What are Warts Anyway?
Warts are skin growths that appear on skin because of the family of viruses, human papillomavirus. The virus activates the growth of extra skin cells which results in thick, rough and hard skin in that area. Warts can appear on any part of the skin but mostly hands and feet are affected by this skin condition.
Type of Warts:
Depending upon their texture and location they are classified into six major groups
- Common warts
- Butchers warts
- Flat warts
- Planter warts
- Genital warts
- Filiform warts
Common Warts:
These warts usually appear in fingers and toes, especially in the area surrounding the nails. Their texture is rough, bumpy and jaggy. Common warts are benign but they are contagious. If left untreated they will go away on their own but will take several years.
Butchers Warts:
These types of warts usually infect the skin of the meat handlers. Warts vary in color from yellowish to dark brown.
Flat Warts:
Mostly, teens and adults are affected by this skin condition. They have a flat look and are much smaller than other warts. The most common affected areas are the face, legs, and arms. They usually appear around cuts in the skin.
Planter Warts:
Planter warts usually arise on the soles of the feet. They do not have a bumpy appearance because they grow inside the skin. These types of warts can make walking painful and difficult.
Genital Warts:
As the name suggests, these skin growths develop in genital areas. Some of them are painful and can cause itchiness and discomfort. It can affect both men and women but women are more vulnerable to this skin disease. Use condoms and get vaccinated, they both are going to help you prevent them.
Filiform Warts:
Filiform warts are finger-like protrusions most commonly appearing around the individual’s eyes and lips. These warts spread due to skin-to-skin contact and people with the weak immune system are more vulnerable to them. They are harmless and usually go away on their own over time but if you don’t, I recommend you get them removed by a dermatologist because they can cause complications in the future.
Treatments:
There are a variety of treatments developed to help you reduce your warts symptoms. Most surgeons prefer burning or Laser therapy to remove them. Here are some common Warts removal treatment,
Medications:
Topical medications can be used to remove warts but they don’t tackle the root cause. It only minimizes their physical appearance therefore, not a permanent solution. The dermatologist cannot guarantee that they won’t reappear in the future. If you are considering this treatment then salicylic acid should be your first choice because it comes with very few side effects and cost is less.
Cryotherapy:
It involves freezing warts off. During the treatment, liquid nitrogen, a very cold substance is applied to the affected area that freezes of the abnormal cells of warts. The procedure is usually performed in the doctor’s office under the supervision of a highly qualified dermatologist. Cryotherapy is a little painful so a numbing cream will be used during it. Almost 2-4 sessions are required to completely destroy them-these sessions must be spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart. After the treatment, a blister may form but it is normal and dries over within 2-4 days.
Zapping and Cutting:
Surgeons call it electrodesiccation and curettage. During the treatment, the doctor dries the wart with an electric needle and then snips off with a scoop-like tool known as a curette. The whole procedure is performed under local anesthesic. Consider this treatment if you have no other choice left.
Laser Therapy:
Generally, dermatologists use a pulsed-dye laser to treat warts. Laser cauterizes the blood vessels in warts and causes them to fall off. After the treatment, some bruising and swelling will be seen in the treatment site for some days, use cold compressors to minimize them.
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