Probably everyone faced the problem of warts, if not at home, then at a loved one for sure. The growths on the skin in the form of papillae, rounded formations or cauliflower - this is the breeding ground for human papillomavirus infection, which modifies human cells, causing the virus to grow and acquire a very unpresentable appearance.
At the time of their appearance, small warts look like a normal cosmetic defect. But if the body weakens and immunity decreases, then they begin to grow in size, capturing new territory, and in some cases can cause a cancerous tumor.
According to statistics, 65% of the world's population are carriers of human papillomavirus infection. Warts take second place in terms of “popularity” after acne among all dermatological diseases.
The growths can disappear on their own if the human immune system returns to normal and the body overpowers the virus, but the time to get rid of warts is individually for everyone - from 6 months to 2 years. But a favorable outcome is possible only in 80% of cases, the rest requires careful treatment, care or surgery.
In total, you can count about 30 types of warts, and not all of them are as harmless as it seems at first glance. Therefore, before getting rid of any neoplasm, it is necessary to consult a competent dermatologist, especially since medicine knows how to remove warts, and has acquired an impressive arsenal to remove them.
Causes of Warts
The root cause of the appearance of warts is infection with the papilloma virus. This is possible in the cases described below.
- a handshake or kiss, i.e. with direct contact;
- household way: toothbrushes, hairbrushes, public transport, gym, etc .;
- plantar warts can be obtained in the pool and when wearing other people's shoes;
- growths of children can occur if the mother became infected with papilloma during pregnancy;
- sexual intercourse can cause warts in the groin area;
- self-infection during shaving or hair removal.
The main source of infection is a person with neoplasms on the skin, but there are cases when the infection comes from a carrier without obvious signs of papillomas.
Favorable environment for the appearance of warts
The virus actively penetrates through any damage to the skin - small abrasions or cracks. In a person with a strong immune system, the virus ceases to be active for 6-12 months and is gradually eliminated from the body.
In people with weakened immune systems, the risk of warts increases many times as a result of:
- infections
- hypothermia;
- pregnancy
- menopause
- stress
- diabetes
- hormonal imbalance and obesity.
The period of development and the susceptibility of each person to papillomas depends on his body, but the main risk group is elderly people and children. The protective properties of the skin of children and the elderly are significantly reduced, as a result of which the first signs of neoplasms can appear within 2 weeks and progress rapidly. It is worth noting that before removing warts in any way, consultation with a dermatologist is required.
Types of Warts
Papillomas are classified by their appearance and arrangement of elements.
- Conventional warts. This is the most common species found in 60% of all infected. They differ in a small growth in the form of tuberous nodules above the surface of the skin. As a rule, the edges of such warts are clearly limited and have a pink or grayish-white color. Most often found on fingers and wrists.
- Plantar warts. Appear on the legs in the form of painful plaques of yellowish or gray color up to 5 cm in size. In the total mass make up 35% of all skin papillomas.
- Youthful warts. 4% of all adolescents are infected with these types of tumors. These are irregular yellow-gray plaques that slightly rise above the skin. Locations: hands, damaged skin, face and knees.
- Filiform large wart or acrochord. The neoplasm has a cylindrical shape and resembles a cone, which lengthens with time. The growth is elastic and soft to the touch. It occurs in 50% of all older people and has a flesh-yellow color.
- Butchers warts. Risk group - people who often and tightly contact with raw meat. The virus enters the body through minor skin lesions. The main foci of distribution are brushes and elbows. Neoplasms are usually painless and have a light brown or white color.
- Condyloma or anogenital formation. Black wart, its appearance resembling a cockscomb or cauliflower. It is located in the groin, in rare cases on the tongue or on the inside of the cheeks. After the appearance of the first formations, the virus spreads rapidly throughout the infection area.
- Keratosis or senile warts. This type of papilloma is not directly related to the infection. It appears as a result of the growth of the stratum corneum of the skin and has several stages: a plaque flush with the skin, then a nodule with an uneven surface, and then the growth turns into hard scales. Risk group - elderly people with psoriasis and other dermatological diseases.
