There is a good chance you have seen a wart at some point in your life. Warts are not only unsightly but can also be quite contagious. While most warts will eventually disappear on their own, there are treatments available that can speed up the process. In this post, we will discuss what warts are, how they develop, and the different treatment options available to safely remove warts. We also provide tips on wart prevention. Read on to learn more!
What are warts?
Warts are small, benign growths that can occur on the skin. They are caused by viruses in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family and are passed through direct contact with an infected person or object. Warts can occur on any part of the body but are most common on the hands, feet, and face.
While they are not dangerous, warts can be quite contagious and can spread from person to person through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Warts can also spread to other parts of the body through self-inoculation (touching or scratching a wart and then touching another part of the body).
There are several different types of warts, each with its own unique characteristics:
- Common warts: Common warts are small, flesh-colored growths that most often appear on the hands and fingers. They can also occur on the knees, elbows, and other parts of the body. Common warts are usually round or cone-shaped with a rough surface.
- Plantar warts: Plantar warts are growths that occur on the soles of the feet. They can be painful because they grow into the skin. Plantar warts are usually flat with a smooth surface.
- Flat warts: Flat warts are small, flesh-colored growths that can occur in large numbers. They are most often found on the face but can also occur on the legs, arms, or other parts of the body. Flat warts are usually flat with a smooth surface.
- Filiform warts: Filiform warts are long, thin growths that most often appear on the face around the nose and mouth. They can also occur on the neck, hands, and other parts of the body. Filiform warts are usually thread-like with a pointed end.
How do warts develop?
Warts develop when a person comes in contact with a virus in the HPV family. The virus enters the skin through cuts, scratches, or other openings and causes the skin cells to grow abnormally. Warts can take several weeks or months to develop.
Once a person has been infected with the virus, they are more likely to develop warts in the future. This is because the virus remains in the body and can reactivate at any time.
There are some factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing warts, including:
- Having a weakened immune system: People with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, are more susceptible to developing warts.
- Using communal showers or pools: Warts can be spread through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Therefore, people who use communal showers or pools are at increased risk of developing warts.
- Having cuts or scratches on the skin: Open wounds provide an easy entry point for the virus to enter the body.
- Having contact with someone who has warts: Warts are highly contagious and can be passed from person to person through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.
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What are the treatment options for warts?
There are several different treatment options available for warts. Treatment is usually not necessary as most warts will eventually disappear on their own. However, some people may want to treat their warts for cosmetic reasons or if they are causing pain or discomfort. The best treatment option will depend on the type of wart, its location, and the person’s preferences.
Some common treatment options include:
- Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a procedure that involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This process destroys the wart and the surrounding skin cells.
- Surgical removal: Warts can also be removed surgically. This includes excision, electrosurgery, and laser surgery.
- Topical medications: Topical medications are applied directly to the wart and work to destroy the virus. Common topical medications include salicylic acid, podophyllin, and imiquimod.
Can warts be prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent warts as they are caused by a virus that is easily spread from person to person. However, there are some steps that people can take to reduce their risk of developing warts, such as:
- Avoiding direct contact with warts: People should avoid touching, picking, or scratching warts.
- Keeping the skin clean and dry: Warts can develop in areas of broken skin. Therefore, it is important to keep the skin clean and dry to prevent the development of warts.
- Wearing shoes: People should wear shoes in communal showers or pools to prevent contact with the virus that causes warts.
- Using a barrier: People who have cuts or scratches on their skin should use a bandage or other barrier to prevent the virus from entering the body.
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What are the complications of warts?
Most warts will eventually go away on their own and do not cause any serious health complications. However, in some rare cases, warts can lead to more serious health problems, such as:
- Skin cancer: In rare cases, certain types of warts can become cancerous. This is most likely to occur with flat warts on the face.
- Spread of the virus: Warts can spread the virus that causes them to other parts of the body or to other people.
- Complications during pregnancy: Warts can cause complications during pregnancy, such as low birth weight or premature delivery. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to talk to their doctor if they have warts.
When to see a doctor?
Most warts will eventually go away on their own and do not require treatment. However, some people may want to treat their warts for cosmetic reasons or if they are causing pain or discomfort. People should talk to their doctor if they have warts that are:
- Changing in size, shape, or color
- Bleeding
- Painful
- Located on the face or genitals
People with weakened immune systems should also talk to their doctor if they have warts as they may be more likely to develop complications.
