Warts are a common dermatological problem. Warts are characteristic skin or mucosal growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Although they are usually harmless, warts can cause significant discomfort, pain and aesthetic discomfort. In addition, HPV, especially some types, is associated with an increased risk of cancer. This article reviews wart removal methods, their effectiveness, and strategies to help you avoid the risk of developing warts.
Causes and symptoms of warts
Warts are caused by HPV, which is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or through items that have been used by a person with warts. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and each has a different predilection for certain parts of the body. For example, HPV types 1, 2, and 4 commonly cause simple warts on the hands and feet, while HPV types 6 and 11 are most commonly associated with genital warts.
Warts can be of different shapes and sizes, and can be single or several at once. Common warts are thick, bumpy, skin-colored bumps with visible black dots (clogged blood vessels). Flat warts are small, smooth and can be pink, white or skin colored. Warts on the soles of the feet are thick and usually cause great discomfort or pain, while genital warts are soft, moist and can be single or multiple. Wart removal is an effective way to get rid of warts.
Wart removal
Warts may go away on their own without treatment, but this may take months or even years. Treatment is often required, especially if the warts cause discomfort or are an aesthetic problem. There are various methods of wart removal that can be used depending on the type of wart, location and patient preference.
Topical medicines. Topical medications such as salicylic acid, imiquimod, and podofiloxin are commonly used to treat warts. They work gradually over a few weeks to a few months, reducing the warts until eventually the warts are effective and disappear altogether.
Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is a very effective wart removal method that involves freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen. This causes tissue necrosis and the wart gradually falls off.
Electrocoagulation and laser therapy. These methods include burning the wart with an electric current or a laser. They are often used in more severe cases where wart removal by cryotherapy is ineffective. Wart removal with electrocoagulation and laser therapy can leave scars.
Surgery. Surgery may be used in rare cases where other wart removal methods are ineffective. This involves cutting out the wart with a scalpel.
Prevention of warts
Prevention of warts includes good hygiene, avoiding skin trauma, practicing safe sex, and HPV vaccinations. There are several HPV vaccines that can protect against many types of HPV that can cause warts and even cancer.
Although warts are a common and often annoying skin condition, there are many effective ways to get rid of them. The most important thing to remember is that any wart removal method should be used with caution and only after consulting a doctor.
Sources of information
Sterling, J. C., Handfield-Jones, S., & Hudson, P. M. (2001). Guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts. British Journal of Dermatology, 144(1), 4-11.
Gibbs, S., & Harvey, I. (2006). Topical treatments for cutaneous warts. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3).
Bruggink, S. C., Gussekloo, J., Berger, M. Y., Zaaijer, K., Assendelft, W. J., de Waal, M. W., ... & Eekhof, J. A. (2012). Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen versus topical salicylic acid application for cutaneous warts in primary care: randomized controlled trial. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 184(15), E787-E794.
Kwok, C. S., Gibbs, S., Bennett, C., Holland, R., & Abbott, R. (2012). Topical treatments for cutaneous warts. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9).
Please note that this article is general in nature and should not be used as medical advice. If you have problems with warts, see your doctor.
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