Warts- Symptoms, Causes, Types and Treatment

Warts. Just the mention of the word can make some people cringe. They’re those small, often unsightly growths that can appear on various parts of the body, causing annoyance and sometimes embarrassment. But what exactly are warts, and how can we deal with them effectively? We are going to discuss about Warts- Symptoms, Causes, Types and Treatment. To know more visit https://healthytipsall.com.

What Are Warts?

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by the (HPV) Human Papillomavirus. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and different strains of the virus cause warts to appear on different parts of the body. While warts are generally harmless, they can be contagious and may spread to other areas of the body or to other people through direct contact. Warts- Symptoms

Types of Warts

Warts are some skin condition caused by the [HPV] Human Papillomavirus. While they can appear in various shapes, sizes, and locations on the body, there are several distinct types of warts. Understanding the different types of warts can help in their identification and appropriate treatment. Here are the most common types:

Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)

Some common warts typically appear on the hands, fingers, & around the nails.

• They are characterized by their rough, raised surface, often with black dots (clotted blood vessels) visible within the wart. Warts- Symptoms
• These warts can vary in size, from small, pea-sized growths to larger, cauliflower-like clusters. Warts- Symptoms

Plantar Warts:

• Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, commonly on weight-bearing areas like the heels or balls of the feet. Warts- Symptoms
• Due to pressure from walking or standing, plantar warts may grow inward beneath a thick layer of skin, causing discomfort or pain. Warts- Symptoms
• They may appear as flat lesions with a rough surface and may have small black dots similar to common warts. Warts- Symptoms

Flat Warts (Verruca Plana):

• Flat warts are smoother and smaller than other types of warts, often appearing in clusters of 20 to 100 warts.
• They commonly occur on the face, neck, hands, or legs, and can sometimes be mistaken for small moles or skin tags.
• Flat warts may be flesh-colored, pink, or light brown, and they tend to affect children and young adults more frequently.

Filiform Warts:

• Filiform warts have a distinctive appearance, with long, narrow projections that extend outward from the skin’s surface. Warts- Symptoms
• They often develop on the face, particularly around the eyes, nose, mouth, or neck, where they can be cosmetically bothersome.
• These warts may be flesh-colored, pink, or yellow, and their thread-like projections can make them stand out. Warts- Symptoms

Genital Warts (Condyloma Acuminata):

• Genital wart is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by specific strains of HPV.
• They appear in the genital and anal areas and can vary in size and appearance, from small, flesh-colored bumps to larger, cauliflower-like growths.
• Genital warts may occur singly or in clusters, and while they are usually painless, they can cause itching, discomfort, or bleeding during sexual activity.

Causes of Warts

Warts are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that infects the outer layer of skin. There are over 100 different strains of HPV, and each strain tends to infect specific areas of the body, leading to the formation of different types of warts. Here are the primary causes and risk factors associated with warts: Warts- Symptoms

Direct Contact with HPV

The most common way to contract warts is through direct contact with the HPV virus. This can occur through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, such as towels or shared personal items.

Breaks in the Skin

HPV can enter the body through tiny cuts, scratches, or abrasions on the skin’s surface. Areas of broken skin provide an entry point for the virus to infect skin cells and cause warts to develop.

Weakened Immune System

A weakened immune system can increase susceptibility to HPV infection and the development of warts. Conditions that compromise immune function, such as HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, or certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids or immunosuppressants), can make individuals more prone to developing warts.

Age

Warts are most common in children and young adults, possibly because their immune systems are still developing and may not be as effective at fighting off HPV infections. However, warts can occur at any age.

Warm, Moist Environments

HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, which can facilitate its transmission and the development of warts. Places like swimming pools, communal showers, and locker rooms provide ideal conditions for the spread of the virus.

Genetics

Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing warts more easily than others. Genetic factors can influence immune function and susceptibility to HPV infection, although the specific genes involved are not fully understood.

Occupational Exposure

Certain occupations that involve frequent contact with HPV-infected individuals or contaminated surfaces may increase the risk of developing warts. Examples include healthcare workers, childcare providers, and individuals who work in environments where hygiene practices may be compromised.

Warts- Symptoms

Warts are typically easy to identify based on their appearance, but they can sometimes cause symptoms beyond their visual presentation. Here are the common symptoms associated with warts:

Visible Skin Growth

The most obvious symptom of a wart is the presence of a raised, rough, or smooth growth on the skin. Warts can vary in size, shape, and color, depending on the type of wart and its location on the body. They may appear as small, flesh-colored bumps or larger, cauliflower-like clusters.

