Warts / Viral Skin

The natural disappearance of warts occurs through the process in which cellular immunity recognizes and eliminates HPV. According to research, approximately 65% of common warts heal naturally within two years. Natural healing is faster in children with normal immunity, while it is rare in adults, particularly in immunocompromised states. However, there are reasons why facial flat warts should not be left untreated. ① Scratching or shaving can cause self-inoculation, leading to rapid spread into dozens of warts. ② Flat warts respond well to topical retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) or immunotherapy, resulting in excellent treatment outcomes. ③ Leaving them on the face for a long time carries a risk of hyperpigmentation or scarring. ④ HPV types 3 and 10 can rarely be accompanied by skin cancer-related types, so verification is necessary.

Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic

In Korean medicine, flat warts (Pyeonpyeongu, 扁平疣) are viewed as a condition where liver qi stagnation (Gan-gi-ul-gyeol) and blood stasis (Eo-hyeol) overlap. They are common in individuals with high stress levels and blocked liver qi circulation; to enhance natural healing power, Sogan-haeul (疏肝解鬱)—prescriptions that relieve liver qi (herbal medicines that gently relieve liver qi and modified herbal medicines that reduce damp heat in the liver)—are effective. For external treatment, applying or ingesting a decoction of Coix lacryma-jobi (Job's tears) is traditionally used to suppress HPV.