What Are Warts?
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Warts are a common and generally benign condition caused by HPV. While they can be physically and emotionally distressing, especially in children and adolescents, various treatment options are available. It is essential to choose a treatment method that minimizes pain and scarring, considering the natural history of warts and their tendency to resolve spontaneously over time1 4 7.
By understanding the causes, types, and treatment options for warts, individuals can make informed decisions about managing this common skin condition.
Warts are a common dermatological condition that has been recognized since ancient times. Despite their prevalence, the true incidence of warts is difficult to determine as many cases do not seek medical attention unless they cause significant concern1. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of warts, including their causes, types, and treatment options.
What Are Warts?
Warts are benign growths on the skin or mucous membranes caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)1 2. These growths are non-cancerous and typically painless, although they can cause physical and psychosocial discomfort, especially in children and adolescents4.
Causes of Warts
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of DNA viruses that infect the epidermal cells of the skin1 2. The virus is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. HPV has various strains, each associated with different types of warts1 3.
Types of Warts
There are several types of warts, each with distinct characteristics:
Common Warts
Common warts usually appear on the hands and fingers. They are characterized by a rough, raised surface and are often skin-colored4 6.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet and can be painful due to their location. They often have a rough surface with small black dots, which are clotted blood vessels3 4.
Flat Warts
Flat warts are smaller and smoother than other types. They often appear in large numbers on the face, neck, or legs3 4.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are found in the genital and perianal regions. They are primarily caused by non-oncogenic HPV types, usually types 6 and 118. These warts are sexually transmitted and can cause significant distress due to their location4 8.
Diagnosis
Warts are typically diagnosed based on their clinical appearance. However, dermoscopic examination can help distinguish warts from other skin lesions6. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary, especially for genital warts that are fixed to underlying structures or discolored8.
Treatment Options
There is no single treatment that is 100% effective for warts, and many treatments can be painful or cause scarring1 10. Common treatment methods include:
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This method is commonly used but may require multiple sessions7 10.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments such as salicylic acid and 5-fluorouracil are often used to treat warts. These treatments work by peeling away the layers of the wart7.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is an emerging treatment option that aims to boost the body’s immune response to fight the virus. This method has the advantage of avoiding the scarring associated with destructive therapies7.
Surgical Options
In some cases, surgical removal of warts may be necessary. Techniques include laser surgery and electrosurgery10.
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