Warts: Beyond Simple Removal—Focus on Immunity for Lasting Relief

[medi K / HEALTH IN NEWS] As seasonal temperature swings widen in the transition periods, not only colds but also wart cases surge. Warts that were once treated often recur, or new ones appear in previously unaffected areas. Though they may seem merely a skin issue, warts are a viral disease closely tied to immunity and the circulation of qi and blood.

Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Normally, the body's defense system suppresses it, but during seasonal changes, immune function easily falters due to fatigue, dryness, sleep deprivation, and other factors. In traditional Korean medicine, this state is viewed as "blocked communication of qi and blood," meaning the triple burner is obstructed, disrupting the body's circulation. The triple burner, divided into upper, middle, and lower sections, regulates whole-body fluid metabolism and immune flow; its smooth communication is essential for immunity to function properly.

Warts initially present as small millet-sized protrusions or keratinized papules. They commonly occur on exposed areas such as fingers, soles, face, and neck, with a rough surface and pain upon pressure.
Plantar warts in particular are easily mistaken for corns, but the presence of black dots in the center or sharp pain when walking heightens the likelihood of warts. Warts around the fingertips can cause nails to split or deform, and in cases of weakened immunity, they may spread to multiple sites. Scratching or manipulating them inadvertently can transfer the virus to surrounding areas, leading to expansion, so early treatment is crucial.

Traditional Korean medicine especially places the core of wart treatment on "strengthening immunity." Rather than simply eliminating the virus, the focus is on cultivating the body's inherent defensive power to overcome it independently. When immunity is weak, not only external viruses but also the circulation of internal waste products becomes impaired, making warts prone to easy recurrence. Thus, the treatment process harmonizes the functions of the liver and spleen-stomach to stabilize whole-body immune flow, while simultaneously managing underlying causes such as fatigue, cold sensitivity, and insomnia. By restoring the body's "defensive energy" in this way, recurrence of not only warts but also immune-related conditions like colds, stomatitis, and herpes simplex can be reduced.



To fundamentally improve these causes, triple burner communication treatment is applied concurrently. It aids circulation in the upper, middle, and lower burners to restore immune balance and addresses accompanying symptoms such as cold sensitivity, fatigue, and indigestion. The emphasis is on treatment that restores a constitution free from recurrence, rather than merely removing the wart lesions. Herbal medicines that regulate immune function and correct imbalances of heat and cold in the body can yield long-term recurrence prevention effects. When necessary, acupuncture is placed at acupoints around the warts to heighten local immune response and facilitate smooth energy flow in the body.

Additionally, Korean medicinal external therapies are applied to the wart sites to alleviate inflammation and promote skin regeneration. For instance, ointments or patches decocted from medicinal herbs are used to accelerate recovery of skin tissue. Lifestyle management is equally important. Adequate sleep, balanced meals, hand washing, and moisturizing habits enhance skin barrier function. Since stress is a primary cause of immune suppression, relieving mental tension is considered part of the treatment.

Traditional Korean medicine states that "what manifests on the skin is a sign of blocked internal flow." For warts that recur every seasonal transition, treatment should go beyond mere external removal to restore triple burner communication and open the internal immune pathways. Warts are not just a simple viral disease but may be a small warning from the body.

In transitional seasons with wide daily temperature fluctuations, wart cases increase alongside colds, often recurring or appearing in new areas due to weakened immunity from fatigue, dryness, and sleep issues. Traditional Korean medicine treats warts by strengthening overall immunity and restoring the triple burner's circulation of qi, blood, and fluids, using herbal medicine, acupuncture, and external therapies to prevent recurrence and address related symptoms.

Lim Hye Jung / press@themedik.kr

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