Warts are a disease that affects the skin. It occurs due to the human papillomavirus , which penetrates the body. The growths are prone to overgrowth, and sometimes they appear in such an uncomfortable place that it gives a person very strong discomfort.
Warts can change size, shape and color, and scars and scars may remain on some patients when removed.
Main characteristics
Warts (dangerous and non-dangerous) are a fairly common form of neoplasm, which are located on the skin and are provoked by certain types of human papilloma. The prognosis for treatment is generally favorable, although the possibility of relapses, that is, their re-formation on the skin, is not ruled out.
Infection occurs when the virus penetrates during its contact transmission. The duration of the incubation period is from 6 weeks to 6 months. It is worth considering that one infection is not enough, as predisposing factors are required. As such, it is worth noting the presence of microtraumas on the skin, a decrease in immunity, increased sweating.
Classification
Doctors distinguish 4 main types of warts, in particular, such as:
- ordinary;
- spiky;
- flat;
- senile.
Simple warts are fairly dense neoplasms 1-10 mm in size. Often they are localized on the hands. Most of them go away on their own, and no additional treatment is required.
Now let's look at the signs of a wart on the heels, the photo of which helps them to be recognized without difficulty, they form in the area of pressure of the shoe, especially if the legs sweat a lot. Initially, this neoplasm is a shiny, and then keratinized, yellowish papule with an uneven surface. Education is mostly single, but 3 or more warts can occur.
Small warts can merge with each other. If the neoplasm is very dense and keratinized, gray in color, then it is painful and interferes with normal walking. Sometimes this kind of warts provokes severe pain, which prevents even standing on the foot.
Flat warts - clearly defined papules with a smooth surface, 1-5 mm and 1-2 mm in size, rise above the skin. Basically, such neoplasms are formed in children. They look like small, rounded nodules, but may be irregular in shape. Mostly warts are located on the hands, face, legs. Various types of irritations can provoke their formation on the skin.
Genital warts or condylomas are small nodules of pink color, which, gradually merging together, form papillary growths, which have a soft consistency on the base in the form of a leg. This type of neoplasm is mainly formed on the genitals. Transmitted mainly during sexual intercourse. Over time, such neoplasms can grow greatly, causing significant discomfort, and also sometimes degenerate into malignant tumors.
Often, condylomas lead to the appearance of other infectious diseases of the genital organs. According to statistics, this type of wart is mainly found in women and can trigger the development of cervical cancer.
Keratomas mainly develop in the elderly. The pathogenesis of their development is unclear, but it is believed that such a lesion develops from the basal layer of the epidermis. Keratomas are often multiple, they are located mainly on the chest, less often on the neck, face, back of the hand, as well as other areas of the skin. The number of foci is mainly no more than 20. Mostly the disease is genetic in nature.
The signs of a wart largely depend on the location of the neoplasm and the time of their development. Initially, small flat spots form. They have clearly defined borders, yellow or pink color, uneven surface and are covered with fairly easily removable crusts. Over time, the surface of the neoplasm becomes denser, becomes covered with cracks.
Causes of occurrence
Basically, such neoplasms on the skin occur in the presence of the papilloma virus, however, there should also be predisposing factors. Ways of its transmission - sexual, household, the penetration of the virus into the blood with microcracks on the skin. In addition, infected animals may be a source of infection.
When the skin is injured, the particles of papillomavirus that get on the skin easily penetrate into the deeper layers, where they begin to multiply rapidly. People who visit public places with high levels of humidity are most at risk of infection. Often, warts on the hands are formed by workers in the poultry farm and food production.
The main causes of senile warts are a genetic predisposition, the presence of certain systemic diseases, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. Among the main factors affecting the occurrence of warts, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- decreased immunity;
- neurosis;
- severe stress;
- increased sweating of the hands;
- impaired capillary circulation.
It is worth noting that, depending on the type of warts, they may vary slightly in size and area of location.
Main symptoms
Doctors distinguish several types of neoplasms, so the signs of a wart may vary slightly depending on many factors. Among the main symptoms, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- skin inflammation;
- nodule formation;
- the appearance of neoplasms.
Signs of the appearance of a wart largely depend on the location and size of the neoplasm. Simple forms of neoplasms are located on the palm, hand and fingers. Outwardly, they resemble a small nodule that has a flesh or yellow color. Among the symptoms of warts, it is necessary to highlight the fact that the skin above the formation becomes dry, rough and slightly rough.
Flat warts affect the face and back of the hand. Outwardly, they are almost the same as ordinary ones, they slightly rise above the skin, and are slightly rough to the touch. Their hue is a bit like the natural color of the skin, with the exception of old formations, as they become dirty gray.
