What are Warts?
Warts are growths on the skin, typically caused by viral infections that enter via small cracks or cuts in the skin. While having warts can be frustrating, they are generally harmless and treatable.
They can happen anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on areas such as the face, fingers and feet. They can spread through direct contact with a wart or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces.
Types of Warts?
- Common warts: These warts appear as rough bumps, often found on the hands, knees, or other areas.
- Plantar warts: These warts commonly present as a rough, thickened growths on the soles of the feet.
- Flat warts: Smooth, skin-colored bumps that typically appear on the face, top of hands, or legs.
- Genital warts: These warts are transmitted through sexual contact and appear in the pubic or genital area.
Recognising and Diagnosing Warts
Warts are typically characterised by their rough texture and may contain tiny dark dots. They can sometimes cause pain or discomfort, especially when pressure is applied to the affected area. However, warts may vary in appearance depending on their location, making them sometimes difficult to identify.
Diagnosis of warts is usually conducted through a physical examination by a healthcare professional. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis, involving the removal of a small portion of the wart for examination under a microscope.
Wart Removal and Treatment
Several treatment options available for warts, depending on the location of the wart and individual needs.
- Cantharidin treatment: Performed in the clinic, this involves applying a solution over the wart, causing a blister to form beneath it.
- Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the wart, which causes it to blister and eventually fall off. Multiple sessions may be required for complete removal of the wart.
- Electrosurgery: A procedure which involves using a tool to perform curettage or surgical paring, followed by electrosurgery. Larger warts may require full surgical removal or biopsy.
- Laser Treatment: Employed for persistent or resistant warts that have not responded to other therapies.
- Immunotherapy: A treatment which stimulates the body’s immune system to combat the virus causing the warts.
In the treatment and removal of warts, the activation of the body’s immune system plays a crucial role. It’s essential to note that viral warts often recur, hence effective management and follow-up care is crucial.
Alternative Treatment Options for Warts
Studies are underway to explore effective therapies for treating warts. A promising treatment is a topical cream formulation, 5-fluorouracil, believed to stop cell growth when applied to the skin. Cimetidine, an oral medication known for immune system suppression, has also shown effectiveness in treating stubborn warts in both children and adults.
Recent reports indicate the potential of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in addressing persistent warts. Additionally, immunisation has exhibited efficacy, particularly for genital warts. While published evidence suggests the potential benefits of these treatment alternatives, larger-scale studies are essential for a comprehensive understanding of their effects.
Seeking Medical Care
It’s important to note that while warts are generally benign, they should not be ignored, especially if they cause pain, bleeding, or discomfort. Treatment options can vary, and combination therapies may be necessary for effective wart removal.
In conclusion, warts are common skin growths caused by viral infections and can be treated using various methods depending on their type and severity. Seeking medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential for managing warts effectively:
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References
- Lipke MM. An armamentarium of wart treatments. Clin Med Res. 2006; 4(4):273-293.
- Gibbs S, Harvey I, Sterling JC, Stark R. Local treatments for cutaneous warts. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(3):CD001781.
- Venugopal SS, Murrell DF. Recalcitrant cutaneous warts treated with recombinant quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) in a developmentally delayed, 31-year-old white man. Arch Dermatol. 2010;146(5):475-477.
- Daniel BS, Murrell DF. Complete resolution of chronic multiple verruca vulgaris treated with quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine. JAMA Dermatol. 2013;149(3):370-372.