A wart is a benign neoplasm of the skin that occurs due to the proliferation of cells in the epidermis and papillary dermis, caused by the human papillomavirus, which is transmitted by contact.
Wart: causes, types, diagnosis and treatment.
A wart is a predominantly benign localized formation caused by epidermal hyperplasia. Papillomatous growths and papules appear more frequently due to the activity of viral infections. The main reason for its appearance is the presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body. HPV infection occurs through household contact, as a result of which the viral flora penetrates the skin or mucous membranes. Various lesions on the skin and mucous membranes, as well as weakened immunity, increase the risk of infection.
As the statistics show, more than 60% of the population are carriers of HPV. At the same time, symptomatic HPV may not show up even for life. Warts, many of which are called papillomas, appear on the skin and mucous membranes only if there are favorable factors for it.
There are different types of warts, the appearance of which is caused by one type of virus or another. Each type of skin lesion can be located on the skin or mucous membranes. It is not always possible 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 human papillomavirus infection and consequently to wart-like neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes. The penetration of the virus into the body is possible, both with the usual handshake or the use of general hygiene products, and during sexual intercourse. Once in the human body, the virus enters the squamous epithelium of the skin and actively multiplies in it. The incubation period for HPV can range from one to one and a half months to six months or more.
Warts on the face, genitals, and other parts of the body in women.
Warts in women can appear anywhere on the body at any time in life. In shape, color and size, they can be different, from small flat warts on the face of a white color, to dark genital warts on the mucous membranes of the genital organs. It is worth noting that genital warts, according to research results, can cause the development of cervical cancer. In addition, the official confirmation received the relationship of warts, which are an external manifestation of HPV, with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Papillomas and warts in men
The organism of the stronger sex is less susceptible to infection and active reproduction of the virus in general and the appearance of papillomas and warts in particular. Only a sharp decrease 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 located in the area of the coronal sulcus and frenulum, sometimes on the head or shaft of the penis, on the integument at the entrance to the urethra and directly on itsmucous membranes, in the perianal region.
What are the types of warts in children?
People of any age are susceptible to warts. But warts are more common in children and teens. The reason for this may be various papillomatous viruses. Infection of the child's body usually occurs through contact and household means. Children are much more likely to communicate closely with other babies in large groups and easily "catch" various viruses from each other. In addition, a child can become infected with the mother's papillomatous virus during intrauterine development or delivery.
Warts: causes of appearance
Many factors can contribute to the appearance of warts. Transmission of the papillomatous virus, as mentioned above, occurs through close contact with an infected person or their belongings. In addition, the carrier of the virus, who does not present external manifestations, can also act as a source of infection. Furthermore, self-inoculation or, in other words, self-infection is not excluded. Therefore, warts on the face and neck can appear after shaving and cosmetic peeling. The same applies to papillomas and warts on the legs, chin and armpits. Various skin lesions only increase the risk of contracting HPV. This often happens in swimming pools, gyms, and saunas.
Provocative factors
The virus that causes warts is unlikely to 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 present, contact with the integument of an infected person or an object with a virus on its surface is likely to result in infection. HPV can stay in the environment for about 2-3 hours. During this period of time, the probability of someone getting infected with it is quite high. Injuries (wounds, cuts, scrapes), sweating and consequently the constant moisture of the skin only increase it.
- High humidity and heat.
Such a provoking factor is most relevant for the appearance of warts on the legs. Uncomfortable parka shoes that cause excessive foot sweating, calluses, and skin lesions can lead to epithelial growths such as warts on the feet.
- Weakening of the immune system.
Even with the presence of a virus in the body, the appearance of warts is far from always being observed. A person can carry the virus for decades and not be aware of it. With strong immunity, the body constantly suppresses the virus, preventing it from multiplying. As soon as the immune system weakens, the virus is immediately activated, which is accompanied by the appearance of external manifestations.
Seborrheic wart
With age, significant changes occur in the human body, which are reflected not only in appearance, but also in health. So, a violation of the distribution of the basal cells of the epidermis leads to the appearance of benign formations, called seborrheic warts. In another way, these warts are called senile. It is quite easy to identify senile warts by their characteristic appearance:
- they are represented by papules or plaques that protrude from the surface of the skin.
