A wart is a small growth or bump on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body. It usually looks like a solid blister. This type of skin condition is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be passed on by skin contact or from sharing the same towels or shoes. Scratching or biting the affected area or through shaving of face or legs can also cause the spreading of warts to other parts of the body.
Different Types of Warts
Warts can be of various types and each type is caused by different types of HPV.
-
Common warts
Also called Verucca Vulgaris, these have rough exterior and appear in a firm and elevated condition. They have a cauliflower-like appearance. Though they can develop anywhere, the most common areas are elbows, fingers, knuckles, knees and any other area that has broken skin. Sometimes clotted blood vessels form small and darkened spots on this type of wart.
-
Flat warts
These are flat, smooth-surfaced and appear round. They mostly appear in sun-exposed areas and might be brown, yellow or skin-colored. They are most common in teens and occur in large numbers. However, they usually heal without any treatment.
-
Plantar Warts
These are flesh-colored and are common on the heel, soles of the feet, and toes. They are often difficult to treat. They usually have a small dot located at the center surrounded by hard tissue.
-
Mosaic Warts
These are skin-colored multiple plantar warts appearing in a large cluster. If they get infected, antibiotic medication might be administered.
-
Filiform Warts
These grow faster on the eyelids, armpits, and neck.
-
Genital warts
These are contagious warts appearing on the genital or anal area. They might be flesh-colored or pink or red and often appear in a cluster and are very small which make them difficult to notice. They are usually not painful; however they could cause itching, bleeding or mild pain. The HPV infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases certain forms of this type of virus can also cause cervical cancer.
Treatment for Warts
Warts are usually harmless and do not normally require treatment. However warts in the genital area do require a doctor consultation as these can be contagious. Occasionally warts that are removed could return.
Wart removal options:
-
Cryotherapy
In this method, liquid nitrogen is applied to warts to freeze the cells. As a result, blister occurs surrounding the wart and the dead tissue falls off within one to two weeks. This is not something you can/want to attempt yourself; and therefore, consult your local Nashville doctor about this option, like the ones at Clinica Hispana La Paz.
-
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is present in various gels, and creams sold over-the-counter and even various medicated band-aids. It could cause damage to healthy skin and so protection for the skin surrounding the warts is needed before application of this treatment. Petroleum jelly or a corn plaster may help.
To improve the effectiveness of this form of treatment, it is suggested to soften warts with the help of a pumice stone that has not been used by any other person or on any other parts of the body. Before applying this form of medication you should soak the affected area in water for about five minutes. Usually, this type of treatment needs to be applied daily for about three months.
-
Cantharidin
In this method, an extract from a blister beetle insect is used along with various other chemicals on the wart(s). Later, the affected area is covered with a bandage. This further causes the formation of a blister which then lifts the wart from the skin.
-
Surgery
This form of treatment is not common as it can leave scarring. It is a last resort only if the other methods have not helped. It is possible to “shave off” these warts with a surgical razor. Today, laser treatment is also a possibility to remove the same.
Clinica Hispana La Paz has an experienced medical staff that can effectively help you with your wart removal. Visit https://clinicahispanalapaz.net/en/ for more information or call us at: 615-627-1282 to discuss your condition and determine the best solution for you.