Warts are benign skin neoplasms that occur due to cell proliferation in the epidermis and papillary dermis, caused by the human papillomavirus, which is transmitted through contact.
Warts: causes, types, diagnosis and treatment
Warts are a particularly benign local formation caused by epidermal hyperplasia. Papillomatous growths and papules most often appear due to viral infection activity. The main reason for their occurrence is the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body. HPV infection occurs through domestic contact, as a result of which the viral flora penetrates the skin or mucous membranes. Various injuries to the skin and mucous membranes, as well as weakened immunity, increase the risk of infection.
As statistics show, more than 60% of the population are HPV carriers. At the same time, symptomatic HPV may not appear even throughout life. Warts, which are mostly called papillomas, appear on the skin and mucous membranes only if there is a good factor for this.
There are many different types of warts, the appearance of which is due to one type of virus or another. Each type of skin lesion can be localized on the skin or on the mucous membranes. It is impossible to eliminate the virus from the body.
Warts on the legs, arms, and other parts of the body in adults
Men and women are equally susceptible to the human papillomavirus virus and, therefore, the appearance of neoplasms such as warts on the skin and mucous membranes. Penetration of the virus into the body is possible, both with regular handshakes or the use of general hygiene products, and during sexual intercourse. Once in the human body, the virus enters the epithelium of the squamous skin and actively reproduces within it. The incubation period for HPV can range from one to half a month to six months or more.
Warts on the face, genitals, and other parts of the body in women
Warts in women can appear on any part of the body at any time in life. In shape, color and size, the two can be different, ranging from small flat warts on the face to white, ending with dark genital warts on the mucous membranes of the genitals. It should be noted that genital warts, according to research results, can lead to the development of cervical cancer. Also, official confirmation received the association of warts, which are external manifestations of HPV, with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Papillomas and warts in men
Stronger sex organisms are less susceptible to infection and active reproduction of viruses in general and the appearance of papillomas and warts in particular. Only a sharp decline in immunity caused by various diseases can provoke the appearance of benign formations on the skin and mucous membranes in men. It should be noted that papillomas and warts on the genitals in men can be localized in the area of the coronal groove and frenum, sometimes the head or body of the penis, in the legs at the entrance of the urethra and directly in the mucous membranes, in the perianal area.
What are the types of warts in children?
People of all ages are prone to the appearance of warts. But warts are most common in children and adolescents. The reason may be that there are various papillomatous viruses. Infections in a child’s body usually occur through contact and household. Children tend to communicate closely with other babies in large groups and easily "catch" various viruses from each other. In addition, a child can be infected with the papillomatous virus from the mother during intrauterine development or childbirth.
Warts: the cause of appearance
Many factors can contribute to the appearance of warts. Transmission of the papillomatous virus, as mentioned earlier, occurs through close contact with an infected person or his or her belongings. Moreover, the carrier of the virus, which has no external manifestations, can also act as a source of infection. Also, autoinoculation or, in other words, self -infection is not excluded. So, warts on the face and neck can appear after shaving and peeling cosmetics. The same goes for papillomas and warts on the legs, chin and armpits. Various lesions on the skin only increase the risk of contracting HPV. This is often the case in swimming pools, gyms and saunas.
Provoking factors
It is unlikely that the virus that causes the formation of warts will penetrate the body of a healthy person with strong immunity. The risk of infection can be increased by:
- Damage to the skin and mucous membranes.
If they are present, contact with an infected person’s tools or objects on the surface where the virus is likely to cause infection. HPV can stay in the environment for about 2-3 hours. During this time, the chances of a person getting infected with it are quite high. Injuries (cuts, wounds, scratches), sweating and, thus, constant skin moisture only increase it.
- High humidity and warmth.
Such provoking factors are highly relevant for the appearance of warts on the feet. Uncomfortable jacket shoes cause excessive foot sweat, calluses and sores on the skin can cause epithelial growth such as warts on the feet.
- Weakens the immune system.
Although there is a virus in the body, the appearance of warts is far from always observed. A person can carry the virus for decades and not realize it. With strong immunity, the body constantly suppresses the virus, preventing it from multiplying. As soon as the immune system is weakened, the virus is immediately activated, which is accompanied by the appearance of external manifestations.
