Abstract
Warts are benign epidermal proliferations caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), commonly affecting various body parts but rarely seen on the scalp.1 This article presents a case of a solitary wart on the scalp in a 42-year-old female, which was successfully treated with individualized homeopathic medicine. Conventional methods often involve surgical or topical interventions,1 which may be invasive or recurrent. In this case, constitutional homeopathy offered a non-invasive, holistic approach resulting in complete resolution of the wart without recurrence. This case highlights the potential of individualized homeopathy in treating uncommon presentations of warts.
Key Words – Scalp wart, Sepia, homeopathy, constitutional remedy, case report, benign lesion
Introduction – Warts, also known as verrucae, are common viral infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by HPV. They are typically found on the hands, feet, and face, but can occasionally appear on the scalp. Scalp warts may be overlooked or misdiagnosed due to their uncommon location and resemblance to other dermatologic lesions such as seborrheic keratosis or epidermal cysts. Warts, particularly on the scalp, though rare, can be cosmetically distressing and physically uncomfortable.1
Causes
Warts are caused by HPV, a double-stranded DNA virus that infects keratinized epithelium. Over 100 subtypes of HPV exist, with specific types associated with different wart morphologies.1 Scalp warts may result from:
∙ Direct or indirect transmission of HPV
∙ Use of shared hair grooming tools
∙ Minor abrasions from shaving or scratching
∙ Immunosuppression (e.g., in diabetic or HIV-positive individuals)
∙ Poor scalp hygiene or excessive sweating
∙ The virus enters through microscopic skin breaks, leading to hyperplasia of infected cells.
Clinical Presentation
Scalp warts are typically:1
∙ Solitary or multiple growths
∙ Firm, well-defined, keratotic nodules
∙ May be skin-colored, brown, or hyperpigmented
∙ Usually asymptomatic, though some may cause itching or discomfort ∙ Found more frequently in areas subjected to friction or minor trauma
Common Treatment
Allopathic Approach: Typically involves cryotherapy, cauterization, salicylic acid application, or surgical removal. These methods may cause discomfort, scarring, or recurrence.1
Homeopathic Approach: Homeopathy offers an individualized treatment protocol addressing the patient’s constitutional symptoms and overall health.
Case Profile
A 42-year-old female came to our OPD of the government homoeopathic medical college and hospital on 18/12/2024 presented with a cauliflower-like wart on the scalp, persistent for 1–2 months, with occasional bleeding during combing.
History Of Present Illness- The wart began as a small nodule and gradually increased in size. The patient denied any trauma, prior treatment, or similar lesions elsewhere.
Past History
No significant medical history
Occasional headaches before menses
Family History
No significant history
Physical Generals
Appetite – Adequate
Thirst- Moderate
Desire- Sour and Salty food
Aversion- Fatty food
Sleep – Sleep disturbed around 3–4 AM, wakes up feeling anxious
Stool- Constipated with ineffectual urging
Urine – Normal
Perspiration- Profuse, on forehead and feet
Thermal- Chilly
Menstrual history- Irregular menses, with scanty flow and bearing-down sensation. Irritability before menses.
Mental Generals
Irritable and easily offended, especially by family members
Tendency to cry when alone; feels emotionally neglected
Averse to consolation
Feels better when engaged in physical activity but worse in solitude
Feels worse before menses; emotionally withdrawn and anxious
Dreams- of falling
Provisional Diagnosis
Cauliflower-like Wart on Scalp
Dominant Miasm
Sycotic
Repertorial Totality
1. Mind- indifference, apathy; loved ones, to
2. Mind- irritability; trifles, about
3. Mind- irritability; menses; before
4. Mind- consolation, sympathy; ailments from, agg.
5. Head- warts, scalp
6. Female- pain; bearing down; uterus and region of
7. Skin- warts, condylomata; hard
8. Generalities- food and drinks; sour, acid; desires
9. Generalities- food and drinks; fat and rich food; aversion
Repertorization Result
Sepia emerged as the most prominent remedy covering both mental and physical totality on repertorization from complete repertory using SYNERGY Software
Prescription
Date: 18/12/2024
Rx- Sepia 200 /OD x 3 days
Rubrum 30 /BD x 15 days
Follow Ups
| DATE | COMPLAINTS | PRESCRIPTION |
| 01/01/2025 | Wart reduced in thickness, no bleeding on combing, No New Complaints | Rx- Rubrum 30/ BD / 15days |
| 15/01/2025 | Wart became dry, started shrinking. General well-being improved. | Rx- Rubrum 30/ BD / 7 days |
| 22/01/2025 | Wart shed off completely on 20/1/25 | Rx- Rubrum 30/ BD / 15 days |
| 05/02/2025 | No recurrence, emotional state also improved significantly | Rx- Rubrum 30/ BD / 15 days |
BEFORE TREATMENT (18/12/2024)
AFTER TREATMENT (22/01/2025)
Discussion
This case exemplifies classical homeopathic case-taking and repertorization. Sepia was selected based on totality, particularly the mental symptoms like indifference, irritability, and aggravation before menses. Its effectiveness for skin growths, especially in hormonally imbalanced or emotionally burdened females, is well documented in the materia’s medica. This case reaffirms the principle of treating the patient as a whole and not the disease in isolation.
Conclusion
Sepia 200C, selected after thorough case-taking and repertorization, successfully treated a benign wart without any invasive intervention. This case supports individualized homeopathy as an effective, safe alternative for managing common skin conditions.
References:
1. Habif’s Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy, 7th Edition. Elsevier.
Author
Dr. Ayushi Jain
MD Scholar, Department of Homoeopathic Repertory and Case Taking, Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
