What is Warts?
Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small, rough, and raised bumps on the skin’s surface and can vary in size and shape. While warts can develop on any part of the body, they commonly occur on the hands, feet, face, and genital area.
What are the Types of Warts?
There are several types of warts, each with distinct characteristics and locations they commonly affect:
- Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris): These warts often appear on the hands, fingers, and knees. They have a rough, grainy texture and may have black dots, which are tiny blood vessels that feed the wart.
- Plantar Warts: These warts develop on the soles of the feet and can be painful, especially when walking. They may have black specks and hardened skin over them.
- Flat Warts (Verruca Plana): Flat warts are smoother and smaller than common warts and tend to appear in larger numbers, often on the face, neck, and legs.
- Genital Warts: These warts are transmitted through sexual contact and appear on or around the genital and anal areas. They are usually soft, moist, and flesh-colored.
What are the Causes of Warts?
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the body through tiny cuts, breaks, or weak spots on the skin. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces that have come into contact with the virus.
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing warts, including having a weakened immune system, frequent skin-to-skin contact with infected individuals, and walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools and locker rooms.
Signs & Symptoms of Warts
Identifying warts is relatively easy due to their unique appearance. Key signs and symptoms of warts include:
- Small, raised bumps on the skin
- Rough texture with or without black dots
- Discomfort or pain, especially in plantar warts
- Rapid growth in size or number of warts
- Itching or irritation in the affected area, especially in genital warts
Treatment for Warts
At Urban Skin & Hair Clinic, we understand the physical and emotional discomfort that warts can cause. Our team of experienced dermatologists offers a range of effective treatment options tailored to your specific condition and needs. Some common wart removal treatments we provide include:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy the affected tissue.
- Electrocautery: Using an electrical current to burn off the wart.
- Laser Therapy: Targeting the wart with a laser to break it down.
- Topical Treatments: Applying medicated creams or solutions to the wart.
- Immunotherapy: Stimulating the immune system to fight the virus causing the warts.
It’s essential to remember that self-treatment of warts, such as using over-the-counter remedies, may not always be effective and can lead to complications. Therefore, it’s best to consult our experts at Urban Skin & Hair Clinic for a proper evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
