Sweet Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture as a Sole Treatment for Verruca Vulgaris: A Case Report

Article information

J Korean Med. 2025;46(3):182-190

Publication date (electronic) : 2025 September 1

doi : https://doi.org/10.13048/jkm.25043

Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University

Correspondence to: Kwang-sik Yoon, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 32, Beobwon-ro 11-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea, Tel: +82-2-2222-8103, E-mail: love6605@naver.com

Received 2025 July 14; Revised 2025 July 28; Accepted 2025 August 12.

Abstract

Objectives

This case report aims to present the clinical course of a patient with verruca vulgaris who was treated solely with sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture, highlighting its potential as an alternative therapeutic option.

Methods

Sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture treatment was performed regularly once a week. The injection needle was angled toward the center of the lesion during administration. Prior to treatment initiation, a skin test was conducted to assess hypersensitivity to bee venom. No other complementary Korean medicine treatments were administered alongside the sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture.

Results

At the end of treatment, the lesion was almost completely resolved, leaving only mild pigmentation and scarring. No signs of recurrence were noted throughout the one-year follow up period, and the skin condition remained stable.

Conclusions

The immunomodulatory and antiviral effects of sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture appeared to contribute positively to lesion improvement and tissue regeneration. Further clinical studies, such as randomized controlled trials, are required to better assess the effectiveness of sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture when used alone or alongside other therapeutic approaches for verruca vulgaris.

Keywords: Verruca vulgaris; Sweet bee venom pharmacopuncture; Human papillomavirus; Immunomodulation;

Fig. 1

Clinical image of verruca vulgaris on September 26, 2023, prior to treatment.

Fig. 2

Clinical image of verruca vulgaris during treatment (stage 1) on October 2, 2023.

Fig. 3

Clinical image of verruca vulgaris during treatment (stage 2) on December 18, 2023

Fig. 4

Clinical image of verruca vulgaris during treatment (stage 3) on January 15, 2024

Fig. 5

Clinical image of verruca vulgaris during treatment (stage 4) on February 28, 2024

Fig. 6

Clinical image of verruca vulgaris at one-year follow up on February 17, 2025.

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