Warts
Warts are small, usually
painless growths on the skin caused by a virus. They are generally harmless.
However, warts can be disfiguring and embarrassing, and occasionally they itch
or hurt (particularly on the feet).
The different types of warts
include:
- Common warts
usually appear on the hands, but can appear anywhere.
- Flat warts are
generally found on the face and forehead. They are common in children,
less so in teens, and rare in adults.
- Genital warts
are usually found on the genitals, in the pubic area, and in the area
between the thighs, but they can also appear inside the vagina and anal
canal.
- Plantar warts
are found on the soles of the feet.
- Subungual and periungual warts appear under and around the fingernails or toenails
Causes
The typical wart is a raised round or oval growth on the skin with
a rough surface. Compared with the surrounding normal skin, warts may appear
light, dark, or black (rare). Most adults are familiar with the look of a
typical wart and have little trouble recognizing them. Unusual warts with
smooth surfaces or flat warts in children may be more difficult for parents to
recognize.
Common warts tend to cause no discomfort unless they are in areas
of repeated friction or pressure. Plantar warts, for example, can become extremely
painful. Large numbers of plantar warts on the foot may cause difficulty
running and even walking.
Warts around and under your nails are much more difficult to cure
than warts elsewhere.
Some warts will disappear without treatment, although it can sometimes
take a couple of years. Treated or not, warts that go away often reappear.
Genital warts are contagious, while common, flat, and plantar warts are much
less likely to spread from person to person. All warts can spread from one part
of your own body to another.
Because people generally consider warts unsightly and there is
often a social stigma, treatment is often sought.
Symptoms
- Abnormally dark or light skin surrounding the lesion
- Numerous small, smooth, flat (pinhead sized) lesions on
forehead, cheeks, arms, or legs
- Rough growths around or under fingernails or toenails
- Rough, round, or oval lesions on soles of feet -- flat
to slightly raised -- painful to pressure
- Small, hard, flat or raised skin lesion or lump
Possible
Complications
- Spread of warts
- Return of warts that disappeared
- Minor scar formation if the wart is removed
- Formation of keloids after removal
Treatment
Special cushions are available at drugstores for plantar warts.
These pads help relieve any pressure and pain from the warts.
DO NOT attempt to remove a wart yourself by burning, cutting,
tearing, picking, or any other method.
Better to consult your
doctor if you have:
- There are signs of infection (red streaking, pus,
discharge, or fever) or bleeding. Warts can bleed a little, but if
bleeding is significant or not easily stopped by light pressure, see a
doctor.
- The wart does not respond to self-care and you
want it removed.
- You have pain associated with the wart.
- You have anal or genital warts.
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system (for
example, HIV) and have developed warts.
- There is any change in the color or appearance of the
wart.
Prevention
- Avoid direct skin contact with a wart on someone else.
- After filing your wart, wash the file carefully since
you can spread the virus to other parts of your body.
- After touching any of your warts, wash your hands
carefully.
Alternative Names
Plane juvenile warts; Periungual warts; Subungual warts; Plantar
warts; Verruca; Verrucae planae juveniles; Filiform warts; Verruca vulgaris
Homeopathy treatment
Symptomatic Homeo treatment works
well for warts without surgery, and
also prevents further recurrence.