Among the signs of warts, the photo of which helps to determine the peculiarity of neoplasms that are localized on the sole, it is necessary to note the presence of a small thickening resembling corns or simply keratinized skin. Due to the constant wearing of shoes, growths can be injured or rapidly spread to the free parts of the body. There may be severe discomfort and pain, which interferes with the patient's full life.
Periungual neoplasms appear in those who like to bite nails or constantly injure them. Among the main signs of warts on the fingers, you need to highlight their small size, so confusing with other diseases is quite difficult.
Pointed neoplasms affect the genitals, especially in those who often change sexual partners. Among the signs of the appearance of a wart, it is necessary to highlight what it looks like as cauliflower inflorescences, and its consistency is dense. Their number can be large, while they affect sexual life and prevent even normal to go to the toilet.
There are also dangerous warts, signs and photos of them help determine the presence of malignant neoplasms. Among them, it is necessary to distinguish senile growths, which are manifested in old age. Typical signs of a wart are focal and similarity to melanomas.
Bladder papillomas look like small growths of light color, covered with villi. Among the symptoms of a wart, the presence of pain, bleeding, and a violation of urination should be highlighted. This type of pathology can develop into a malignant form, therefore, urgent surgery is required.
Diagnostics
If the first signs of a wart occur, you should definitely visit a doctor for diagnosis. Only during the inspection, the specialist will be able to establish:
- the nature of the warts;
- the degree of their danger to humans;
- required treatment technique.
If you postpone the visit to the doctor, then this may lead to the need for a longer and more complex treatment. Determining the exact diagnosis is possible only when consulting with a doctor based on the examination. The specialist initially makes an assessment of the external growth, and to determine whether dangerous warts or not, recommends an additional examination, which includes:
- dermatoscopy;
- blood tests;
- ultrasound diagnostics.
Dermatoscopy is a study of changes in the structure of the skin. It implies that the upper part of the wart is carefully removed and its internal part is examined. Also, at the first signs of a wart, a blood test should be taken to determine the presence of the human papillomavirus. With the help of the study, the most reliable diagnosis can be made and the required treatment methodology selected.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound scan to assess the depth of tissue damage. Only after this individual treatment is selected.
Treatment features
When the first signs of a wart and papilloma appear, you need to visit a doctor for diagnosis, since the treatment may vary slightly depending on the type of neoplasm. The doctor selects the method of removal of these skin growths individually. Conservative therapy is carried out with the help of antiviral drugs, which are applied directly to the area of the wart and the skin near it.
This prevents the spread of infection to unaffected skin. For this, oxolinic, viferon, tebrofen ointments are used. The doctor determines the concentration of the drug and the duration of its use individually.
To eliminate the signs of a wart on the arm or foot, intra-focal administration of interferon preparations, Bleomycin solution is required. Also, rubbing interferon, colchamin, fluorouracil ointment, cauterization with trichloroacetic acid is carried out .
With flat warts, it is recommended to take magnesium oxide inside for 2–3 weeks. To treat the affected area, salicylic ointment, as well as phonophoresis, is used. A good result is given by the parallel use of antiviral drugs. Treatment should be long, and it is at least 3-4 weeks.
The surgical method involves the removal of warts mechanically using hardware intervention. Often, with typical localizations of the neoplasm on the skin, such techniques are used as:
- cryodestruction;
- electrocoagulation;
- laser treatment.
Warts are removed in layers, which guarantees scarless healing of the skin and the absence of pigmentation. Only a small depression remains, which heals within 1-2 weeks.
Medications
If a wart is timely detected and treatment is carried out, in most cases the outcome is positive. There are many options for the treatment of neoplasms, each of which is selected by dermatologists purely individually.
If the warts are small and do not cause pain, then drug therapy is allowed. With extensive tissue damage and the presence of pain, removal of the neoplasm is recommended. A special approach is required in the treatment of children.
When conducting drug therapy, the application of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic ointments to the affected area is indicated. In addition, it is recommended to treat neoplasms with antiviral agents, in particular, such as Viferon. Drug therapy is selected exclusively by a dermatologist and is performed in accordance with the strict recommendations of the doctor.
Removal methods
When a wart appears, you need to contact a dermatologist who will prescribe sedatives, immunity enhancers and vitamin complexes. In addition, the doctor will help determine the correct method for removing tumors. These methods include:
- cryodestruction;
- electrocoagulation;
- laser coagulation;
- surgical excision.
