WARTS

What are Warts?

Warts, also known as Verrucae, are growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infecting the top layer of skin cells. They typically appear rough and skin-colored, although they can also be flat, smooth, and dark (brown or grey-black). These viruses are more likely to infect skin that has been cut or damaged. Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with the wart or items that have touched it. They are frequently found on the hands, feet, face, and genital area.

What is the cause of warts?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and various factors contribute to the spread of this infection:

• Direct contact, such as touching your own wart or someone else's wart
• Walking barefoot on moist surfaces
• Sharing personal items like razors, shoes, or socks with an individual who has warts
• Weakened immune system
• Disruption of the skin barrier, such as dry skin or eczema

What are the different types of warts?

Common warts (verruca vulgaris): These typically appear on fingers and toes but can appear elsewhere too. They have a rough, grainy texture and are often rounded on top. While they are usually less than 1 cm in size, they can merge to form larger warts.

Plantar warts: These grow on the soles of the feet and can develop beneath the skin surface. They start as small, rough, or thickened areas and gradually enlarge, causing discomfort while walking.

Flat warts (verruca plana): These warts are flat and can be skin-colored, pinkish, or brownish. They are commonly found on the face, hands, feet, legs, and arms. They may appear as separate lesions spaced apart or grouped closely together.

Filiform warts: These warts resemble tags or flaps and are typically found around the mouth, nose, neck, or under the chin. They are skin-colored.

Periungual warts: These warts grow around and under fingernails and toenails. They are similar in appearance to common warts and can be quite painful, affecting nail growth.

Genital warts: These warts, also known as "condyloma acuminatum," are caused by specific strains of HPV. They are associated with cervical cancer and should be promptly evaluated by a doctor if suspected.

What are the treatments for skin warts?

Treatment for warts varies based on factors like the type of wart, number of lesions, and their location. In children, warts may resolve spontaneously within two years, although during this time, they can grow larger or lead to new warts. Smaller warts are generally easier to treat than larger ones.

The primary reasons for seeking wart treatment include an increase in the number of warts, cosmetic concerns, and pain.

Various treatment options are available for warts, ranging from home remedies to surgical interventions for wart removal.

Treatment you can do at home (home remedies for warts)

Salicylic acid-based lotion or ointment is applied directly to the wart.

• Soak the affected area in warm water for about five minutes.
• You can add a little salt to the water for enhanced effect.
• Thoroughly dry the skin.
• Use a nail file or another rough object to remove the upper layer of the wart.
• Apply a small amount of salicylic acid strictly to the wart.
• Repeat this process daily for at least 3-4 weeks to see initial improvement. Complete removal of the wart may take 2-3 months.

Wart Removal Treatments done by dermatologist

Medical Treatment: While there isn't a specific antiviral medication for warts, dermatologists may prescribe other medications that have demonstrated effectiveness. These can include oral retinoids, 5-FU, podophyllotoxin resins, zinc, cantharidin, and imiquimod. The choice of medical treatment depends on the location and type of wart. Medical treatments are particularly effective for flat warts, genital warts, and sometimes common warts. However, warts often recur even after treatment.

Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency ablation involves injecting a local anesthetic around the wart. After that, the growth is removed using fine needle radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Following the procedure, an antibacterial ointment is applied. Typically, the entire process lasts around 15-20 minutes. Subsequently, a soft scab forms over the treated area, which naturally falls off within a few days.

Laser treatments for warts: Laser treatments for warts: It is suitable for any kind of warts and done under local anesthesia. After anesthesia, laser procedure removes skin wart instantly. Patient need to apply antibiotic cream for wound care. It is more précised and faster than RFA.

Cryotherapy for warts:Cryotherapy for warts involves freezing the wart using a probe filled with liquid nitrogen. The cold gas destroys the wart by freezing the lesion, which then falls off along with the dead tissue within 1-2 weeks. Larger lesions may require multiple sessions. This treatment can be somewhat painful and is generally not recommended for young children.

Chemical Cautery for warts: Chemical Cautery for warts: it is useful for flat warts or plane warts. It involves application of chemical on each lesion that turns white within seconds of application. Within 10-14 days it leads to formation of scab and it fall off with clearing of lesion also. Multiple sessions may be required for thick and large lesions.

Pairing + Chemical Cautery:Pairing combined with chemical cautery is a treatment method used primarily for palmo-plantar warts. It involves initially removing most of the dead skin from the wart lesion (pairing) to enhance the effectiveness of chemical cautery. After pairing, the dermatologist performs chemical cautery, applying a chemical agent to the lesion. This combined approach aims to improve the outcome of the treatment.

TIPS

Here are the rewritten points:

• If you have a single lesion, you can observe it for self-resolution.
• Avoid touching or scratching wart lesions with your nails to prevent spreading to the nail, which can be challenging to treat.
• If a single lesion is growing or new lesions are appearing, consult a dermatologist.
• Avoid using unapproved medicines as they may cause irritation and wounds that could scar.
• Since it's a contagious infection, avoid sharing personal belongings.
• Maintain clean hands and keep your nails trimmed short.