What are Warts?
Warts are small benign skin growths that usually develop on the hands and feet. These lumps appear in many forms and may grow one after the other or in clusters. The type of a wart is generally determined by its appearance and the skin area where it grows.
Warts are generally non-cancerous but may resemble some cancers. Most warts are painless, but some types, such as verrucas, may be painful. Also, these random growths can be contagious as they develop due to a strain of virus called human papillomavirus or HPV.
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How Many Types of Skin Warts Are There?
Warts come in many types and forms, but five of them are more common than others. Here is a brief overview.
- Common warts: These usually grow on the toes, fingers, and knees but can also develop on other body areas. These warts generally have a rounded top with an overall grainy appearance. They may have a cauliflower-like shape. Common warts are 1mm to 1cm or larger. They can grow alone or in groups.
- Plantar warts: These grow on feet soles and, unlike other types of warts, develop into the skin rather than protruding outwards. Plantar warts are generally identified through small holes surrounded by hardened skin. These warts are further classified as Myrmecial-type plantar warts and Mosaic-type plantar warts.
- Flat warts: These warts usually grow on the face, arms, or thighs. These tend to occur when there is a skin cut. These are typically small lesions and are not instantly noticeable, but they become prominent when they grow in groups. A group of flat warts may have 20-200 warts.
- Filiform warts: These warts mainly develop around your mouth or nose and sometimes under the chin. They are highly contagious growths and may spread to other body areas. Filiform warts usually appear as tiny skin tags or flaps. Some filiform warts project thin, finger-like strands.
- Periungual warts: These lesions grow on the damaged skin under or around the fingernails or toenails. These warts start small but may develop into large, rough-textured lesions over time. They can be painful and may interfere with nail growth. Moreover, these warts are generally contagious and may spread through touch.
Why Do People Get Warts?
People with a viral infection caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) are likelier to develop warts. This virus attacks the skin cells in a scratch or cut and causes the excessive production of a complex protein called keratin. Keratin creates the hard, rough surface of a wart.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Warts?
Common signs and symptoms of warts are as follows.
- Small, rough growths or bumps
- Pink, tan, or fleshy white bumps
- Spots that appear and feel grainy
What are the Common Treatments for Warts Removal?
You can consult our dermatologist at EuroMed Clinic Dubai to treat warts that do not go away on their own.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, or freezing, mainly involves using liquid nitrogen to eliminate a wart’s tissues. The liquid nitrogen is usually applied in a small amounts through a spray bottle or a cotton swab. Patients may need repeat sessions of cryotherapy to achieve the desired results.
Laser Treatment
Laser wart removal is a specialized treatment that must be performed in a clinical setting. This treatment involves using an intense laser beam to destroy or burn wart tissues. It is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the size of the treatment area or the number of warts.
Chemical Peels
The chemical peeling solution used for wart removal usually contains salicylic acid. This solution peels the skin in layers, eliminating the wart over time. So, you may need more than one treatment session for the intended results. Salicylic acid also causes controlled irritation in the wart, invoking the immune system’s response to remove the virus.
Excision
Wart excision refers to cutting out the wart with a straight blade. Although it is one of the most straightforward ways to remove a wart, one should not use it as a home remedy. DIY wart excision can lead to the formation of scar tissue. It may also cause the virus to spread to other skin areas. So, if you need this treatment, get it from a skilled practitioner in a clinical setting.
Warts Removal Results
Warts Removal FAQs
How do you stop warts from spreading?
You can prevent warts from spreading to other body areas by:
Covering the wart with appropriate dressing
Washing your hands after touching the wart
How are warts transmitted?
Warts are usually transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. They may also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with HPV.
Are common warts an STD?
Common warts are not STD/STI, but genital warts are.
Can warts be cancerous?
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and are not cancerous. However, some warts may look like cancer, so getting them checked by a doctor is vital to rule out the risk.
Book An Appointment
Book a consultation at EuroMed Clinic Dubai by calling +971 4 394 5422 or filling in the online form below.
Check Out Our Specialists Profiles
Dr. Fazeela Abbasi MD
Physician Specialist DermatologyDr. Fazeela Abbasi has been in the field of dermatology since 2003. She is a DHA-licensed dermatologist specializing in advanced laser techniques, Botox, PRP therapy, rosacea treatment, etc.
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