Topical vitamin C for HPV, herpes and basal cell carcinoma
(NaturalHealth365) According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV – or human papillomavirus – is so widespread that nearly all adults get it at some point in their lives. And, more than one out of every six people between the ages of 14 and 49 in the United States has genital herpes, a life-long viral infection. Natural health experts are reporting that vitamin C – with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immune system-boosting effects – can be used as a safe and effective treatment for these conditions.
Let’s take a closer look at how to use vitamin C to care for lesions – including those from basal cell carcinoma.
HPV and herpes are both common in the United States
Humanpapilloma virus – actually, a group of over 150 related viruses – gets its name from the papillomas (or warts) it can cause. According to the CDC, up to 80 million Americans are currently affected by HPV.
Although 90 percent of the time HPV resolves without causing any problems, it remains a health concern because some types of HPV can lead to cancer.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by two types of viruses – herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2. (Oral herpes, caused by the HSV-1 virus, is characterized by cold sores or fever blisters on or near the mouth. Most cases of oral herpes are contracted non-sexually).
According to natural health pioneer (and “Doctor Yourself” author) Andrew Saul, PhD – you can treat both HPV warts and herpes lesions with the application of topical vitamin C.
Vitamin C can shrink lesions and substantially reduce discomfort
Saul advises adding a few drops of water to vitamin C powder to make a paste, then applying the mixture directly to warts and lesions. As the mixture dries, a slight white residue will be visible on skin.
The vitamin C should cause fluid-filled lesions to become drier, Saul notes. If the lesions rupture and leak fluid, make sure to apply the mixture around the edges of the affected area in order to avoid the spread of infection.
(Tip: To avoid the slight “sting” that may occur with ascorbic acid powder, Saul advises using sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate. If these are unavailable, you can add regular baking soda to make the ascorbic acid pH neutral.)
You can also use vitamin C orally to support your immune system and raise your resistance to viral outbreaks. Many natural health experts recommend 1,000 to 4,000 mg of vitamin C daily to fight HPV and herpes.
As always, you should consult a trusted integrative healthcare provider, who can advise an appropriate dosage for your needs.
Vitamin C targets cancer cells – without harming healthy cells
Basal cell carcinoma – the most common form of skin cancer – is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Non-melanoma skin cancers tend to be slow-growing and rarely metastasize. When caught early, they can be cured 95 percent of the time.
According to vitamin C pioneer Frederick R. Klenner, MD – basal cell carcinoma responds to highly-concentrated topical application of vitamin C two or three times a day.
“We have removed several small basal cell epithelioma with a 30 percent ointment of vitamin C,” Dr. Klenner reported.
Julian Whitaker, MD, founder and operator of the Whitaker Wellness Institute Medical Clinic, agrees.
Dr. Whitaker advises caring for basal cell carcinoma lesions with a combination of vitamin C and DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide. Topical vitamin C may also be used on the precancerous skin growths known as actinic (or solar) keratosis.
Editor’s note: Dr. Whitaker has retired from medical practice – as of March 30, 2018.
Noting that vitamin C’s antioxidant properties allow it to protect and rejuvenate skin, Dr. Whitaker recommends mixing equal parts powdered vitamin C and DMSO – and applying it several times a day. Some vitamin A (retinol) cream may also be added to the mix.
(Of course, you should report any suspicious skin lesions to your primary care physician in order to rule out melanoma. And, of course, don’t use vitamin C to treat any medical condition without guidance from your medical doctor).
With these topical applications, vitamin C is continuing to demonstrate its versatility and value as a non-toxic and effective natural treatment. Of course, forward-thinking healers (such as the late Dr. Klenner) have been advocating the use of this amazing nutrient for decades.
Sources for this article include:
Doctoryourself.com
Doctoryourself.com
Whitakerwellness.com
CDC.gov