Seborrheic warts
With increasing age, significant changes occur in the human body, which are seen not only in appearance, but also health. Thus, violation of the distribution of basal cells of the epidermis leads to the appearance of benign formations, called seborrheic warts. In other words, such warts are called senile. It is quite easy to identify senile warts according to their characteristic appearance:
- they are represented by protruding papules or plaques on the surface of the skin.
- round or oval -shaped neoplasms;
- they are localized, as a rule, on the skin of the covered areas of the body, as well as on the face and scalp;
- the color of the warts can be yellow-brown and sometimes black;
- formation size can vary from 0, 5 to 4 cm.
The boundaries of seborrheic warts are clear. They protrude slightly above the skin and may be slightly flat.
If there are warts on your hands, face, body, or head, you must see a doctor. To determine the most effective and safe tactics for its treatment and removal, it is necessary to perform differential diagnostics, which will distinguish seborrheic warts from:
- Nevi pigmented.
This neoplasm is benign. Similar to seborrheic warts, pigmented nevi are yellow-brown or dark in color, closer to black. Sometimes the papillomatous surface of the nevi is covered with hairs. Their size can vary. In its form, neoplasms of this type can be represented by giant plaques or flat papules with a smooth surface.
- Dermatofibromas.
Such benign formations are formed from the skin and connective tissue. In their appearance, dermatofibromas have certain similarities to moles and warts. The surface of the formation can be smooth and keratin. Their shape is round. Dermatofibromas are located partly in the upper layer of the skin and partly protruding above its surface. Often, a single neoplasm is found. Their colors can vary: from gray-pink to purple. Sometimes dermatofibromas are brown or black. The size of the formation is about 1 cm.
- Melanoma.
Unlike dermatofibromas and pigmented nevuses, melanoma is a malignant tumor. They appear at the site of the mole or at the site of nearby tissue. The factors that provoke the malignancy of skin cells are ultraviolet rays, various damages.
Human papillomavirus infection
As mentioned earlier, HPV is the cause of HPV infection. To date, more than a hundred types are already known, which can affect the body in one way or another. Each type of virus causes a specific type of warts:
- HPV 1 - benign formation in the palms and soles of the feet;
- HPV 2 - common (vulgar);
- HPV 3, 10, 28 and 29 - flat neoplasms;
- HPV 4 - warts on the soles of the feet and vulgar warts;
- HPV 6, 11 - laryngeal papillomatosis and genital warts;
- HPV 5, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19-25, 36, 39, 40 - a common manifestation of the virus, which is a depressing epidermodysplasia;
- HPV 7 - vulgar warts;
- HPV 13, 32 - focal proliferation of epithelial tissue;
- HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35 - malignant neoplasms such as carcinoma and genital dysplasia.
In addition, with weakened immunity, the human body becomes more susceptible to papillomatous virus types 26 and 27. In some cases, HPV 30, 34, 37 and 38 can be the cause of benign and malignant tumors.
It should also be noted that some types of papillomatous virus are transmitted through domestic contact, while others are sexually transmitted.
Types of warts: common treatment, plantar etc. , treatment
A large number of types of papillomatous viruses and other causes of the appearance of warts cause the localization of different formations and their different characteristics. Therefore, there are:
- Ordinary warts, also called vulgar warts.
They are most often localized on the skin of the hands. These growths can range in color from fleshy to brown.
- Plantar warts.
Such a formation grows deep into the tissue, causing a painful sensation and is accompanied by capillary thrombosis, which bleeds even with slight damage. Plantar warts need treatment by a doctor, not cutting them yourself or at a nail salon.
- Flat warts.
Their localization, as a rule, is observed on the skin of the neck, face, chest, knee bends and on the forearms.
- Anogenital warts, better known as genital warts.
Such formation affects the skin and mucous membranes of the external genitalia, as well as the perianal area. Their localization may be performed at the entrance of the urethra with subsequent proximal spread.
- Perianal warts.
Such formations are most often located in the anus and vagina, as well as on nearby external genital tissues in women. In men, perianal warts are localized in the anus.
- Papillomatosis of the larynx.
Manifestations of this virus occur mainly in childhood. The mass can multiply, which is a particular danger to life, causing airway obstruction.