How to remove warts
People whose immunity is reduced and whose papillomas are localized around the genitals or in the oral cavity should undergo antiviral therapy using the following drugs *:
- "Acyclovir";
- Groprinosin;
- "Panavir".
Together with therapy, it is recommended to take drugs * that increase and strengthen the immune system, which will also help get rid of warts and papillomas:
- "Polyoxidonium";
- "Immunal."
After the immunity is strengthened, you can proceed to the direct removal of papillomas. If there are no problems with immunity, and rashes are few, then you can do without drug therapy.
* Apply after consultation with a doctor!
Laser Wart Removal
When the lesions are removed with a laser, the device acts on the affected area of the skin, heating papilloma cells and evaporating all the water from them. As a result, the growth simply withers away, and the laser “seals” the damaged skin and the capillaries that nourish the wart. After the operation, a dry crust appears on the skin without blood and pain.
Laser warts removal on the face or other delicate parts of the body takes place only with the use of a soft grinding laser, otherwise there is a likelihood of scarring and scars.
Indications:
- removal of papillomas on the face due to a positive cosmetic effect;
- education within 1 mm - 1 cm.
Contraindications:
- inflammation or abscesses in the area of papillomas;
- low immunity;
- suspected malignancy of education.
Advantages
Relatively quick restoration of the skin - about 5-7 days. There are practically no postoperative scars and bleeding is excluded. One of the main advantages of the laser method is its sterility, so the danger of contracting something during the operation is reduced to zero.
disadvantages
In any case, the laser causes skin injury, therefore there is a likelihood of the appearance of daughter elements in people with weakened immunity. Alas, there is no opportunity to take a tissue sample for cancer confirmation.
Nitrogen Burning
Cryodestruction or burning of warts is the effect on the papilloma with low temperatures up to 196 ° C. Liquid nitrogen, acting on tissue cells, destroys the formation of papillomas. After cauterization, a bubble forms under which healthy skin begins to form, already without a viral presence (2-3 days).
Small formations are cauterized with a cotton swab for 5-10 seconds, while large warts may require 30 to 40 seconds of cauterization.
Indications:
- cosmetic defect;
- daughter papillomas;
- plantar formations;
- often traumatic warts.
Contraindications:
- decreased immunity;
- facial area (risk of scars).
Advantages
The operation takes place in a matter of seconds, does not require large financial costs and is more than safe.
disadvantages
In places where the skin is hypersensitive, the procedure can be very painful. In such cases, local anesthesia is used (Lidocaine, Novakain). Please note that at least 15 minutes must elapse from the moment of anesthesia. Otherwise, liquid nitrogen simply freezes the anesthetic and an extensive frostbite appears.
Surgical removal
The operation takes place only in the presence of a dermatologist and, as a rule, under local anesthesia ("Lidocaine", "Novocaine"). After excision of the root formation and extraction, a cosmetic suture is applied and post-surgical treatment of the operation site is performed.
If the wart is on the nose, elbow or thin leg, then the surgeon simply cuts off this leg without cutting healthy tissue, which allows the operation to go more or less painlessly and quickly.
Surgical intervention for the removal of papillomas is rarely used, because the cosmetic market is replete with various kinds of equipment to remove neoplasms, so only difficult cases in the groin area and extremely advanced warts can be an exception.
Indications for surgical removal of papillomas:
- suspected benign warts;
- papilloma is constantly exposed to external injuries (shaving, clothing);
- rapid development of a neoplasm or inflammation;
- the area of the wart is more than 1 cm.
Contraindications:
- infectious diseases;
- various pathologies of internal organs;
- unstable blood coagulation.
Advantages
Removal of formations of any size and quality, coupled with tests for the papilloma benignity. Speed of operation and clearly visible result.
disadvantages
The healing time of the operated area up to 3 weeks. Continuous care and periodic visits to the doctor. In some cases, a postoperative scar may remain.
Summarizing
Before removing warts, the first thing is to consult an experienced dermatologist, who, in turn, will make the correct diagnosis of papillomas and exclude any malignant changes in the formations.
Beauty salons, of course, are well equipped with equipment and facilities, but not always the staff has the necessary qualifications and knowledge. Therefore, in order to avoid risks, it is better to contact specialized clinics or qualified specialists.