Skin warts are non-cancerous growths on the skin that are caused by the papillomavirus in humans. They generally appear as rough small bumps on surface of the skin, and could occur anywhere on the body. Warts are usually harmless and may go away on their own over time, but they can be bothersome and unsightly.
There are many different types of warts (疣 ) such as genital warts, common, flat, Periungual and plantar warts, each with its unique characteristics and locations on the body.
What causes common skin warts:
Common skin warts are caused by infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically types 2, 4, and 7. These strains of HPV typically infect the top layer of the skin, causing cells to grow rapidly and form a raised, rough, and often dome-shaped bump.
Common warts are usually found on the fingers, hands, and elbows, and can be easily spread through skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Warts can be treated by various wart removal specialist doctors (脫疣醫生) at one of the reputed clinics such as the Retens aesthetic centre depending on the type, location, and severity of the wart.
Types of Skin Warts:Â
There are several different types of skin warts, including:
- Common warts:Â These are generally found on the fingers, hands, and elbows, and have a raised, rough, and often dome-shaped appearance.
- Flat warts:Â These warts are small and flat and can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the face, neck, and legs.
- Filiform warts:Â These warts have a long, narrow, and finger-like appearance and are typically found on the face, particularly around the mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Genital warts:Â These warts are found in the genital area and are usually spread through sexual contact. They can be flat or raised and may be pink, red, or grey.
- Plantar warts:Â These are found on the soles of the feet and can be painful to walk on, as they are often located at pressure points.
- Periungual warts:Â These warts are found around the nails and can be particularly difficult to treat, as they can grow under the nail plate.
- Mosaic warts:Â These warts are clusters of plantar warts that grow together in a mosaic pattern, often covering a large area of the foot.
There are several ways to get rid of skin warts. Some common treatments for warts include:
- Over-the-counter wart treatments:Â There are many over-the-counter products available that can be used to treat warts, such as salicylic acid or cryotherapy solutions.
- Prescription medications:Â Your doctor may prescribe topical creams, such as imiquimod, or oral medications, such as cimetidine or isotretinoin, to treat warts.
- Cryotherapy:Â This involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the warts, causing it to fall off after several treatments.
- Laser treatment:Â This involves using a laser to destroy the blood vessels that feed the wart, causing it to fall off in due course.
- Surgical removal:Â In a few cases, the wart may need to be surgically removed using a local anaesthetic.
Conclusion
Warts can be easily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces, and certain factors, such as a weakened immune system, can increase the risk of developing warts. Treatment options forè„«ç–£ (wart removal) include over-the-counter or prescription medications, cryotherapy, laser treatment, and surgical removal. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for your specific case of skin warts.