Wart & Skin Growth Evaluation

What are warts?

Warts are raised skin bumps caused by viruses from the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. Although generally not harmful, warts can be both unsightly and contagious, and some may cause discomfort. Warts are also commonly referred to as skin growths.

Symptoms and types of warts

here are five main types of warts, each presenting distinct appearances on different parts of the body:

Common warts: Typically found on fingers and toes, they have a rough, grainy texture with a rounded top. These warts may have tiny black dots, resulting from clotted blood vessels.
Filiform warts: These grow around the mouth, nose, under the chin, or on the neck, appearing as small, skin-colored flaps.
Flat warts: Small and inconspicuous, these usually appear on the face, thighs, or arms and are colored slightly yellow, brownish, or pink.
Periungual warts: Growing around and below the fingernails or toenails, they can interfere with nail growth and cause pain.
Plantar warts: Found on the soles of the feet, these warts grow into the skin, appearing as small holes surrounded by hardened skin.

While warts are generally not associated with major symptoms, some may become itchy or painful to the touch.

What causes warts?

Warts are caused by HPV viruses, typically spread through casual skin contact or contact with shared objects like towels. The viruses enter the skin through breaks such as hangnails or scrapes. The development of a wart on the skin may take between 2 to 6 months after exposure to HPV. While exposure to HPV doesn't guarantee the development of warts as immune responses vary, prompt identification and treatment can prevent their spread.

How can I prevent common and plantar warts?

Do not bite your fingernails: Breaking the skin may make it easier for the virus to enter.
Avoid picking at warts: Cover them with a bandage instead.
Groom with care: Refrain from brushing, clipping, or shaving areas with warts. Use an electric razor as an alternative.
Use separate grooming devices for treating warts: Consider disposable emery boards.
Wash your hands regularly.
Wear shower shoes in a locker room or bathing facility.

When should I seek medical treatment for warts?

Most common warts eventually disappear without treatment, but it may take up to a year or more. Home treatments may not be effective, prompting medical intervention in the following situations:

Home treatment is unsuccessful.
Cosmetic concerns arise.
Warts become bothersome.
Warts are spreading to other areas.

Treatment options vary based on wart location and symptoms and may include freezing (cryotherapy) or over-the-counter peeling medicine (salicylic acid).

What is cryotherapy??

Cryotherapy involves freezing warts, making it a suitable option for persistent warts. This treatment can be administered at home or in a clinic by a medical professional. It often requires multiple sessions to completely eliminate the wart. Cryotherapy uses a frozen tip to chill the wart, causing it to fall off within several days. If warts reappear, cryotherapy remains a viable option if other treatments have failed.