Warts

Warts are growths of the skin that are caused due to infection by a virus. Warts can occur anywhere on the body.

Causes of Warts

The main cause of warts is infection of the top layer of the skin by the HPV or human papilloma virus. Warts are contagious and can spread to other areas of the body and also to other persons by direct by contact. The virus thrives in the damp, warm environment of the locker room floors, showers and swimming pools.The risk of getting warts increases if:

You have broken skin
You have a hangnail
You have a closely bitten nail

Symptoms of warts

There are various types of warts and symptoms depend on the type and location of wart.

Common warts: They are rough, dome shaped, grey brown colored growths and usually develop on the hands.

Plantar warts: Develop on the foot, they make walking painful.

Flat warts:They usually occur on the arms, face or legs. Flat warts are small and multiple warts are present in any one area. Their tops are flat and their color ranges from pink to light yellow to light brown.

Filiform warts:They are a type of flat wart, which is present around the nose, mouth or beard area. There are many finger shaped and flesh colored growths present on the surface of these warts.

Periungal warts:These warts are present beneath and around the fingernails and toenails. They look like irregular, rough bumps.

Diagnosis of warts

Warts are diagnosed by a physician or a dermatologist on the basis of their appearance. A biopsy may be done in cases where the risks of developing skin cancer are increased.

Treatment of warts

Treatment is not required for all warts. Some of them go away on their own within several months or years. A wart requires treatment in case it is causing pain and embarrassment due to its location, gets irritated easily or spreading to other areas of your body.

The aim of treatment is to remove the wart without scarring. The treatment depends on the type, location and symptoms of a wart.

You can apply Salicylic acid or duct tape to your warts to treat them. If the wart does not go away within 2 weeks, seek the opinion of a physician. Your doctor may recommend the following to treat warts:

Cryotherapy
Medicines including cantharidin, retinoid cream and imiquimod
Surgical procedures including laser surgery and electrosurgery and curettage
Chemical peeling using tretinoin or glycolic acid.

How to prevent warts ?

Various tips to avoid getting in touch of the HPV virus include:

Avoid touching of warts
Avoid sharing of towels, razors, socks or shoes
Avoid walking barefoot on surfaces that are warm and moist
Avoid keeping your feet wet
Avoid injury to the soles of your feet