Warts 101: Types, Symptoms, and Effective Removal Strategies

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Types of Warts:

Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris):

Appearance: Common warts are firm, raised growths with a rough surface. They often have a rounded top and may have black dots, which are small, clotted blood vessels.
Location: Common warts typically appear on the hands, fingers, and around the nails.

Plantar Warts:

Appearance: Plantar warts are hard, flat growths with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries. They may have tiny black dots and a callus often forms over the wart.
Location: Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, often in areas subjected to pressure or friction.

Flat Warts (Verruca Plana):

Appearance: Flat warts are small, smooth, flat-topped growths with a flesh-coloured or slightly darker hue.
Location: Flat warts can occur in clusters, primarily on the face, neck, hands, or legs.

Filiform Warts:

Appearance: Filiform warts have a thread-like or finger-like projection, giving them a distinctive appearance. They are usually flesh-coloured.
Location: These warts often appear around the mouth, eyes, or neck.

Genital Warts:

Appearance: Genital warts can vary in size and appearance, appearing as small, flesh-coloured, or pink growths. They may be flat or raised.
Location: Genital warts occur on or around the genital and anal areas.

Symptoms of Warts:

The symptoms of warts can vary depending on the type and location, but common signs include:

• Small, raised growths on the skin.
• Rough or smooth texture.
• Black dots (clotted blood vessels) within the wart.
• Pain or tenderness, especially when warts are on pressure points or areas subject to friction.
• Clusters of warts, particularly in the case of flat warts.
• Changes in skin colour around the wart.
• Itching or discomfort, especially with genital warts.

Effective Removal Strategies for Warts:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Topical Treatments:

• Salicylic Acid: Available in various forms, such as gels, pads, or liquids, salicylic acid is a standard OTC treatment for warts. It works by breaking down the protein in the skin, gradually peeling away the wart.
• Freezing Sprays: Some OTC freezing sprays use dimethyl ether and propane to freeze the wart, causing it to fall off over time.

Prescription Medications:

• Topical Creams: Prescription-strength creams containing ingredients like imiquimod stimulate the immune system to attack the virus causing the wart.
• Cantharidin: Applied by healthcare professionals, cantharidin causes a blister to form beneath the wart, lifting it off the skin.

Cryotherapy:

Liquid Nitrogen: A healthcare professional applies liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove the wart. The frozen tissue eventually falls off.

Electrosurgery:

Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): Using an electrical current to cut or burn off the wart. It's often used for genital warts.

Laser Therapy:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser: Laser therapy uses a concentrated beam of light to vaporize the wart tissue, removing it layer by layer.

Intralesional Immunotherapy:

Injection of Antigens: This involves injecting antigens directly into the wart to stimulate the immune system and prompt the body to fight the viral infection.

Home Remedies:

• Duct Tape: Some people use duct tape to cover warts, believing it helps stimulate the immune system to eliminate the virus.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Applying diluted apple cider vinegar to the wart is a home remedy to break down the tissue and encourage healing.

Professional Removal by a Dermatologist:

Surgical Excision: In cases where other methods are ineffective, a dermatologist may opt for surgical excision to cut out the wart.

Preventive Measures:

Avoiding Direct Contact: Since warts are contagious, avoiding direct contact with warts on oneself or others can help prevent their spread.
Good Hand Hygiene: Regular hand washing can reduce the risk of spreading warts from one part of the body to another.