Cryodestruction consists in freezing warts with liquid nitrogen. It is applied using special swabs on the neoplasm. Warts are frozen for 10-30 seconds. At the same time, it becomes dense and white and after about 1 hour, a bubble forms in its place, which lasts about 5-7 days and gradually dries. Finally, the crust passes after 2 weeks, leaving behind only a light pink spot. Plantar warts need a longer period of therapy. The course of therapy consists of several freezes with an interval of 2-3 days.
Electrocoagulation involves the removal of a wart by current. To do this, the wart is eliminated with a thin metal loop under high-frequency current. This avoids bleeding and disinfects tissues. At the same time, a lot of material remains for conducting a histological examination. This technique is used if oncology is suspected. When exposed to current, a small crust forms, which disappears after a week.
Laser coagulation implies that the removal of the wart is carried out by the laser layer by layer under anesthesia. At the site of the neoplasm, a small depression remains, which levels out after about 2-3 weeks. If there are signs of relapse after removal of the wart with a laser, inflammation or suppuration is observed, then you should immediately visit a doctor, since such a condition can be quite dangerous.
Surgical excision of warts is used if they are large or several merge into one. Under anesthesia, all excess is excised with a scalpel, and the resulting tissue is sent for examination. The skin is sutured with a cosmetic suture, after which only a small scar remains.
Folk remedies
For the treatment of warts, folk methods are widely used. To eliminate the neoplasm, you need to lubricate it with wormwood infusion several times a day, rub it with garlic, celandine juice or dandelion.
To eliminate warts, garlic baked with butter can be applied to the affected area. If the neoplasms are located on the soles, then you just need to lubricate them with tea tree oil. Warts can be removed with dry ice. For this, a piece of ice should be kept on the skin growth for as long as possible, repeating this procedure several times a day. It is worth noting that to achieve the desired result, folk methods must be applied for a long time.
Treating children
In children over 5 years of age, warts are a fairly common occurrence. It is worth noting that not all treatment methods that are used for adults are suitable for the child. For therapy, it is recommended to use antiviral ointments. They very rarely cause side effects and are as safe as possible.
Growths can be removed with the help of folk methods. For children's delicate skin, you can use only the most gentle and safe means. If redness or burning appears, then the procedure is better to cancel and choose another remedy. Laser removal of warts is most suitable for radical treatment, as it is very fast and painless. Signs of relapse of the wart are very dangerous, therefore, if such symptoms occur, you need to urgently visit a doctor.
What could be dangerous
Warts can be quite dangerous and, in addition, give a person a lot of various inconveniences. In some cases, there is a serious health hazard, namely:
- the likelihood of degeneration into a malignant tumor;
- squeezing of nerve endings;
- compaction of tissues located near the growth;
- aching pains.
Relapse of the wart is also a great danger, its signs are expressed in the formation of growths on the skin, darkening of the affected area and the addition of redness and suppuration. To minimize the likelihood of harm to health, you need to consult a doctor in a timely manner.
Prognosis after treatment
On average, it takes 2-3 weeks to fully cure. During this time, the crusts also heal after the removal of the neoplasm. Relapses often occur, especially with advanced stages of the wart. It is worth noting that the earlier the treatment was carried out, the better the prognosis will be. For the patient's life, this disease is not at all dangerous, and relapses are mainly associated with a decrease in immunity.
Prophylaxis
To avoid the occurrence of a wart, you need to protect any damage to the skin and carefully follow the rules of hygiene so that the infection does not penetrate. Self-infection is also possible if the person is a carrier of the virus.
Strengthening immunity is important in prevention. Until the immune system weakens, the virus will not manifest itself in any way. Strengthening the immune system requires a balanced diet, lack of stress, good sleep and regular intake of vitamins.
A good result in terms of prevention is shown by ozone therapy. The course of injections helps to stop the development of the papilloma virus for almost 10 years. In addition, this technique helps to strengthen the immune system, increases the ability to fight infection.
Patient Reviews
Reviews regarding laser treatment for warts are very good. Many say that removal of the neoplasm is as quick and painless as possible, recovery is short-lived and there are absolutely no signs left on the skin. Some patients say that a very good result can be obtained by removing the neoplasm by cryotherapy, as there is no discomfort and pain.
If there are signs of relapse of the wart, the reviews of patients and doctors in this case are not particularly good, since you need to spend a lot more effort and time for repeated treatment.
Dog Warts
Some dog breeds suffer from warts all the time, while others may not have one. This is largely due to the immaturity of the animal’s immune system. In addition, not so long ago, a certain genetic predisposition to the formation of these growths was revealed. Some scientists believe that dog warts are a sign of breed, since pugs, cocker spaniels, terriers, and miniature schnauzers mostly suffer from this problem.
If neoplasms appear, it is important to immediately contact a veterinarian, as they not only cause significant discomfort to the animal, but can also be very dangerous.