Filamentous warts (acrochords) are benign fleshy neoplasms on the surface of the skin that appear in those who have been infected with the human papillomavirus.
Names to any skin formations are usually given depending either on the appearance of the so-called cosmetic defect, or on its location on the human body. Thus, filiform warts look like elongated processes of the flesh. Most often they grow on the face, mainly on the eyelids or lips. In some cases, they are found on the neck, in the armpits, or in certain areas of the legs.
Infection with the human papilloma virus stimulates excessive growth of the upper layers of the skin, as a result of which neoplastic tumors are formed. They must be removed not only because of their unattractive appearance, but also because such warts are extremely contagious. Apart from these factors, such skin formations do not bring any discomfort to the patient, they do not hurt or itch. They are easily treatable. It is important, however, not to postpone therapy or surgery.
Symptomatology
Filamentous warts are characterized by the following symptoms:
- fleshy formations appearing on the face, neck and the above parts of the body;
- benign nature of growths;
- elongated shape;
- lack of complaints of discomfort on the part of the patient;
- painlessness;
- tendency to spread to other areas of the skin.
In rare cases, specific symptoms of pathology are noted - itching and bleeding.
If warts grow near skin folds or where the skin is constantly rubbed with clothing, they can become painful and inflamed.
Causes
Filiform warts (papillomas, or acrochords) appear due to infection of the human papillomavirus. However, not all types of this virus cause an increase in skin neoplasms. Strains 1, 2, 4, 27, and 29 are responsible for the spread of warts. There are several ways to transmit the infection.
Contact with virus carrier
- One touch of someone else's viral wart is enough to catch HPV.
- The patient is able to inadvertently promote the spread of benign tumors by successively touching the growths and other (wart-free) parts of the body.
- If the integrity of the skin surface is compromised, the risk of contracting an infection is significantly increased.
Clothing, shoes and personal care products
- Using the same items of clothing with an infected person leads to the spread of the virus. It is especially dangerous to share clothes that concern warts directly.
- It is highly discouraged to wear the same shoes.
- You should not share towels and cosmetics for face and body care.
- In addition, the human papillomavirus can exist on a variety of surfaces, including the floors of showers and pool sides.
Risk factors
Known circumstances that significantly increase the risk of infection with the infection responsible for filiform warts. Papillomas in a short time appear in those who are subject to the following risk factors:
- damage to the skin (cuts, abrasions);
- weakened immune system;
- prolonged exposure to HPV;
- close contact with the carrier of the human papillomavirus;
- warm and moist skin.
Treatment
There are many ways to treat this pathology. So, as agents for topical use, active substances with a keratolytic effect are used. They contribute to loosening the epidermis and the removal of unwanted formations. Such substances include:
- salicylic acid (you will need to put it on the wart several times so that the latter comes off completely);
- trichloroacetic acid ;
- 5-fluorouracil.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a procedure in which fleshy skin formations are exposed to liquid nitrogen. After the end of therapy, small blisters may occur in the affected area.
Doctors recommend that their patients wear dressings in areas where threadlike warts were previously located. Treatment is considered complete after removal of the dead skin.
If the growth has reached a large size, it will be necessary to go through several treatment sessions with liquid nitrogen before the wart finally disappears. Depending on the exact number, size and localization of the formations, doctors prescribe up to six cryotherapy sessions at intervals of 2-4 weeks.
Some people react very painfully to treating the skin surface with liquid nitrogen, so the freezing process is slowed down as much as possible and the effect on the growth is gradual.
Cryotherapy can have side effects such as pain, tendon damage, superficial nerve damage, skin discoloration, scarring or relapse of viral warts.
Cantharidin
Treatment with this substance is in many ways similar to more traditional cryotherapy. The procedure causes the appearance of blisters, which gradually dry out. Dead skin is removed.
Minor surgery
- The operation is performed using a scalpel or electric needle.
- Before surgery, the affected area of the body is subjected to local anesthesia.
- Given that filiform warts are small-sized lesions on the surface of the skin, surgical intervention is performed promptly and guarantees complete removal of the growth in a single procedure. Repeat operation is not required.
- In the affected area after surgery, a scarring process is possible.
- Electrosurgery involves two procedures: curettage (curettage) and cauterization.
- The base of the wart is burned by diathermocoagulation, or cauterization.
- The surgical wound heals within two weeks.
- Perhaps the secondary distribution of formations.
Laser removal
If filamentous warts are not amenable to any other treatment method, the doctor prescribes their removal with a laser. This method is characterized by a high cost and an increased risk of scarring.
Other traditional medicine methods
At home, unwanted growths can be sealed with a band-aid or tape to prevent oxygen saturation and prevent the infection from spreading throughout the body and transfer to other people. Some doctors recommend the treatment of neoplasms with cytotoxic substances. In the presence of multiple warts, somatic retinoids are used.
It is advisable to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus. Although vaccination is not a cure, it will protect you from infection.
Contagiousness
Filamentous warts are extremely contagious. Avoid touching such growths on other people's bodies . In addition, it is undesirable to share clothes, shoes and personal hygiene items with those infected. The human papillomavirus can be picked up in any public place, so be sure to wear rubber slates in places reserved for water procedures (showers, pools). For any, even minor damage to the skin (cuts, scratches, abrasions), glue the wounded area with a band-aid. By following these simple preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of the virus entering your body, and therefore, reduce the likelihood of filamentous warts.
At home
If you do not have the opportunity or desire to eliminate unattractive growths using common methods of traditional medicine, you will probably be interested in removing filiform warts using the folk method. There are several completely affordable and completely natural healing products that can help you get rid of unattractive growths on the surface of the skin.
Potatoes
Many women know that slices of raw potatoes do an excellent job at eliminating dark circles under the eyes. However, few people know that an ordinary inexpensive vegetable can quickly and without a single side effect literally wipe an unwanted formation from the skin. To carry out the home procedure, peel the potato, cut a round slice from it and rub it over the wart for five minutes. These actions must be repeated three times a day. Use potatoes until the wart completely disappears.
Apple vinegar
Ordinary food apple cider vinegar can get rid of a wide variety of skin and hair problems. It is considered one of the most powerful means to combat skin rashes and growths. The acid at the base of this fluid attacks the overgrown epidermis and literally removes excess layers from the surface. Moreover, apple cider vinegar eliminates the virus that lives in the wart.
For effective removal of neoplasms, take two tablespoons of vinegar, pour them into a cup and moisten a cotton ball abundantly in liquid. Attach the ball to the wart and secure it with a clean cloth or bandage. Leave the bandage all day. The wart will come off after a few weeks of regular use of apple cider vinegar.
Pineapple juice
Pineapples are considered an exotic dessert rich in vitamins and promoting healthy digestion. Who would have thought that the juice of amazing fruits can not only saturate the body with the necessary nutrients, but also eliminate filiform warts, the treatment, removal and prevention of which by traditional medicine methods are not always possible? Its acidity, along with the presence of special enzymes in the composition of the liquid, allows you to efficiently and quickly remove tumors.
Cut and peel a piece of pineapple, then squeeze fresh juice out of it. Wet the wart with juice for 5-10 minutes, then wipe it with a clean cloth. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day. It will take several days for the growth to completely disappear from the surface of the skin.