as peripheral edema. When it affects the area around the eyes it is termed periorbital edema. Edema affecting the brain is cerebral edema. Edema that occurs in the lungs is known as pulmonary edema. Fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity is pleural effusion. Another form of it is lymphedema that occurs due to improper functioning of the lymphatic system that hinders normal drainage of the interstitial fluid. Swelling affecting the macula (a part of the eye) refers to macular edema. It occurs as a complication of diabetic retinopathy.

Edema can simply arise from excessive salt intake, sitting or standing for long durations at one place, before appearance of menses as a part of PMS (premenstrual syndrome which refers to a set of symptoms felt few days before onset of the menses), lack of protein in the diet for long time period and obesity. It may also occur during pregnancy. Use of some medicines can as well lead to edema, such as medicines for high blood pressure, steroid medicines, estrogen, NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines). Insect bites can be yet another cause. In other cases, edema tends to result from some underlying medical health conditions some of which could be serious. First condition is a sort of hindrance in the normal functioning of the lymphatic system that normally helps in draining extra fluid from the tissues. Damage to the lymph nodes can lead to it. Next condition is varicose veins that occur from damage to valves of veins in the legs that cause pooling of blood in the legs and lead to swelling. Another cause can be dermatitis (skin inflammation with redness, dryness, itching and in some cases fluid filled eruptions i.e, blisters). Besides these, some serious causes include DVT (deep vein thrombosis that refers to blood clot in deep vein/veins of the body mostly in the legs that can cause swelling and pain in the leg), severe allergic reaction, kidney damage, congestive heart failure, liver damage and some types of cancer.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy is very helpful in managing the cases of edema. It helps manage this complaint naturally with the use of natural medicines so there is no worry about its side effects. The most suitable homeopathic medicine is prescribed symptomatically for every individual case separately after detailed case evaluation. It is advised to get every case evaluated by a homeopath and take medicines under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medication should not be practiced at all. In some cases, edema may result from some serious health problems like heart complaints, liver/kidney damage, DVT, so one should always consult a doctor to rule out the cause and follow appropriate treatment. Homeopathy is recommended only in mild cases without any serious cause linked to it. In case edema is linked to serious causes, immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken as homeopathy has its limits in helping serious cases recover.

Homeopathic medicines for Edema

1. Apis Mellifica – Topmost Medicine

Apis Mellifica is one of the best homeopathic medicines to manage edema. The most characteristic feature to use this medicine is puffiness in different body parts accompanied by redness and stinging pain. The affected parts are also sore to touch. Intolerable heat is felt on the affected part.  It offers a big help in managing edema of the legs, feet and ankles. The legs and feet look waxy and pale.

It is very effective to manage puffiness around the eyes. The skin on the eyelids also feels tight with this. Stiffness is also felt in the eyelids. An accompanying feature is a burning sensation. Apis Mellifica is also beneficial to manage puffiness on the face which may look pale and waxy. Another sign for its use is swelling of the hands. There is also heat and redness on the hands. When pressure is applied on hands white spots appear that go away gradually. It is also topmost medicine to manage swelling that is seen after insect bites and stings.

2.  Rhus Tox – For Edema Of Eyelids

This medicine is suitable for managing edema of the eyelids. Those who need it, show symptoms of red eyelids and hot tears flow from the eyes. At times, there may be the presence of yellow mucus discharge from the eyes. Next, there may be burning pain in the eye and also difficulty in opening the eyelids in some cases. Redness of the face can be a presenting factor. Besides the above, this medicine is administered when there is redness on the skin with vesicles (tiny fluid-filled eruptions) with edema.

3. Arsenic Album – For Swollen Face, Eyelids, Feet And Legs

Arsenic Album is a very useful medicine for managing edema of the face and the eyelids. Those who need it have swollen eyelids. Initially, swelling occurs on the upper eyelid followed by the lower lid. Next, it is helpful in case of edema of the feet and the legs. Along with swelling, a burning sensation is felt on the feet. The feet look shiny with reddish spots. Excessive weakness is also visible.