Rough Texture

Many warts have a rough, grainy texture, especially those on the hands and fingers. This roughness is caused by thickened skin layers that develop over the wart.

Black Dots

Some warts, particularly common and plantar warts, may contain tiny black dots within them. These dots are actually clotted blood vessels & are often referred to as “wart seeds.” Warts- Symptoms

Pain or Discomfort | Warts- Symptoms

While warts are usually painless, they can sometimes cause discomfort or tenderness, especially if they develop in areas of friction or pressure, such as the soles of the feet (plantar warts) or the fingertips.

• Itching or Irritation: In some cases, warts may itch or become irritated, particularly if they are scratched or rubbed. Itching can be a result of the body’s immune response to the virus or the presence of inflammation around the wart.

Bleeding | Warts- Symptoms

Warts may bleed, especially if they are picked, scratched, or subjected to trauma. Bleeding typically occurs when the wart’s surface is damaged, exposing underlying blood vessels.

Spreading

Warts are contagious and can spread to other areas of the body through direct contact or by transferring the virus from one surface to another. They can also spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or nail clippers. Warts- Symptoms

Cosmetic Concerns | Warts- Symptoms 

Depending on their location and size, warts may cause cosmetic concerns for some individuals. Warts on the face, hands, or other visible areas may affect self-esteem and confidence, particularly if they are difficult to conceal with clothing or makeup.

It’s important to note that not all warts cause symptoms, and some may resolve on their own without treatment. However, if you experience pain, discomfort, bleeding, or other bothersome symptoms associated with a wart, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate management.

Treatment of Wart

The treatment of warts typically depends on the type of wart, its location, and the individual’s preference. While many warts may resolve on their own over time, some individuals may opt for treatment to expedite the process or alleviate symptoms. Here are common treatment options for warts:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:

• Salicylic acid: Available in various forms such as gels, liquids, pads, or plasters, salicylic acid is a common OTC treatment for warts. It works by gradually dissolving the wart’s keratin protein, causing it to slough off over time. Regular application of salicylic acid can help reduce the size and appearance of warts.
• Cryotherapy kits: Some OTC products contain aerosol sprays or applicators that deliver freezing temperatures (cryotherapy) to the wart. This freezes the wart and surrounding tissue, leading to cell death and eventual sloughing off of the wart. OTC cryotherapy kits are not as potent as those used by healthcare professionals but may be effective for smaller warts.

Prescription Medications:

For stubborn or persistent warts, healthcare providers may prescribe stronger medications such as:

• Cantharidin: A blistering agent that is applied topically to the wart and covered with a bandage. Cantharidin causes a blister to form beneath the wart, lifting it from the skin for removal.
• Imiquimod: A topical cream that stimulates the immune system’s response to the HPV virus, leading to the destruction of the wart.
• Tretinoin: A topical retinoid cream that promotes the shedding of skin cells, helping to eliminate warts over time.

Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen Treatment):

Cryotherapy performed by a healthcare professional involves the application of liquid nitrogen to the wart using a cotton swab or spray gun. The freezing temperature destroys the wart tissue, causing it to blister & eventually fall off. Multiple treatments may be necessary for complete wart removal.

Electrosurgery or Curettage:

Electrosurgery involves using a small electric current to burn off the wart tissue, while curettage involves scraping away the wart with a sharp instrument (curette). This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia in a healthcare provider’s office and may leave a small scar.

Laser Therapy

• Laser therapy uses focused laser energy to destroy the blood vessels supplying the wart, leading to its removal. Laser therapy is often reserved for larger or more stubborn warts and may require multiple sessions for optimal results.

Intralesional Immunotherapy

Intralesional immunotherapy involves injecting a substance, such as candida antigen or interferon, directly into the wart. This stimulates the immune system’s response to the HPV virus, leading to wart regression. Warts- Symptoms

Surgical Excision

Surgical excision involves cutting out the wart and surrounding tissue under local anesthesia. This procedure is typically reserved for large, persistent warts that do not respond to other treatments.

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before attempting to treat warts, especially if they are painful, spreading, or located in sensitive areas such as the face or genital area. Additionally, some treatments may cause side effects or complications, so it’s essential to follow the provider’s instructions carefully and attend follow-up appointments as needed.