WARTS

Introduction

A wart is generally a small, rough tumour, typically on hands and feet, that can resemble a cauliflower or a solid blister. Warts are common, and are caused by a viral infection, specifically by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious when in contact with the skin of another. It is also possible to get warts from using towels or other objects. They typically disappear after a few months but can last for years and can reoccur. A few papilloma viruses are known to cause cervical cancer.

Clasification

A range of different types of wart have been identified, which differ in shape and site affected, as well as the type of human papillomavirus involved.
These include:

Verruca vulgaris	Common wart (Verruca vulgaris): a raised wart with roughened surface, most common on hands and knees.
Verruca plana	Flat wart (Verruca plana): a small, smooth flattened wart, tan or flesh coloured, which can occur in large numbers; most common on the face, neck, hands, wrists and knees
Verruca filiformis	Filiform or digitate wart: a thread- or finger-like wart, most common on the face, especially near the eyelids and lips
Verruca pedis	Plantar wart (verruca, Verruca pedis): a hard sometimes painful lump, often with multiple black specks in the center; usually only found on pressure points on the soles of the feet
Verruca acuminata	Genital wart (venereal wart, Condyloma acuminatum, Verruca acuminata)

Treatment techniques

Treatments that may be prescribed by a medical professional include:
•    Keratolysis, removal of dead surface skin cells usually using salicylic acid, blistering agents, immune system modifiers ("immunomodulators"), or formaldehyde.
•    Cryosurgery, which involves freezing the wart (generally with liquid nitrogen), after which the wart and surrounding dead skin falls off by itself.
•    Surgical curettage of the wart.
•    Laser treatment.
•    Imiquimod, a topical cream that helps the body's immune system fight the wart virus by encouraging interferon production.
•    Candida injections at the site of the wart, which also stimulate the body's immune system.
•    Cantharidin, a chemical found naturally in many members of the beetle family Meloidae which causes dermal blistering.
        The wart often regrows after the skin has healed.

Over-the-counter medicaments

There are several over-the-counter options. The most common ones involve salicylic acid. These products are readily available at drugstores and supermarkets. There are typically two types of products: adhesive pads treated with salicylic acid or a bottle of concentrated salicylic acid solution. Removing a wart with salicylic acid requires a strict regimen of cleaning the area, applying the acid, and removing the dead skin with a pumice stone or emery board. It may take up to 12 weeks to remove a wart.

Another over-the-counter product that can aid in wart removal is silver nitrate in the form of a caustic pencil, which is also available at drug stores. This method generally takes three to six daily treatments to be effective. The instructions must be followed to minimize staining of skin and clothing.
Like prescription treatments, over-the-counter treatments usually require multiple applications and are only necessary if the warts are problematic. Additionally, these treatments are capable of destroying healthy skin as well as warts, so caution must be exercised by those attempting them without medical supervision.

Related Links:
Wart Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wart
Dermnet skin image atlas Available at: http://www.dermnet.com/moduleSearch.cfm?searchterm=warts
Warts No More Available at: http://www.fonoils.com/warts

Last updated February 23, 2008 by webmaster