4. Acetic Acid – For Edema Accompanied By Excessive Thirstiness

Acetic Acid is a well-indicated medicine for managing edema with excessive thirst for water. This medicine is most prominently indicated for managing swelling of the legs. The skin looks pale and waxy with swelling. This medicine is also indicated for edema of legs, feet, or arms linked with anemia. Excessive weakness is present where this medicine is required. This medicine is also very effective for managing swelling that appears along with varicose veins.

5. Lycopodium – For Edema Of Legs With Oozing Of Watery Fluid

This medicine is administered for edema of the legs accompanied by oozing of watery fluid from the same spots. There are ulcers on the legs. These are accompanied by itching and burning sensations. This gets worse at night. Tearing pain in the legs is also an accompanying factor. Edema of the feet may also be present. Along with this, there is a burning sensation felt on the soles. Excessive sweat with a foul smell on the feet is present. The feet can be sore.

6. Pulsatilla – To Manage Swelling On Legs In Varicose Veins / Inflamed Veins

This medicine is very valuable to manage swelling of the legs due to varicose veins and inflamed veins. Those who require it present with swelling in the legs and thighs. There is difficulty in moving the legs. Along with this, there is also dull pain felt in the legs. The feet are also swollen. There is also redness of feet. The feet feel heavy. A burning type of pain and a drawing sensation is felt on the feet. There is an urge to stretch your feet while sitting. A tingling sensation while standing may also be felt. This can get better as one starts walking.

Puffiness under the eyes, also called bags under the eyes, is a very common problem. It refers to swelling under the eyes. Depending on the cause of puffiness, it can be accompanied by other symptoms like eye discharge, itchy eyes, watering from eyes, redness of eyes and dry eyes. In some cases, this may occur temporarily for some reasons like excessive salt intake, lack of sleep, excessive crying and over-rubbing of the eyes. Puffiness under the eyes can also be a part of aging as well.

Next, this may also happen due to injury to the eye. Puffiness could also occur due to several medical reasons. First among these are several eye conditions. These include eye infections, stye, conjunctivitis (pink eye), periorbital cellulitis, and tear duct blockage. Stye refers to a painful, red lump located at the edge of the eyelid that is frequently pus-filled. Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the transparent membrane that lines the eyelids and eyeball.

Periorbital cellulitis indicates an inflammation and infection of the skin and soft tissue surrounding the eyes. Tear duct blockage refers to partial or complete obstruction in the drainage system of tears from eyes. Another cause behind puffiness can be Grave’s disease. It is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland.  In this condition, there is an increased production of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). Yet another cause can be allergies. Eyes may become red along with watering and itching in allergy cases from an over–reaction to allergens such as dust, pollens and molds. Along with this, fluid may accumulate around the eyes that leads to swelling under the eyes. In some cases, a severe allergic reaction may lead to serious condition called anaphylaxis in which the face gets swollen along with other signs including hives (itchy bumps forming on the skin called wheals), swelling of the airways, problems in breathing, wheezing, confusion, fast heart rate, dizziness, a drop in blood pressure and fainting. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that can turn fatal, so it needs to be treated immediately. Dermatitis could be one other cause behind puffiness under the eyes. Dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by inflamed, dry, red and itchy skin. Besides, puffiness under the eyes may also result from renal, liver or heart diseases that need to be treated carefully.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines are very effective to manage puffiness. These medicines are of natural origin that aid natural recovery with zero side-effects. With its use the problem of bulging skin gradually starts to cure. Along with the puffiness, these medicines also manage any associated signs and symptoms like eye redness, watering from the eyes, itching in the eyes and dryness of the eyes. The homeopathic medicines for puffiness under the eyes are prescribed based on the characteristic symptoms in every individual case. So, it is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under supervision of a homeopath and avoid self–medication. In case puffiness occurs from some serious cause like severe eye infections, some kidney or heart-related problem or anaphylaxis reaction, etc, immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be sought as homeopathy has its limitation to handle such serious cases.

