Table of Contents
Wart Removal: Types, Symptoms, and Causes
Warts are common skin growths caused by a viral infection. It affects people of all ages. These small, often rough growths appear on the skin or mucous membranes. and maybe unsightly or uncomfortable. Although it is usually harmless.
What Are Warts?
Warts are small bumps that are rough on the skin Caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), it can appear anywhere on the body and is usually harmless but can be contagious. Warts vary in texture. and may feel bumpy or flat depending on the type.
Types of Warts
There are different types of warts, each with unique characteristics. Knowing the type helps in choosing the right treatment.
1. Common Warts: Usually found on hands and fingers, they are round, rough, and grayish-brown. Painless but may cause discomfort based on size and location.
2. Plantar Warts: Appear on the soles of the feet and can be painful. They are small, hard, and may have a black dot in the center.
3. Flat Warts: Small and smooth, often in clusters on the face, neck, hands, and legs. Common in children and adolescents.
4. Filiform Warts: Long, thread-like growths around the mouth, nose, and eyes, typically painless but can irritate.
5. Genital Warts: Found in the genital and anal areas, caused by sexually transmitted HPV strains. Always requires medical evaluation.
Symptoms of Warts
Warts are generally easy to identify based on their appearance, but certain symptoms can vary depending on the type of wart:
a. Rough, raised bumps on the skin
b. Flat, smooth lesions (in the case of flat warts)
c. Black dots within the wart, which are small blood vessels
d. Pain or discomfort (especially with plantar warts)
e. Clusters of growths, particularly in the case of genital warts
While warts are typically not painful, they may cause discomfort due to their size or location. In certain cases, the presence of warts can also lead to emotional distress, especially if they are in visible areas such as the face or hands.
Causes of Warts
Warts are caused by HPV, which enters the skin through small cuts. Spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces, rain, or pools of water. Skin conditions such as a weakened immune system and frequent exposure to moisture or dermatitis increase the risk
When to See a Doctor
Although warts are harmless and usually go away on their own, there are some situations in which medical intervention is necessary:
1. Especially painful warts on the feet that make walking difficult.
2. Warts that bleed There has been a change in appearance. or signs of infection (such as redness, warmth)
3. Warts or clusters spread quickly and multiply quickly.
4. Warts occur in sensitive areas such as the face, mouth, or genitals.
5. The immune system is weakened, This makes warts more resistant to treatment.
If any of these symptoms occur You should see your doctor for further evaluation and advice.
Diagnosis
A doctor can usually diagnose warts by looking at them. If a wart appears unusual, a skin biopsy may be done to rule out other conditions, like skin cancer. In this procedure, a small sample is taken for lab analysis.
Treatments & Medications
1. Over-the-Counter Treatment: Salicylic acid helps soften and gradually remove the wart, while a cryotherapy kit uses dimethyl ether to freeze the wart. The medicated wart removal patch provides continuous treatment.
2. Treatments offered by doctors: Options include cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Laser treatment to burn warts And electrosurgery to remove warts using electrical current.
3. Advanced Treatment: Immunotherapy continues to strengthen the immune system to target warts. It is an option when other treatments are not available. Less effective.
