How Warts Form: A Comprehensive Guide
Warts are small, rough growths that can appear on any part of the skin. They are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the top layer of the skin and makes it grow faster than normal. Warts are not cancerous and usually harmless, but they can be unsightly and sometimes painful.
Types of Warts
There are many types of warts, depending on where they occur and how they look. Some of the most common types are:
- Common warts: These are round, raised, and rough warts that usually appear on the hands, fingers, elbows, and knees. They may have black dots on them, which are blood vessels.
- Plantar warts: These are flat, hard, and thick warts that grow on the soles of the feet. They can be painful when walking or standing, and may have black dots on them as well.
- Flat warts: These are smooth, flat, and flesh-colored warts that can appear anywhere on the body, but often on the face, neck, arms, and legs. They tend to grow in large numbers and may be hard to notice.
- Filiform warts: These are long, thin, and finger-like warts that grow around the eyes, mouth, nose, or chin. They can be skin-colored or darker, and may have a thread-like appearance.
- Periungual warts: These are rough, irregular warts that grow around or under the nails. They can affect the nail growth and cause pain or bleeding.
How Warts Spread
Warts are contagious and can spread from one person to another through direct contact or through shared objects, such as towels, razors, or nail clippers. Warts can also spread from one part of the body to another by scratching or picking them. The virus can enter the skin through cuts, scrapes, or cracks.
Warts are more likely to affect people who have a weak immune system, such as children, elderly people, or those with certain medical conditions. Some people may be more prone to getting warts than others due to genetic factors.
How to Prevent Warts
There is no sure way to prevent warts, but some measures can help reduce the risk of getting or spreading them. These include:
- Avoid touching or picking warts on yourself or others.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
- Keep your skin clean and dry.
- Do not share personal items that may come in contact with warts, such as towels, razors, or nail clippers.
- Cover your warts with a bandage or tape when possible.
- Wear shoes or sandals in public places where you may come in contact with the virus, such as locker rooms, pools, or showers.
- Get vaccinated against HPV if you are eligible. The vaccine can protect against some types of HPV that cause warts and other diseases.
How to Treat Warts
Warts often go away on their own without treatment within months or years. However, some people may want to get rid of them sooner for cosmetic or medical reasons. There are various options for treating warts, depending on their type, location, size, number, and severity. Some of the most common methods are:
- Salicylic acid: This is an over-the-counter medication that comes in different forms, such as liquids, gels, pads, or plasters. It works by peeling off the top layer of the wart gradually over time. It should be applied daily for several weeks or months until the wart disappears. It may cause irritation or burning on the skin around the wart.
- Cryotherapy: This is a procedure that involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen by a doctor or a nurse. It causes a blister to form under the wart, which then falls off within a week or two. It may require several sessions to completely remove the wart. It may cause pain or scarring on the skin around the wart.
- Laser therapy: This is a procedure that involves using a high-intensity light beam to burn off the wart by a doctor or a dermatologist. It may require local anesthesia and several sessions to completely remove the wart. It may cause pain or scarring on the skin around the wart.
- Surgery: This is a procedure that involves cutting off the wart with a scalpel or a knife by a doctor or a dermatologist. It may require local anesthesia and stitches to close the wound. It may cause pain or scarring on the skin around the wart.
When to See a Doctor
Most warts do not require medical attention and can be treated at home with over-the-counter products or home remedies. However, some situations may warrant a visit to a doctor or a dermatologist, such as:
- The wart is large, painful, bleeding, or infected.
- The wart interferes with your daily activities, such as walking, writing, or eating.
- The wart affects your self-esteem or social life.
- The wart does not respond to home treatment or recurs after treatment.
- The wart is on a sensitive area, such as the face, genitals, or anus.
- You have a weak immune system or a medical condition that may affect your wart treatment.
- You are not sure if the growth is a wart or something else.
Warts are common and usually harmless skin growths that can affect anyone. They are caused by a virus that infects the skin and makes it grow faster than normal. Warts can be treated with various methods, depending on their type and location. Warts often go away on their own without treatment, but some people may want to get rid of them sooner for cosmetic or medical reasons. If you have any concerns or questions about your warts, you should consult your doctor or a dermatologist for advice and treatment options.