Warts (Symptoms,Causes and Treatment)

A wart is a tiny, lumpy growth that can develop anywhere on the body. They are brought on by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a skin-infecting virus. Common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, and genital warts are only a few of the numerous varieties of warts. Warts can be uncomfortable and unattractive, but they are often not harmful and will normally disappear on their own with time. However, if a wart is uncomfortable, spreading, or embarrassing, treatment may be advised.

This article covers the following topics :

Describe warts.

Warts are tiny, elevated growths on the skin that are brought on by a viral infection in the epidermis. They are brought on by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be contracted by direct contact with an infected person or by handling contaminated objects. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but the hands, feet, and genital region are where they are most frequently seen.

Warts come in a variety of forms, each with a unique look and location on the body. Verrucae vulgaris, or common warts, generally develop on the hands, knees, and fingers and have a rough, raised surface. On the bottoms of the feet, plantar warts can be uncomfortable to stand or walk on. Flat warts typically develop on the face, neck, and hands and are smaller and smoother than other wart forms. Sexual contact is the only way to spread genital warts, which develop on or around the genitalia.

Warts are often not detrimental to health, although they can be ugly and cause discomfort or shame. However, warts can occasionally bleed or become infected, which might result in more severe consequences.

Topical medicines, cryotherapy (freezing the wart), electrocautery (burning the wart), and surgical removal are all possibilities for treating warts. Additionally, over-the-counter treatments like duct tape or salicylic acid may be successful in eradicating warts. After treatment, warts could return, and there is no known treatment for the underlying HPV infection.

Avoiding direct contact with sick people, routinely washing your hands, maintaining clean, dry skin, and refraining from sharing personal objects like towels or razors are all effective wart prevention techniques. Additionally, there are vaccines available to protect against certain strains of HPV infection, such as those that result in genital warts and some types of cancer.

Who could develop warts?

Although warts can affect anyone, children and young adults are the most frequently affected. People with compromised immune systems or those who have been exposed to a virus that causes warts for a long time are more likely to get them. Workers in certain industries that expose them to the virus, such healthcare providers or manual laborers, may also be more susceptible to developing warts. People who frequently use public showers or swimming pools may also be more prone to getting plantar warts.

What kinds of warts are there?

There are various varieties of warts, such as:

1-Common warts (verruca vulgaris): These warts can form anywhere on the body, but they are most frequently found on the hands and fingers. They typically resemble cauliflower in appearance and are raised and rough.

2-Plantar warts: These painful warts can be seen on the bottoms of the feet. Small black spots in the wart’s center serve as a telltale sign that it is different from a callus.

3-Verruca plana, or flat warts, are tiny, flat, and smooth. On the face, neck, hands, or knees, they may be found in great quantities.

4-Filiform warts: These warts typically appear on the face, neck, or eyelids and have long, thin, thread-like growths.

5-Periungual warts: These unpleasant warts develop around the nails.

6-Genital warts: These warts, which can appear on or around the genital area, are brought on by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear alone or in groups, and they can be flat or elevated. A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause genital warts.

It’s important to remember that there are numerous uncommon wart varieties as well.

Are warts spreadable and what causes them?

HPV is the human papillomavirus that causes warts. Direct touch with the skin of an infected individual or contact with materials that have been exposed to the virus are both ways that this virus might spread. Warts are very contagious and travel easily from person to person and from one section of the body to another. Warts are not always caused by HPV types, and some strains are more likely to develop them on particular body areas than others.

What signs do warts exhibit?

Depending on the type of wart, several symptoms may be present:

1-Common warts: These rough, solid growths can form anywhere on the body but are most frequently found on the hands, feet, and fingers.

2-Plantar warts: These hard, granular growths that occur on the soles of the feet can be painful or uncomfortable when walked on.

3-Flat warts: These are tiny, smooth, flat growths that typically develop on the hands, neck, or face in clusters.

4-Genital warts: These tiny, flesh- or gray-colored lumps can develop on the genitalia, pubis, or anus.

In general, depending on where they are and how big they are, warts may not cause any symptoms or they may cause itching, burning, or bleeding.

How is a wart identified?