Anogenital warts
Anogenital warts are benign neoplasms that are localized on the skin and mucous membranes of the external genital organs, as well as in the perianal area. All anogenital warts are usually divided into:
- Typical condyloma.
Such warts are localized, as a rule, at the entrance of the vagina, in the anus, and also on the inner layer of the foreskin. In shape, such neoplasms may resemble cauliflower.
- Papular warts.
The surface of such neoplasms is smooth and does not contain a layer of keratinization.
- Warts hyperkeratosis.
Unlike previous warts, the surface of such anogenital formations is covered with keratin tissue particles. For the most part, condyloma hyperkeratosis is localized on the outer leaves of the foreskin, the body of the penis and scrotum in men, as well as on the labia majora in women.
- Flat warts.
Its formation is represented by spots that protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. They are practically invisible and not always recognizable to a person.
Condylomas giant Buschke - Levenshtein
Genital warts such as Carninoma occur when the HPV 16 virus enters the body. According to the results of several studies, HPV virus of types 1, 6, 11, 18, 31, 33, which is spread through intercourse and sexual intercourse, can also lead to the appearance of such warts. The second name of such education is the giant Bushke-Levenshtein condyloma. The main differences are:
- progressive increase in size;
- the possibility of re -education after treatment;
- destruction of nearby tissues;
- most likely malignancy with subsequent development of squamous cell skin cancer.
Young and old people are most susceptible to this type of neoplasm. In the male body, the virus is manifested by the appearance of genital warts on the glans and foreskin penile tissues. Occasionally Buschke-Levenshtein condyloma can be localized on the shaft portion of the penis. In the female body, the formation is usually located in the perianal, anorectal and groin areas. Their appearance on the face, oral mucosa, as well as other areas of the skin and mucous membranes is not excluded.
Common warts on fingers and other parts of the body
The most common benign skin lesions are vulgar warts, also called common warts. In appearance, such a formation is hard and dry skin. Their surface is not flat. Sizes vary in a few millimeters. Often, such warts are localized on the fingers and hands, as well as on the face. The color of the neoplasm is usually gray, yellow-brown or flesh-colored.
Palmar-plantar warts on arms and legs
Warts can easily appear on both the palms of the hands and on the soles of the feet. They come in a variety of shapes and colors, ranging from pale yellow to dark brown. This epithelial formation is common in the population. They can look shallow and mosaic -like or deep (hyperkeratotic).
The treatment of palmar and plantar warts is complex. Dermatologists, during a thorough diagnosis, must rule out lichen planus and tuberculosis warts.
Flat warts on the face
Flat warts are almost always small and have a smooth (rarely scaly) surface. Its color practically cannot differ in skin color, therefore people often live with such a formation and do not even notice it. Typically, such flat epithelial formations appear on the skin as a whole group.
The specialist will be able to detect and identify flat warts on the face or, for example, on the back of the hand that are already on the first appointment. A visual examination will be sufficient for a competent physician to understand what he or she is dealing with. If the dermatologist has doubts about the exact diagnosis, then additional diagnostics, including laboratory tests, may be given.
Diagnosis of human papillomavirus infection
The clinical manifestations of warts depend mainly on where they are formed. Each type of epithelial tumor described above has its own individual characteristics.
- Common warts are characterized by marked hyperkeratosis (high rate of stratum corneum cell division and desquamation).
May look like dome -shaped nodules or papules. Such warts appear mainly in places where the risk of tissue injury is increased, namely on the skin of the hands, feet, elbows.
- Flat warts have a flat apex, are small in number and do not exceed 3-4 mm in diameter.
If warts are seen on the folds of the skin, then the initial diagnosis may be difficult, as such papules or growths can manifest themselves as flat or normal warts.
- Warts on the soles of the feet can be accompanied by symptoms of pain, as this part of the body is always traumatized. The center of such epithelial tumors may be slightly depressed.
It is also not uncommon for several warts on the palms to merge into one structure, forming a specific pattern in the form of a mosaic.
- With regard to filamentous warts, such problems can appear on the facial skin.
They grow quickly, therefore, when detected, they try to be removed as cosmetic damage.
- Warts can also be diagnosed in the oral cavity, where the formation is most often represented by small whitish or pink nodules.
Such problems are found in very rare cases, as a rule, at a dentist's appointment or during a routine examination of the body.
