What are Warts?
Warts are non – cancerous skin
growths caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Warts are often appeared on
the skin as rough, flat-topped bumps or cauliflower – like growths. May be
colored flesh, pink, white or tan; often with tiny black dots. They are
commonly seen on the hands and feet, face, but any part of the skin may be
affected. Usually, the children, young adults and people with weak immune
system are commonly affected.
How can a person contract Warts?
Warts are caused by Human
Papilloma Virus. The virus is transmitted by skin – to – skin contact, walking
barefoot and sharing of personal items such as towels, clothes and slippers.
A break or cut in the skin may
promote the entry of the virus and the spread of infection. Genital warts are
usually transmitted sexually. The people with poor or weak immune conditions
like HIV infection, diabetes, cancer and those taking drugs like steroids, anti
– cancer medicines are more prone to contract warts. There is no truth to the
myth that a person can have warts through contact with frogs!
What are the Different kinds of Warts?
1. The Common Warts – they can be described as rough – surfaced bumps
that usually grow on the fingers, around the nails, and on the back of the
hands.
2. Plantar Warts – they are common warts that located on the soles
of the feet; grow inward due to pressure from walking which may cause
significant pain.
3. Flat Warts – they are smaller and smoother than common warts,
tend to grow in large numbers, and can occur anywhere, but mostly found on the
face.
4. Genital Warts – described as flesh – colored, rough or smooth
warts on the genitals, inside the vagina, of the cervix, or around the anus. They
are sexually – transmitted disease.
Treatment to be done
Warts can be treated through
physical removal or the use of topical or immune modulation. Physical removal
can be done with the following treatment with:
·
Topical solutions or plasters containing
salicylic acid or lactic acid. Concentration of the acids is very important to
know as to what concentration can be useful and cannot cause much irritation to
the skin.
·
Use of Electrocautery
·
Liquid nitrogen or cryotherapy
·
Laser treatment
·
Surgery
Topical or Immune Modulation
treatment such:
·
Imiquimod
·
Interferon
·
Bleomycin
Treatment can be best done
through consultation with the physician, especially when consulted with
dermatologist for skin warts or Ob – Gyne for genital warts.
After the treatment is done,
it is possible that warts can return at the same spot or appear in a new site.
Prevention
1. Keep the skin always dry.
2. Wear slippers or shoes at
all times.
3. Avoid touching or
scratching your warts to avoid spreading them to other body areas.
4. Shave carefully. Avoid
cutting or scraping your skin.
5. Practice safe sex to avoid
genital warts.
6. Eat healthy foods and take
vitamins to boost the body’s immune system.
7. Practice proper hygiene and
take a bath every day.
- Excerpt from PDS
