Warts - Symptoms & Treatment

Warts are the most common infection of the skin. It is caused by a virus known as human papilloma virus. Some human papilloma virus subtypes also cause cervical cancer and other more obscure types of wart-related cancers. Some people appear to be more susceptible to warts than others. It is also possible to get warts from using towels or other objects that were used by a person who has warts. The typical wart is a raised round or oval growth on the skin with a rough surface. Compared with the surrounding normal skin, warts may appear light, dark, or black. Unusual warts with smooth surfaces or flat warts in children may be more difficult for parents to recognize. Sometimes warts are transmitted and appear in the genital area, but most warts appear on a person's fingers, hands, and feet. In fact, some people never get them. The virus resides in the bottom layer of the epidermis and replicates into almost normal-looking skin. Warts on the skin may be passed to another person when that person touches the warts.

Warts are usually painless, except for those on the soles of the feet. These are called plantar warts, and if you have one it can feel like walking on a small pebble. Small satellite warts may surround the original lesion because the virus is usually present in a one-centimeter radius surrounding the wart. The viruses that cause warts are passed from person to person by close physical contact. Having a tiny scratch or cut can make a person more vulnerable to getting warts. Genital warts can also develop in the mouth of a person who has had oral contact with an infected person. Warts on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet may appear level rather than raised. There is no way to prevent warts, but it's always a good idea to wash your skin regularly and well. If you cut or scratch your skin, be sure to use soap and water because open wounds are more susceptible to warts and other infections. Salicylic acid is a very common and effective over-the-counter treatment, but requires consistent application every day.

Causes of Warts

Common causes and risk factor's of Warts:

• Direct contact with the human papillomavirus.
• By sharing towels, razors, or other personal items it can spread to others.
• Picking or scratching the wart.
• Defects in the proper development of the skin surface in certain areas.

Symptoms of Warts

Some sign and symptoms related to Warts are as follows:

• Flat or raised skin lesion or lump.
• Bumps are painful to pressure.
• Hard, flat growths.
• Abnormally dark or light skin surrounding the lesion.
• Rough growths around or under fingernails or toenails.

Treatment of Warts

Common treatment of Warts:

• Duct tape occlusion therapy may be used in some cases.
• Salicylic acid is a very common and effective over-the-counter treatment, but requires consistent application every day.
• Laser treatments can be used to treat warts.
• Cryotherapy is another effective treatment of warts. A provider applies liquid nitrogen as a spray or on a cotton swab to the wart. This freezes and kills the effected cells.
• Stronger (prescription) medications may be required for removal of persistent warts.