Warts

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that infects the outer layer of the skin, leading to the rapid growth of skin cells and the formation of a wart. There are more than 100 different types of HPV, and different types of warts are associated with different strains of the virus.

Warts are contagious and can be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching surfaces that have been in contact with a wart, such as towels, razors, or gym equipment. It’s also possible for warts to spread from one part of the body to another.

Types of Warts

• Common Warts: Usually found on fingers, hands, knees, and elbows, these warts have a rough, grainy surface and a rounded shape.

• Plantar Warts: These grow on the soles of the feet and can be painful due to the pressure placed on them while standing or walking.

• Flat Warts: Smaller and smoother, flat warts often appear on the face, neck, hands, and legs, especially in clusters.

• Filiform Warts: These are long, narrow growths that typically appear on the face, around the mouth, eyes, or nose.

• Periungual Warts: Found around or under the nails, these warts can disrupt nail growth and be quite painful.

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can develop warts, certain factors increase the risk:

• Children and Teens: Warts are more common in children and teenagers due to their still-developing immune systems.
• Individuals with Weakened Immune Systems: People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, are more prone to developing warts.
• Public Spaces: Frequenting public places like swimming pools or gym locker rooms without protective footwear increases the risk of plantar warts.

Treatment Options

Although warts often disappear on their own, treatment may be necessary if they cause pain, discomfort, or embarrassment, or if they spread rapidly. At PARI HOSPITAL, we offer several treatment options:

• Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter salicylic acid preparations can help to gradually peel away the wart. Stronger prescription creams may be recommended for more stubborn warts.

• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing it to fall off within a few days. Multiple treatments may be required.

• Laser Therapy: A laser is used to burn and destroy the wart tissue, particularly effective for hard-to-treat warts.

• Electrosurgery and Curettage: The wart is burned off with an electric current and then scraped away with a curette. This method is often used for larger warts.

• Immunotherapy: Involves applying a substance that triggers the body’s immune system to fight off the HPV virus responsible for the wart.

Preventing Warts

Preventing warts involves taking steps to avoid the HPV virus:

• Avoid Direct Contact: Do not touch warts on yourself or others, as this can spread the virus.
• Keep Skin Clean and Dry: Regularly wash your hands and keep your skin dry, especially after being in public places.
• Use Personal Items Only: Avoid sharing towels, razors, or other personal items with others.
• Protect Your Feet: Wear flip-flops or water shoes in public showers or pool areas to prevent plantar warts.