Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
In Ayurveda warts are known as Charmakila and are classified under minor diseases known as Kshudraroga. The pathology involves the aggravation of Vyana Vata combining with Kapha dosha to produce firm rough and nail-like growths on the skin surface. Texts describe them as stable and hard elevations that resemble the texture of a nail or skin hemorrhoids. They represent a disorder of the external disease passage involving the skin and flesh tissues. The condition arises when the vitiated doshas become localized in the skin creating these fixed obstructing masses that are distinct from other skin eruptions like moles or tumors.
Warts are cutaneous growths caused by the proliferation of skin cells. In the classical Ayurvedic system of medicine, warts are referred to as Charmakeela (literally "nail of the skin") or Carmakila. They are generally classified under Kshudra Rogas (minor diseases) or diseases affecting the Bahya Roga Marga (external disease pathway).
Charmakila is defined as a cutaneous condition where the Vyana Vata (the sub-type of air energy that circulates through the body) becomes aggravated and pushes Kapha (mucus/phlegm) to the exterior skin. This results in the formation of a fixed, immovable, and nail-like sprout or spike on the surface of the skin.
Literal Meaning: The term is derived from Charma meaning "skin" and Kila meaning "nail," "spike," or "peg."
Conceptual Interpretation: Ayurveda views this as a systemic displacement of Doshas. The Vyana Vata grips the dense qualities of Kapha and deposits them in Twak (skin), causing a structural deformity resembling a peg.
Doshic Factors: Vitiation of Vyana Vata and Kapha (Shleshma).
Dietary & Lifestyle Causes: Factors aggravating Vata and Kapha such as Viruddha Ahara or suppression of natural urges contribute to skin manifestations,.
Infectious Contact: Certain skin diseases (Kushtha) are described as Aupasargika, spreading through Gatrasamsparsha (physical contact), shared clothing, or cohabitation.
Dosha: Vyana Vata and Kapha
Dushya: Twak, Rakta, Mamsa
Srotas: Circulatory channels and skin pores
Adhisthana: External skin
Process: Vitiated Kapha is propelled outward by aggravated Vyana Vata and becomes fixed in the skin (Bahirbhaga), forming a nail-like growth.
General Appearance: Fixed (Sthira) and immovable growth.
Vata Dominance: Toda (pricking pain), Parushya (roughness).
Kapha Dominance: Snigdha (smooth), Grathita (knotted), Savarna (skin-colored).
Pitta Dominance: Redness or burning (Daha), as seen in related growths.
As per Madhava Nidana:
Differential Diagnosis: Arsha, Mamsakila, other Kshudraroga
Kshara (Pratisaraneeya Kshara)
Aragvadha, Karanja, Guduci
Thuja (mentioned contextually)
Agni Karma using Shalaka
Kshara Karma
Curable: Classified as Kshudra Roga
Recurrence: Possible without Samshodhana therapy
Correlates with Verruca vulgaris
Comparison with Molluscum contagiosum
HPV vs Vyana Vata–Kapha theory
Aupasargika correlation with infectious spread
Q: Are warts contagious according to Ayurveda?
A: Yes. Ayurveda classifies skin diseases (Kushtha and related ailments) as Aupasargika Roga, meaning they can spread from person to person through physical contact (Gatrasamsparsha), sharing clothes, or sleeping together.
Q: What is the main cause of warts in Ayurveda?
A: Warts (Charmakila) are caused by the aggravation of Vyana Vata (the circulating air element) which pushes Kapha (phlegm/structure) to the outer skin, creating a fixed, nail-like growth.
Q: How are warts treated in Ayurveda without surgery?
A: Apart from excision, Ayurveda strongly recommends Agni Karma (thermal cauterization) and Kshara Karma (application of herbal alkalis) to burn or dissolve the growth effectively.
Q: Can diet help prevent warts?
A: Since warts involve Kapha and Vata, a diet that balances these doshas is beneficial. Avoiding incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara), which are a general cause for skin diseases, is recommended.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
Jun 1, 2026 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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