Flat Warts

Flat warts are benign growths that develop on the surface of the skin. They are usually found on the face, backs of the hands, and arms, and often appear in linear arrangements. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they are called bian hou (flat warts). The Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), in the “Jing Mai” (Meridians) chapter, states, “When the vital qi is deficient, warts arise.” This condition is considered to be directly related to the strength or weakness of the body’s healthy qi and the functional state of its zang-fu organs.

TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference

|Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

The rash is pale red and numerous, with new lesions appearing from time to time. Itching may be mild or absent, and there may be dry mouth without a desire to drink. The tongue is red, with a thin white or thin yellow coating; the pulse is floating and rapid.

In Plain Language:

  • The rash is pale red and fairly widespread, with new lesions appearing from time to time.
  • Itching is very mild or absent; the mouth may feel dry, but there is little desire to drink.
  • The tongue appears reddish.
  • The tongue coating is thin and white or pale yellow.
  • The pulse is floating and somewhat rapid.

|Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Dispel wind, clear heat, resolve toxicity, and disperse nodules.

In Plain Language:

  • The approach aims to dispel wind and clear internal heat, with the intention of easing discomforts such as fever, headache, sore throat, or thirst and irritability.
  • The approach aims to clear pathogenic factors and disperse nodules, with the intention of easing signs such as red, swollen sores, a sensation of throat obstruction, or localized hard swelling.

|Related Products

The products listed below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

|Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

The rash is dark red or yellowish-brown, firm in texture, and painless and non-itchy; the condition is long-standing. The tongue is red or dark red, with a thin white coating; the pulse is deep and wiry or slippery.

In Plain Language:

  • The rash is dark red or yellowish-brown and feels fairly firm. It does not itch or hurt, and has been present for a long time.
  • The tongue appears red or dark red.
  • The tongue coating is thin and white.
  • The pulse feels deep when palpated and has a wiry or slippery quality.

|Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Invigorate blood, dispel blood stasis, clear heat, and disperse nodules.

In Plain Language:

  • The approach aims to promote blood flow and address blood stasis, with the intention of easing signs such as bruising, masses, or menstrual irregularities.
  • The approach aims to clear internal heat and disperse nodules, with the intention of easing discomforts such as red, swollen sores, a sore throat, or localized hard swelling.

|Related Products

The products listed below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder)

References

  1. Zhao Bian. Chinese Clinical Dermatology [M]. 4th ed. Nanjing: Jiangsu Science and Technology Press, 2009: 414–418.
  2. Li Yueqing, He Qinghu. TCM Surgery [M]. 9th ed. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2007: 154–158.
  3. Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Zhu Renkang’s Collected Clinical Experience [M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2005: 297–298.
  4. Li Aini, Yu Tugen. Recent research on external treatment of flat warts with Chinese medicine [J]. Journal of External Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2011, 20(1): 43–45.
  5. Zeng Wucheng, Cao Yi. Clinical analysis of 40 cases of flat warts treated with Zhi You Capsules combined with Zicao Ointment [J]. Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 2014, 38(1): 47–49.
  6. Wei Kaijun. Treatment of flat warts with Shenqi Shiyiwei Granules combined with interferon ointment [J]. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 2010(21): 1650.
  7. Wang Jianming. Analysis of the efficacy of Chaihu Injection combined with interferon ointment in treating flat warts [J]. Modern Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 2007, 16(11): 1486–1487.
  8. Zhang Li. Analysis of the efficacy of compound glycyrrhizin tablets in treating flat warts and their effect on immune function [J]. Chinese Journal of Aesthetic Medicine, 2012, 21(10): 17–18.
  9. Zhang Yan. Clinical observation of Yike’er solution for the treatment of flat warts [J]. Chinese Journal of Aesthetic Medicine, 2011, 6(20): 344–345.