Warts: Understanding, Treating, and Preventing the Common Skin Condition

Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they can appear anywhere on the body, they are most commonly seen on the hands and feet. Understanding the nature of warts, their treatment options, and preventive measures can help manage and reduce their incidence.

What Are Warts?

Warts are small, benign growths on the skin caused by HPV. They vary in appearance and can be raised, flat, or have a rough surface. Different HPV strains cause warts, and while they are often harmless, they can be bothersome and unsightly.

Types of Warts

There are several types of warts, each with unique characteristics depending on their location and HPV strain:

• Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris): Typically found on fingers and hands, these warts appear as rough, raised bumps with a grainy texture and may have black dots (clotted blood vessels) on their surface.
• Plantar Warts: Found on the soles of the feet, plantar warts grow inward because of the pressure from walking. They can be painful and often resemble calluses with small black dots within.
• Flat Warts (Verruca Plana): These are smaller and smoother than other warts, typically appearing on the face, legs, or arms. They are flat-topped and can occur in large numbers.
• Filiform Warts: Often found on the face around the mouth, nose, and eyes, these are long and thread-like.
• Periungual Warts: These warts occur around the nails and can disrupt nail growth and cause discomfort.

How Warts Spread

Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with a wart or something that touched one, like towels or surfaces. The risk of spreading or contracting warts increases if the skin is damaged or broken.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can develop warts, but they are more common in children and teens due to their developing immune systems. Individuals with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk. Factors increasing susceptibility to warts include:

• Skin injuries or open wounds.
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
• Being in warm, moist environments, such as public showers and swimming pools.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Warts are usually diagnosed by their appearance. Common symptoms include:

• Rough texture and a raised surface.
• Presence of black dots (clotted blood vessels).
• Pain or tenderness, especially for plantar warts.

If the diagnosis is uncertain, a healthcare provider may take a biopsy to examine the growth under a microscope.

Treatment and Management

While warts often resolve on their own, many opt for treatment to speed up the process or for cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include:

Over-the-counter Treatments

1. Salicylic Acid: Available in liquids, gels, and medicated pads, salicylic acid works by peeling infected skin layers. Consistent use can be effective over a few weeks.
   • Salicylic Acid Treatment
2. Cryotherapy Kits: These over-the-counter products freeze the wart with dimethyl ether and propane, mimicking cryotherapy treatment.

Prescription Treatments

3. Cryotherapy: In-office freezing with liquid nitrogen, performed by a healthcare provider, can effectively remove warts by causing them to blister and fall off.
4. Cantharidin: A healthcare provider applies this chemical, causing the wart to blister so it can be easily removed.
5. Immunotherapy: Applying substances like Imiquimod boosts the immune system to fight the wart virus.

Surgical and Other Options

6. Laser Treatment: Uses a laser beam to destroy wart tissue.
   • Laser Treatment for Warts
7. Curettage and Electrosurgery: The wart is scraped off and the base is cauterized.
8. Bleomycin Injection: An anti-cancer drug is injected into the wart.

Note on Home Remedies

Home remedies like duct tape or vinegar applications lack sufficient scientific backing. Dermatologists generally advise caution with home treatments to avoid skin irritation or infection.

Prevention

Preventing warts involves minimizing HPV exposure and protecting skin integrity:

• Avoid touching warts on yourself or others.
• Keep skin injuries clean and covered.
• Wear flip-flops in public showers and around swimming pools.
• Avoid sharing towels, razors, and other personal hygiene items.
• Boost overall skin immunity through proper nutrition and hygiene.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if:

• Warts are painful or change appearance.
• Over-the-counter treatments are ineffective after several weeks.
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
• Warts appear on the face or genitals.

Additional Questions

How do warts differ from corns and calluses?

Unlike warts, corns and calluses are not caused by viruses. They result from repeated pressure and can be distinguished by their lack of clotted blood vessels (black dots).

Are all warts contagious?

Yes, all warts are potentially contagious due to their viral origin, although not everyone who comes into contact with HPV will develop warts.

For more information on warts and their treatment, consult reputable medical resources or your healthcare provider. The American Academy of Dermatology provides further insights and guidance on managing warts responsibly.

• American Academy of Dermatology: Warts