The majority of the time, warts can be identified by looking at them. Typically, a wart can be identified by a medical professional simply by looking at it. However, a sample of the wart tissue may be sent for laboratory analysis if there is any lingering uncertainty regarding the diagnosis. It is known as a skin biopsy. It’s crucial to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis since in some circumstances, warts might resemble other skin problems like corns or calluses.

How do warts get treated or managed?

Depending on the location, size, and type of the wart, it is possible to manage or treat it in a variety of ways. Typical therapies include:

1-Over-the-counter remedies: There are a number of over-the-counter remedies that can be administered directly to the wart, including salicylic acid. Usually, it takes weeks or months for these treatments to start working.

2-Prescription medication: If over-the-counter remedies are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe a stronger drug such bleomycin, imiquimod, or cantharidin.

3-Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart results in the death of the wart’s cells and its eventual removal.

4-Laser therapy: This method includes using a laser to cut off the wart’s blood supply, which kills it and causes it to come off.

5-Surgical removal: Usually only used for larger or persistent warts. Under local anesthetic, the wart is removed by burning it or cutting it out.

It is crucial to remember that warts can occasionally reappear after therapy, particularly if the virus that produces them is still in the body.

What problems might warts cause?

Warts typically do not result in major issues. There are, however, some possible issues, such as:

1-Spread: Warts can spread from one person or one body part to another through skin-to-skin contact since they are contagious. It is crucial to take precautions to stop the spread of warts, like bandaging them or preventing skin-to-skin contact.

2-Warts can occasionally recur after treatment, particularly if the virus that causes them is still in the body.

3-Skin changes: Warts occasionally result in thickening or scarring of the skin, particularly if they are not treated or if they are found on sensitive parts of the body.

Warts can be unattractive and embarrassing, especially if they are found on parts of the body that are visible. This causes emotional anguish. This can cause emotional anguish, lower someone’s sense of worth, and lower their quality of life.

How can warts be avoided?

Here are some methods for avoiding warts:

1-Refrain from touching wart-ridden people skin to skin.

2-Avoid trading personal stuff like shoes, towels, and razors.

3-Keep your feet dry and spotless, particularly if you’re in a public area like a pool or locker room.

4-Avoid going barefoot in crowded places.

5-Keep your hands squeaky clean and refrain from touching or removing warts.

6-Consider getting vaccinated against specific HPV strains, which can aid in genital wart prevention.

7-Be extremely cautious to avoid developing warts if you have a compromised immune system because you may be more prone to doing so.

It’s crucial to take precautions if you have warts in order to keep them from spreading to other people or to other areas of your body.

What is the prognosis (outlook) for those who have warts?

The future is often bright for those who have warts. Warts typically don’t hurt and disappear on their own with time, though it could take a few months to a few years. Getting treated can hasten the healing process and stop warts from spreading to other areas of the body or to other people. Even with effective therapy, warts might come back, particularly if the virus that produces them is still in the body. To lessen the chance of contracting warts, it’s critical to maintain proper cleanliness and stay away from those who are affected.

When should I get in touch with my doctor concerning warts?

If you detect any of the following, you should contact your doctor regarding warts:

1-Warts on the genital area or on your face

2-Warts that hurt, bleed, or are uncomfortable

3-Warts that are expanding quickly or that are altering in hue or appearance

4-Warts that are escalating and transferring to other areas of your body or to other individuals

5-Warts that are resistant to over-the-counter medicines or natural therapies

6-Warts that persist despite treatment

Your doctor can correctly diagnose your condition and suggest the best course of action for your particular form of wart. Additionally, they can offer suggestions on how to stop the spread of warts and avoid developing new ones.

What inquiries should I make of my doctor regarding warts?

Here are some queries you might wish to put to your doctor if you’re worried about warts:

1-I have warts, but what kind do I have and how did I obtain them?

2-Are any particular tests required to formally establish the diagnosis?

3-What choices are there for treating warts?

4-How long will the course of therapy last, and are there any risks or side effects?

5-Can warts infect other areas of my body or other people?

6-How can I stop warts from coming back or spreading?

7-Are there any over-the-counter or at-home therapies for warts that work?

8-Should I visit a dermatologist or other professional for my warts?

9-Should I make any alterations to my routines or way of life to lower my risk of developing warts again in the future?

10-What should I do if my warts do not go away after therapy or come back?