Warts: treatment
Epithelial tumors in the form of warts are treated only under the close supervision of the attending physician. Therapy can not be done in general, because each case of appearance and development of the disease is individual. That is why it is not recommended to use dubious drugs on the advice of a friend, advertising or pharmacist at the pharmacy.
To date, there is no specific therapy for human papillomavirus virus. Because of that, wart treatment aims to eliminate the symptoms of viral lesions.
If a patient is diagnosed with condyloma, then this type of education necessarily requires well -chosen therapy, as there is a risk of malignant degeneration.
There are several methods for treating warts, each of which has its own characteristics. The effectiveness of all methods of therapy is around 70%.
Remedies for warts: external therapy
Treatment for warts is primarily aimed at getting rid of them. It can be done through physical intervention or medication.
With external methods, warts are treated in a complex. The doctor may prescribe cauterizing medications and keratolytic medications. It can be 10%silver nitrate solution, 50%lactic acid solution.
Your doctor may recommend antiviral medication for warts.
Cytotoxic drugs, such as fluorouracil cream, are also topical in nature. Prescribed for the treatment of warts and all types of plasters with salicylic acid (40%).
Physical destruction of warts can be done through liquid nitrogen and electrocoagulation. Chemical tissue destruction can be performed using salicylic or trichloroacetic acid, silver sodium solution, sodium hydroxide.
Immunotherapy is also used. After the warts are removed, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication.
Removing warts at home is prohibited
Traditional medicine, according to most, can treat many diseases safely. But this opinion is wrong, because decoctions, infusions and all kinds of compresses from essential oils and ingredients can only play an additional role and should not be used as the main therapy.
In combination with the medicinal effect, the attending specialist can give recipes for alternative medicine with celandine, rowan fruit, wormwood, onions, flaxseed oil, flax milk.
Removal of warts at home is not done. Education cannot be cut with sharp objects, pricked and auterated. Only a competent physician, having diagnosed the patient’s condition, can prescribe adequate and safe therapy. Be careful and do not cure yourself in a hurry.
Laser wart removal and other methods
Modern medicine uses several surgical techniques to get rid of warts.
- Electrocoagulation is one of the most proven methods to get rid of various warts.
Manipulation was performed under local anesthesia using a coagulator. The high frequency current supplied to the steel loop helps reduce epithelial mass and prevent bleeding during and after surgery.
- Surgical excision is prescribed for extensive skin lesions.
Manipulation was performed under local anesthesia, followed by the imposition of cosmetic sutures, which were removed after about 1 week. Small scars may remain.
- Laser wart removal is the latest treatment method.
The effect of such manipulation can be manifested in the form of evaporation or coagulation of skin cells. Laser wart removal is quick and painless, as the procedure is performed with local anesthesia. After removing the warts, a small depression may remain, which will disappear after 12-20 days.
Laser removal is now offered by many medical centers and clinics.
- Warts are also removed using low temperatures.
Deep tissue freezing causes their death. This is how the production of liquid nitrogen cryodestruction is carried out.
Removal of such warts is done using a cryoapplicator or stick applicator with a cotton swab. However, the procedure is effective and only takes a few minutes.
The applicator is applied to the wart (perpendicular) and lightly pressed on it. The time it takes for an epithelial tumor to freeze depends primarily on its size. It usually takes 7 to 35 seconds to freeze.
It is important to know that wart removal is not a guarantee that the problem will not reappear. The likelihood of remodeling depends on many factors, including the patient’s immune system. According to statistics, recurrence of the disease occurs after 3-4 months in more than 20% of patients. That is why many doctors, along with surgery to remove warts, prescribe anti-relapse therapy in general.
Prevention of warts
To protect yourself at least a little bit from viral infections and reduce the risk of warts on the body, doctors advise to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to constantly maintain the immune system efficiently, which loses its protective function due to constant nervous tension, lack of sleep, lack of nutrients and even lack of vitamins.
The doctor recommends:
- Reject casual sex. It is recommended to have a regular and healthy partner.
- Adhere to the rules of personal hygiene. You can’t use other people’s towels, go to a public bath without changing your own shoes.
- Treat wounds on the skin properly.
It is also important to eat properly, lead an active lifestyle, get rid of bad habits, get enough sleep, be less nervous, because all these factors have a negative impact on the immune system.