Homeopathic Medicines For Puffiness Under Eyes

1. Apis Mellifica – Top Grade Medicine

Apis Mellifica tops the list of homeopathic medicines for managing cases of puffiness under the eyes. The lower lids are very much swollen among those who need this medicine. There is a water bag-like swelling under the eyes. The eyelid margins are very red. Burning and stinging pain in the eyes is one of the most prominent accompanying symptoms present. Shooting pain can occur in the eyes. Next, there may be redness of the conjunctiva. Sensitivity to light may also be there. Watering from the eyes can occur which is hot. This medicine is one of the best-suited medicines for managing puffiness of the eyelids in cases of allergies.

 2. Euphrasia – For Puffiness Under Eyes With Excessive Eye Watering

Euphrasia is another highly effective medicine that manages several eye-related concerns. It also works effectively to manage swelling under the eyelids. This is prominently accompanied by excessive watering of the eyes which happens all the time. A burning sensation in the eyes is also marked. Intense itching of the eyelids is also present. There may also occur a sensation of sand or dust-like particles in the eyes. Sometimes sticky mucus flows from the eyes. Cutting pain in the eyes is sometimes felt. The eyelid margins are also red and swollen.

3. Kali Carb – For Swelling Under And Above The Eyes

Kali carb is the next prominent medicine for cases of excessive swelling under the eyes. In cases requiring this medicine, there occurs big bag-like swelling under the eyes. The swelling extends above the eyes as well in most of the cases. There may be pain in the eyes accompanied by eye-watering. The nature of pain is stitching-type. There may be sensitivity to light. Smarting and burning may be felt in the eyes. There can be redness on the edges of the eyelids. The eyelids are swollen and may get stuck together in the morning.

4. Arsenic Album – For Puffiness Under Eyes With Burning In Eyes

This medicine is mainly administered when there is puffiness under the eyes along with an excessive burning sensation in the eyes. It is accompanied by hot watering from the eyes. In most cases, initially, the swelling occurs on the upper eyelids followed by lower eyelids. This makes the eyes sore. The eyelids are red and scaly. An uneasiness is felt on the inner surface of eyelids. This leads to an urge to rub the eyes quite frequently. Sensitivity to light is also experienced.

5. Belladonna – For Puffiness Attended With Redness Of Eyes

This medicine is useful to manage puffiness under the eyes when accompanied by redness of the eyes. Along with this throbbing type of pain is marked in the eyes. At times, shooting and burning sort of pain occurs in the eyes. Eyelids may be sore. The eyelids feel heavy. Additionally, the eyes can be very dry. Sensation as if there is a sand-like particle in the eyes may occur along with above-mentioned complaints.

6. Rhus Tox – For Puffiness Under Eyes And Swelling Of Lids

This medicine helps manage puffiness under the eyes and swelling of the lids. This may be accompanied by itching and burning in the swollen lids. A prickling sensation is also well-marked in the lids.  The eyelids feel heavy and stiff as well. Along with puffiness of the eyelids, one may experience a hot flushed face. Excessive eye watering can be an accompanying factor. Puffiness may also be noticed on the face in some cases needing Rhus Tox. This medicine is also administered when there are styes on the lower eyelids with redness and hardness towards the inner canthus. Pressive type of pain is an accompanying factor.

7. Phosphorus – For Puffiness Under Eyes With Redness Of Face

This medicine is recommended for puffiness under the eyes accompanied by redness of the face. Blue rings around the eyes can occur with this. Itching in the eyes appears with the above-mentioned complaints. Some other attending symptoms that may occur include burning in the eyes, sensitivity to bright light and eye watering.