Warts: Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment
Introduction
• Warts are one of the most common skin conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Although usually harmless, they can be irritating, unsightly, and sometimes painful depending on their location. Warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which leads to abnormal growth of skin cells. They can appear on the hands, feet, face, genitals, and other parts of the body.
• Understanding the causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of warts is essential to managing them effectively. This comprehensive guide explores all aspects of warts with a focus on natural remedies, medical treatments, and lifestyle tips to prevent recurrence.
What Are Warts?
Warts are benign (non-cancerous) growths on the skin or mucous membranes caused by HPV infection. There are more than 100 strains of HPV, and different types of warts are associated with different strains. Warts can affect people of all ages but are more common in children, teenagers, and individuals with weakened immunity.
Types of Warts
1. Common Warts (Verruca vulgaris)
• Usually found on hands and fingers.
• Rough, raised surface with a grayish-brown color.
2. Plantar Warts (Verruca plantaris)
• Found on the soles of the feet.
• Can cause pain while walking due to pressure.
3. Flat Warts (Verruca plana)
• Small, smooth, flat-topped growths.
• Appear in clusters, often on the face, arms, or legs.
4. Filiform Warts
• Long, narrow, finger-like projections.
• Usually appear around the mouth, eyes, or nose.
5. Periungual Warts
• Grow under or around fingernails and toenails.
• Can affect nail growth.
6. Genital Warts (Condyloma acuminata)
• Appear on the genital and anal areas.
• Sexually transmitted and require medical attention.
Causes of Warts
The primary cause of warts is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, triggering rapid growth of skin cells.
Risk factors include:
• Direct contact with an infected person.
• Sharing personal items like towels, razors, or shoes.
• Walking barefoot in public areas (swimming pools, gyms).
• Weakened immune system (HIV, chemotherapy, organ transplant patients).
• Children and teens (weaker immune response to HPV).
• Nail-biting or picking at hangnails, which can allow HPV entry.
Signs and Symptoms of Warts
• While symptoms vary depending on the type of wart, common features include:
• Raised, rough skin growth that feels grainy.
• Color variations (flesh-colored, white, pink, or brown).
• Tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) visible inside warts.
• Pain or tenderness, especially with plantar warts.
• Clusters of warts in flat or genital warts.
• Interference with daily activities, like difficulty walking or gripping.
Diagnosis of Warts
A dermatologist usually diagnoses warts through physical examination. In rare cases, additional tests are needed:
1. Visual Examination – Identifying characteristic appearance.
2. Scraping or shaving – Removing the top layer to check for clotted blood vessels.
3. Skin biopsy – Rarely performed, to rule out other conditions (e.g., skin cancer).
4. HPV testing – In cases of genital warts.
Prevention of Warts
Preventing HPV infection and wart spread is possible with good hygiene and protective measures:
• Avoid direct contact with warts (your own or others’).
• Do not share personal items like razors, towels, socks, or shoes.
• Wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers and pools.
• Wash hands regularly and keep skin clean and dry.
• Cover cuts, scratches, or open wounds to prevent HPV entry.
• Avoid nail-biting and picking at warts.
• Use condoms to reduce the risk of genital warts.
• Strengthen your immune system with a balanced diet, exercise, and sleep.
• HPV vaccination (such as Gardasil) can prevent genital warts and some HPV-related cancers.
Treatment of Warts
Most warts disappear on their own within 6 months to 2 years, but treatment may be needed for persistent, painful, or spreading warts.
Home Remedies for Warts
• Salicylic acid solutions/patches (over-the-counter, gradually remove layers of wart).
• Duct tape therapy (covering warts to suffocate virus-infected cells).
• Apple cider vinegar (acidic property may help peel away wart tissue).
• Garlic extract (antiviral and immune-boosting properties).
• Banana peel (enzymes may support natural healing).
Medical Treatments
1. Cryotherapy (Freezing with liquid nitrogen) – Effective but may require multiple sessions.
2. Electrocautery (Burning) – Destroys wart tissue using electric current.
3. Laser therapy – Uses focused light energy to destroy wart tissue.
4. Cantharidin application – Blister-causing chemical applied by doctors.
5. Surgical removal – Reserved for stubborn warts.
6. Topical creams (Imiquimod, Podophyllin, Trichloroacetic acid) – Used for genital warts.
7. Immunotherapy – Stimulating the immune system to fight HPV.
Complications of Warts
• Pain and discomfort, especially in plantar warts.
• Cosmetic concerns (facial or hand warts).
• Spread to other parts of the body.
• Interference with daily activities (walking, writing).
• Psychological stress or embarrassment.
• Rare progression to cancer (in high-risk genital warts linked with HPV strains 16 and 18).
Living with Warts: Lifestyle Tips
• Keep affected areas clean and covered.
• Use separate towels for the infected area.
• Avoid scratching or picking at warts.
• Boost immunity through proper nutrition and hydration.
• Seek medical advice if warts persist, spread, or cause pain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are warts contagious?
Yes, warts are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with warts or contaminated surfaces.
2. Can warts go away without treatment?
Yes, many warts resolve naturally within 6 months to 2 years, but treatment speeds up recovery.
3. What is the fastest way to remove warts?
Cryotherapy (freezing) and laser treatments are among the fastest and most effective medical options.
4. Do warts come back after treatment?
Yes, warts can recur because HPV may remain in the skin. Proper treatment and preventive care reduce recurrence.
5. Can genital warts cause cancer?
Certain strains of HPV (like types 16 and 18) are linked with cervical, anal, and throat cancers. Genital warts themselves are not cancerous but require medical care.
6. Is it safe to remove warts at home?
Mild cases may respond to over-the-counter treatments, but large, painful, or genital warts should only be treated by a doctor.
7. Who is at higher risk of getting warts?
Children, teenagers, people with weak immunity, and those frequently exposed to communal areas are at higher risk.
Conclusion
Warts are a common skin condition caused by HPV infection. While often harmless, they can cause discomfort, cosmetic issues, and spread to others if untreated. Fortunately, several home remedies, medical treatments, and preventive strategies are available to manage and reduce the risk of recurrence. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding direct contact, and seeking professional treatment when necessary are key to overcoming warts effectively.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)