- neoplasms are round or oval;
- they are localized, as a rule, on the skin of closed areas of the body, as well as on the face and scalp;
- the color of warts can be yellowish-brown, and sometimes even black;
- the size of the formations can vary from 0. 5 to 4 cm.
The limits of the seborrheic wart are clear. They protrude slightly above the skin and may be slightly flattened.
If you have these warts on your hands, face, body, or head, you should see a doctor. To determine the most effective and safest tactics for their treatment and removal, it is necessary to conduct differential diagnostics, which will distinguish seborrheic warts from:
- Pigmented nevi.
These neoplasms are benign. Like seborrheic warts, pigmented nevi are yellowish or dark brown in color, closer to black. Sometimes the papillomatous surface of the nevi is covered with hair. Its size may be different. In form, neoplasms of this type can be represented by giant plaques or flat papules with a smooth surface.
- Dermatofibromas.
Such a benign formation is formed from the skin and connective tissues. In their appearance, dermatofibromas have some similarity to moles and warts. The surface of the formations can be both smooth and keratinized. Its shape is round. The dermatofibroma is partially located in the upper layers of the skin and partially protrudes above its surface. Very often, single neoplasms are found. Their color can be different: from pinkish-gray to violet. Sometimes dermatofibromas are brown or black. The size of the formations is about 1 cm.
- Melanomas
Unlike dermatofibroma and pigmented nevus, melanomas are malignant tumors. They appear in the place of moles or in nearby tissues. The factors that provoke the malignancy of skin cells are ultraviolet rays, various damages.
Human papillomavirus infection
As mentioned above, HPV is the cause of HPV infection. To date, more than a hundred of its varieties are known, which can affect the body in one way or another. Each type of virus causes certain types of warts:
- HPV 1: benign formations on the palms and soles of the feet;
- HPV 2 - ordinary (vulgar);
- HPV 3, 10, 28 and 29: flat neoplasms;
- HPV 4: warts on the soles of the feet and common warts;
- HPV 6, 11 - laryngeal papillomatosis and genital warts;
- HPV 5, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19-25, 36, 39, 40: generalized manifestation of the virus, which is a verrucous epidermodysplasia;
- HPV 7 - vulgar warts;
- HPV 13, 32: focal proliferation of epithelial tissues;
- HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35: malignancies such as carcinomas and genital dysplasia.
Also, with a weakening of immunity, the human body becomes more susceptible to papillomatous viruses types 26 and 27. In some cases, HPV 30, 34, 37 and 38 can become the cause of benign and malignant tumors.
It is also worth noting that some types of papillomatous viruses are transmitted through household contact, while others are transmitted sexually.
Types of warts: common, plantar and others, treatment
A fairly large number of varieties of papillomatous viruses and other causes of the appearance of warts provoke a different localization of the formations and their different characteristics. So, there are:
- Common warts, also called vulgar warts.
Most of the time they are located on the skin of the hands. These growths can range in color from flesh to brown.
- Plantar warts.
Such formations grow deep into the tissues, causing painful sensations and accompanied by thrombosis of the capillaries, which bleed even with the slightest damage. Plantar warts require treatment by a doctor, not cutting them alone or in a nail salon.
- Flat warts.
Its location, as a rule, is observed on the skin of the neck, face, chest, bent knees and on the forearm.
- Anogenital warts, more commonly known as genital warts.
Such formations affect the skin and mucous membranes of the external genital organs, as well as the perianal region. Its location is possible at the entrance to the urethra with subsequent proximal spread.
- Perianal warts.
Such formations are most often found in the anus and vagina, as well as in the nearby tissues of the external genital organs in women. In men, perianal warts are located in the anus.
- Laryngeal papillomatosis.
This manifestation of the virus occurs mainly in childhood. The masses can be multiple, which is especially dangerous to life, causing obstruction of the respiratory tract.
Anogenital warts
Anogenital warts are benign neoplasms located on the skin and mucous membranes of the external genital organs, as well as in the perianal region. All anogenital warts are generally divided into:
- Typical condylomas.
Such warts are located, as a rule, at the entrance to the vagina, in the anus, and also on the inner layer of the foreskin. In their form, such neoplasms can resemble cauliflower.
- Papular warts.
The surface of such neoplasms is smooth and does not contain keratinized layers.
- Hyperkeratotic warts.
Unlike previous warts, the surface of such anogenital formations is covered with particles of keratinized tissue. For the most part, hyperkeratotic condylomas are located on the outer sheet of the foreskin, the shaft of the penis, and the scrotum in men, as well as on the labia majora in women.
- Flat warts.
The formations are represented by spots that protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. They are practically invisible and are not always immediately identified by a person.
Giant Condylomas Buschke - Levenshtein
Carninoma-like genital warts occur when the HPV 16 virus enters the body. According to the results of some studies, HPV viruses of types 1, 6, 11, 18, 31, 33, transmitted both by contact and sexually, to the appearance of such warts. The second name of such an education is the giant Bushke-Levenshtein condylomata. Their main differences are:
- rapidly progressive increase in size;
- the possibility of re-education after treatment;
- destruction of nearby tissues;
- high probability of malignancy with the subsequent development of squamous cell skin cancer.
The young and the elderly are the most susceptible to this type of neoplasm. In the male body, the virus manifests itself by the appearance of genital warts on the tissues of the glans penis and foreskin. Sometimes Buschke-Levenshtein condyloma can be located in the integument of the shaft of the penis. In the female body, the formations are usually located in the perianal, anorectal and inguinal areas. Its 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 common warts, also called common warts. In appearance, such formations are hard and dry eminences on the skin. Its surface is uneven. Sizes vary by a few millimeters. Most often, these warts are located on the fingers and hands, as well as on the face. The color of neoplasms is usually grayish, yellowish-brown, or flesh-colored.
Palmar-plantar warts on arms and legs.
Warts can easily appear on both the palms and the soles of the feet. They come in a variety of shapes and colors, ranging from pale yellow to dark brown. These epithelial formations are common among the population. They can be superficial and mosaic-like or deep (hyperkeratotic).
The treatment of palmar and plantar warts is complex. A dermatologist, during a full diagnosis, must necessarily exclude lichen planus and warty tuberculosis.
Flat warts on the face.
A flat wart is almost always small and has a smooth (rarely scaly) surface. Their color can practically not differ at all from the color of the skin, therefore people often live with such formations and do not even notice them. Usually these flat epithelial formations appear on the skin in complete groups.
The specialist will be able to accurately detect and identify flat warts on the face or, for example, on the back of the hands already at the first appointment. A visual examination will be sufficient for a competent physician to understand what you are dealing with. If the dermatologist is in doubt about the presumptive diagnosis, additional diagnoses may be assigned, including laboratory tests.
Diagnosis of human papillomavirus infection
The clinical manifestations of a wart mainly depend on where it was formed. Each individual type of epithelial tumor described above has its own individual characteristics.
- A common wart is characterized by pronounced hyperkeratosis (high rate of stratum corneum cell division and scaling).
It may look like a nodule or dome-shaped papules. Such warts appear mainly in those places where the risk of tissue damage increases, that is, on the skin of the hands, feet and elbows.
- Flat warts have a flattened apex, are small in volume and do not exceed 3-4 mm in diameter.
If a wart is visualized in the area of the skin folds, then its initial diagnosis may be difficult, because such papules or growths can manifest as flat or ordinary warts.
- Warts on the soles of the feet can be accompanied by a symptom of pain, because these areas of the body are constantly subject to trauma. The center of such an epithelial tumor may be slightly depressed.
It is also not uncommon for multiple warts on the sole to fuse into a single structure, forming a specific mosaic-like pattern.
- With regard to filamentous warts, this problem can appear on the skin of the face.
They grow rapidly, therefore, when detected, they try to remove themselves as a cosmetic defect.
- In addition, warts can be diagnosed in the oral cavity, where the formations are usually represented by small whitish or pink nodules.
Such a problem is found in extremely rare cases, as a rule, at a dental appointment or during a routine examination of the body.
Warts: treatment
Epithelial tumors in the form of warts are treated only under the strict supervision of the attending physician. Therapy cannot be general, because each individual case of the appearance and development of the disease is individual. That is why it is not advisable to use questionable drugs on the advice of friends, advertising or a pharmacist in a pharmacy.
To date, there is no specific therapy for human papillomavirus. This is why wart treatment aims to eliminate the symptoms of a viral lesion.
If a patient is diagnosed with condyloma, this kind of education necessarily needs well-chosen therapy, because there is a risk of malignant degeneration.
There are several methods of treating warts, each of which has its own characteristics. The effectiveness of all therapeutic methods is approximately 70%.
Wart remedy: external therapy
The treatment of warts has the main objective of eliminating them. It can be done through physical intervention or medication.
With external methods, warts are treated in a complex. The doctor can prescribe cauterizing and keratolytic drugs. It can be a 10% silver nitrate solution, a 50% lactic acid solution.
Your doctor may recommend antiviral medicine for warts.
Cytotoxic drugs, such as fluorouracil cream, are also topical. Prescribed for the treatment of warts and all types of dressings with salicylic acid (40%).
Physical destruction of warts can be accomplished by liquid nitrogen and electrocoagulation. Chemical destruction of tissues can be carried out using salicylic or trichloroacetic acid, sodium silver solution, sodium hydroxide.
Immunotherapy is also used. Once the wart is removed, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications.
It is forbidden to remove warts at home
Traditional medicine, according to most, can safely treat many diseases. But this opinion is wrong, because decoctions, infusions and all kinds of compresses of essential oils and herbs can play only an auxiliary role and in no case should they be used as the main type of therapy.
In combination with medicinal effects, the attending specialist can prescribe recipes for alternative medicine with celandine, rowan fruits, wormwood, onions, linseed oil, milkweed.
Wart removal is not done at home. Education cannot be cut with sharp objects, pierced and cauterized. Only a competent doctor, after diagnosing the patient's condition, can prescribe an appropriate and safe therapy. Be careful and don't rashly self-medicate.
Laser wart removal and other methods.
Modern medicine employs various surgical techniques to remove warts.
- Electrocoagulation is one of the most proven methods of removing various warts.
Manipulation is done under local anesthesia using a coagulator. The high-frequency current supplied to the steel handle helps cut the epithelial mass and prevent bleeding during and after surgery.
- Surgical excision is prescribed for extensive skin lesions.
The manipulation is performed under local anesthesia, followed by the imposition of cosmetic sutures, which are removed after approximately 1 week. A small scar may remain.
- Laser wart removal is the newest treatment method.
The effect of such manipulation can be in the form of evaporation or coagulation of skin cells. Laser wart removal is fast and absolutely painless, as the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After removing the wart, a small depression may remain, which will disappear after 12-20 days.
Today, many medical centers and clinics offer laser removal.
- Warts are also removed using low temperatures.
Deep freezing of tissues leads to their death. This is how cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen is carried out.
Such wart removal is carried out using a cryo-applicator or an applicator with a cotton swab. In any case, the procedure is effective and takes only 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 mainly on its size. It usually takes 7 to 35 seconds to freeze.
It is important to know that removing warts is not a guarantee that the problem will not reappear. The likelihood of a new formation depends on many factors, including the patient's immune system. According to statistics, a relapse of the disease occurs after 3-4 months in more than 20% of patients. That is why many doctors, along with the surgical removal of warts, prescribe a general therapy against relapses.
Wart prevention
To protect yourself at least a little from a viral infection and reduce the risks of warts on the body, doctors recommend, first of all, to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to constantly and competently maintain the immune system, which loses its protective functions due to constant nervous tension, lack of sleep, malnutrition and even a lack of vitamins.
Doctors recommend:
- Refuse casual sex. It is advisable to have a permanent and healthy partner.
- Comply with the rules of personal hygiene. You should not use someone else's towel, go to a public bathroom without your own change of shoes.
- Treat skin lesions properly.
It is also important to eat well, lead an active lifestyle, get rid of bad habits, get enough sleep, be less nervous, because all these factors negatively affect the immune system.