What are warts?
Warts are small growths on the skin. Although they are usually benign, they can cause physical or aesthetic discomfort. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are over 100 types. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but more frequently appear on the hands, feet, trunk and genitals.
Some skin lesions such as soft fibromas or skin tags (acrochordons) or seborrheic queratosis can be mistaken for warts. The important difference is that these lesions are not contagious. Their appearance is linked to genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, aging process etc. It can be hard to differentiate between these and warts and should only be done by a medical expert.
Why do they appear?
Warts develop when the skin enters in contact with HPV by infected skin or contaminated surfaces. Factors like moisture, skin-to-skin contact, and a weakened immune system can increase the risk of infection.
Main factors of wart development:
- Direct contact with someone who has warts or sharing personal items (towels, razors, nail files)
- Weakened immune system such as in children, the elderly or inmunocompromised patients.
- Habits that facilitate the entry of the virus: Biting your nails, getting cuts while shaving, or having dry and cracked skin can increase susceptibility to HPV.
- Age and Biological Factors: Warts are more common in children and adolescents due to greater exposure during school or sports activities, and because their cellular immunity is still developing.
- Warm and Humid Environments: These conditions promote the spread of the virus, increasing the likelihood of infection. This is why plantar warts are frequent in people who go to swimming pools or gyms.
Types of warts:
Here are the 5 most common types:
- Common warts
- Appear on hands and fingers
- Rough texture, same color as skin or slightly darker.
- Plantar warts
- On the soles of the feet
- Due to pressure from walking, they tend to be flat and can cause pain.
- Small dark spots on their surface, (clotted blood vessels).
- Flat warts
- Small and smooth
- Found on face, neck, and legs
- More common in children and adolescents.
- Filiform warts
- Long and thin
- Near the eyes or mouth
- Can sometimes detach spontaneously
- Genital warts
- Also known as condylomas
- Sexually transmitted infection
How to Remove them: Most Effective Medical Treatments
- Cryotherapy: Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. It is one of the most common and effective methods, especially for warts on the hands, feet and genital.
- Topical acids: There are preparations with salicylic acid and other stronger acids that are applied directly to the wart to break down the tissue. This treatment requires regular applications over weeks or months.
- Surgical treatment: The lesion is cut out under local anesthesia. This method is generally reserved for large warts or those that do not respond to less invasive treatments.
- Laser treatment: Uses a high-intensity light beam to burn and destroy wart tissue. It is useful for stubborn warts or those located in visible areas where minimizing scarring is desired. More expensive
- Immunotherapy: Harnesses the body’s immune system to fight the virus. It involves topical medications applied to the affected area, which provoke a local inflammatory reaction, stimulating the immune system to attack the cutaneous papillomavirus.
Are warts contagious?
Yes. Warts are caused by Human Papiloma Virus and spread easily through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. If they do appear, avoid scratching it and do not share personal items.
How to prevent getting HPV and prevent further spreading:
- Wear sandals in public showers
- Wash your hands frequently
- Don’t share personal hygiene items
- Use protection during sexual activity
Conclusion
Warts are annoying but treatable. With proper care and the right treatment, they can be removed without complications. Book your appointment today
Leave a Reply