H1 – Skin warts – Know the causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention methods of this common skin condition.

Skin warts are a common dermatological problem that many people find at some point in their lives. These small rough growth, caused by human papillomavirus infection (HPV), may appear anywhere in the body, but it is more frequent to find them in hands, feet and genitals. Warts can be quite annoying, both physically and emotionally, and can affect sel f-esteem.

There are several types of warts that can manifest in the skin, such as common warts, plantar warts, flat warts and genital warts. Common warts usually develop on the fingers, hands and nails, while plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet and can cause discomfort when walking. Flat warts are usually smaller and smooth, and are often found in the face or legs. Genital warts, meanwhile, affect genital and anal areas, and can be transmitted sexually.

Important note: It is essential to seek professional medical advice if you suspect that you have genital warts, since they require specific diagnosis and treatment.

Warts are very contagious and can spread through direct skin contact with skin or sharing personal objects such as towels or razor. People with weakened immune systems, children and those who bite or rule the warts are more likely to develop these skin growths. Although warts usually disappear for themselves over time, some persist and may require treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent them from continuing to spread.

Skin warts

Introduction

Types of warts

• Common warts: they are the most frequent type of warts and usually appear in the hands, fingers and around the nails. They have a rough and granulose texture and can be meat or grayish brown.
• Plantar warts: plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet and can be quite painful when walking or standing. They are flat with a hardened center and can have black points, which are small coagulated blood vessels, on the surface.
• Flat warts: flat warts are smaller and smooth than the other types. They usually appear on the face, neck or hands and can be pink, yellow or light brown.
• Genital warts: These warts specifically affect the genital and anal areas. They are usually soft, moist and flesh-colored, and can be transmitted through sexual contact.

Risk Factors and Transmission

It is important to know the risk factors and modes of transmission associated with warts to prevent their spread. The human papillomavirus thrives in warm, humid environments, so public swimming pools, gyms, and community showers are common places of transmission. Additionally, coming into direct contact with an infected person or sharing personal items such as towels or razors can also cause warts to spread.

Warts are more likely to appear in people with a weakened immune system, as their body may have difficulty fighting HPV infection. In addition, children and adolescents are often more prone to warts due to the development of their immune system and the greater likelihood of skin-to-skin contact during activities such as sports or games.

It is essential to know these risk factors and take the necessary precautions to prevent the development and spread of warts. Knowing the different types of warts and their characteristics can also help with early detection and appropriate treatment.

The Basics of Warts: Causes, Types, and Symptoms

Causes: Warts are caused by HPV, a contagious virus that can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The virus enters the body through cuts, breaks or weak spots in the skin, causing warts to appear. Certain factors, such as a weakened immune system, increased exposure to humid environments (such as swimming pools or community showers), and having a history of warts, may increase the risk of developing them.

Important note: Although warts are contagious, not everyone who comes into contact with HPV develops warts. The likelihood of developing warts depends on several factors, including the person’s immune response to the virus.

Types: Warts can appear in different shapes and places on the body. The most common types of warts are:

1. Common warts: These warts usually appear on the fingers, hands or arms. They have a rough and thickened surface of grayish brown. Common warts can have black points, which are small blood vessels that have coagulated inside the wart.
2. Plantar warts: plantar warts, which are found on the soles of the feet, are usually flattened and surrounded by calluse skin. They can cause pain or discomfort when walking or standing.
3. Flat Warts: These warts are small, smooth and flat tip. They usually appear in groups and may appear on the face, neck or hands.
4. Genital warts: These warts appear in genital and anal areas. They are usually sexually transmitted and require medical care.

Symptoms: Wart symptoms can vary according to the type and location. The most common symptoms are:

• Buits or growths in the skin
• Rough or hardened surface
• Skin discoloration
• Black points or small blood vessels inside the wart
• Pain or discomfort in some cases

Prevention Methods: How to Avoid Warts on the Skin

1. Practicing good hygiene: Maintaining a regular hygiene routine is essential to prevent skin warts. It is important to wash your hands well with warm water and soap, especially after coming into contact with surfaces that can house the HPV virus. Avoid sharing personal objects such as towels, razors or socks, as this can increase the risk of transmission.

1. Protect your skin: it is more likely that warts appear on broken or damaged skin. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to protect the skin of cuts, abrasions and other injuries. Use adequate protective clothing and equipment when participating in activities that may be a risk of skin lesions, such as gardening or sports.
2. Avoid direct contact with warts: warts are contagious and can spread from one person to another by direct contact. Avoid touching the warts, as well as the objects or surfaces that have been in contact with them. If you get in touch with a wart, wash your hands well with soap and water.
3. Strengthen your immune system: A strong immune system can help prevent the appearance of warts. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can help strengthen the immune system, making it more resistant to human papillomavirus.

“Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding skin warts. By practicing good hygiene, protecting your skin, avoiding direct contact with warts, and boosting your immune system, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing warts. Remember,”Prevention is always better than treatment.”

Natural Remedies for Treating Warts at Home

1. Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a very popular natural remedy for treating warts. Its acidic nature helps break down the tissue that makes up the wart. To use apple cider vinegar, soak a cotton ball or pad with the vinegar and apply it to the wart. Secure it with a bandage or tape and leave it on overnight. Repeat this process daily until the wart disappears. It is important to note that apple cider vinegar can cause mild skin irritation, so it is recommended to dilute it with water before applying it.

Tip: Dilute apple cider vinegar with equal parts water before applying it to your skin to avoid irritation.

2. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can help remove warts. To use tea tree oil, mix a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil. Apply this mixture on the wart with a cotton ball or a cotton swab. Cover the area with a bandage and leave it on overnight. Repeat this process daily until the wart disappears. It is important to do a patch test before applying tea tree oil to your skin, as some people may be sensitive to it.

Tip: Perform a patch test before applying tea tree oil to make sure no negative reaction occurs.

Common Natural Remedies for Treating Warts at Home:

• Banana peel: Rub the inside of a banana peel on the wart daily.
• Garlic: Apply fresh crushed garlic directly to the wart and cover it with a bandage.
• Duct tape: Cover the wart tightly with duct tape and leave it on for several days before removing it and repeating the process.
• Aloe vera: Apply the gel of an aloe vera plant on the wart several times a day.

Medical Treatments: What Are the Options for Wart Removal?

A commonly used medical treatment for warts is cryotherapy, also known as freezing. This procedure involves applying liquid nitrogen directly to the wart, which freezes and destroys the affected tissue. Cryotherapy is considered effective for most types of warts and can be done in the doctor’s office. However, it may require multiple treatments and can sometimes cause temporary blistering or skin discoloration. Important: Cryotherapy should not be applied to genital warts and is not suitable for people with certain medical problems, such as diabetes or poor circulation.

Important: Cryotherapy is considered effective for most types of warts.

Caution: Cryotherapy should not be applied to genital warts.

Consideration: Not suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or poor circulation.

Another popular medical treatment option for wart removal is topical medications. These creams, gels or patches usually contain substances such as salicylic acid or imiquimod, which help break down and gradually remove the wart. Topical medications are usually over the counter and can be used at home. They are relatively painless and have less risk of scarring than other treatment methods. However, they may require several weeks or months of constant application before the wart completely disappears.

1. Option 1: Cryotherapy
2. Option 2: Topical medications

Debunking Myths: Common Misconceptions about Warts

1. Myth: Warts are caused by touching frogs or toads.

Many people believe that warts can be contracted by coming into contact with frogs or toads. However, this is nothing more than a myth. Warts are actually caused by a viral infection of the skin, specifically the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the body through cracks in the skin and stimulates the growth of keratin, which leads to the appearance of warts.

2. Myth: Warts have roots and can spread through the bloodstream.

A widespread misconception is that warts have roots that extend deep into the skin and can spread throughout the body through the bloodstream. In reality, warts are superficial growths that only affect the outermost layers of the skin. They have no roots or blood vessels that connect them to the bloodstream. Warts are contagious and can spread to other areas of the body through direct contact or indirect contact through shared objects, but they do not spread internally.

3. Myth: Warts can be cured by covering them with duct tape.

A popular home remedy for warts is to cover them with duct tape. However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited. Although covering warts with duct tape can help occlude and suffocate the virus, it is not a guaranteed cure. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment options based on the severity and location of the warts.

Important information:

• Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and not by touching frogs or toads.
• Warts are superficial growths and do not have roots or spread through the bloodstream.
• Using duct tape to cover warts may not provide a permanent cure, so professional advice should be sought.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Warts on the Skin

1. Painful or uncomfortable warts: Although warts are usually not painful, they can sometimes become irritated or inflamed, causing discomfort or even pain. If you experience any pain or discomfort associated with your warts, it is advisable that you seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can evaluate the situation and offer you appropriate treatment options to relieve your symptoms.

“If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort associated with your warts, it is advisable to seek medical attention.”

2. Warts that spread quickly or appear in large numbers: If you notice that your warts spread quickly or appear in large numbers, it may be a sign of a weakened immune system or a more aggressive strain of the virus. In these cases, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation and treatment. They can determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to control the spread of warts.

1. Warts that spread quickly or appear in large numbers

3. Warts located in sensitive areas of the body: Warts that develop in sensitive areas such as the face, genitals or mucous membranes require special attention. These areas are more prone to complications and require professional evaluation to ensure proper treatment and minimize the risk of new infections.

• Warts located in sensitive areas of the body

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont