Probably everyone has faced the problem of warts, if not at home, then at a loved one for sure. Skin growths in the form of papillae, rounded formations or cauliflower are a breeding ground for human papillomavirus infection, which modifies human cells, causing the virus to grow and take on a very unpresentable appearance.
At the time of their appearance, small warts look like a normal cosmetic defect. But if the body weakens and immunity decreases, then they begin to grow in size, capturing new territory, and in some cases can cause a cancerous tumor.
According to statistics, 65% of the population of our planet are carriers of human papillomavirus infection. Warts are the second most common dermatological disease after acne.
Growths can disappear on their own if the human immune system returns to normal and the body overcomes the virus, but the time for getting rid of warts varies from 6 months to 2 years. But a favorable outcome is possible only in 80% of cases, otherwise careful treatment, care oroperation.
In total, there are about 30 types of warts, and not all of them are as harmless as it seems at first glance. Therefore, before getting rid of any neoplasm, it is necessary to consult a competent dermatologist, especially since medicine knows how to remove warts, and has acquired an impressive arsenal for their removal.
Causes of warts
The root cause of warts is infection with the papillomavirus. This is possible in the following cases.
- handshake or kiss, i.e. direct contact;
- domestic way: toothbrushes, combs, public transport, gym, etc.;
- plantar warts can be obtained in the pool and when wearing someone else's shoes;
- baby growths can occur if the mother became infected with papilloma during pregnancy;
- sex can cause groin warts;
- self-infection while shaving or epilating.
The main source of infection is a person with neoplasms on the skin, but it is not uncommon for infection to occur from a carrier without obvious signs of papillomas.
Favorable environment for the appearance of warts
The virus actively penetrates through any damage to the skin - minor abrasions or cracks. In a person with a strong immune system, the virus ceases to be active within 6-12 months and is gradually eliminated from the body.
In immunocompromised people, the risk of warts increases many times overresult:
- infections;
- hypothermia;
- pregnancy;
- menopause;
- stress;
- diabetes;
- hormonal imbalance and obesity.
The period of development and the susceptibility of each person to papillomas depend on his body, but the main risk group is the elderly and children. The protective properties of the skin of children and the elderly are significantly reduced, as a result of which the first signs of neoplasms may appear within 2 weeks and progress rapidly. It is worth noting that before removing warts in any way, a consultation with a dermatologist is required.
Types of warts
Papillomas are classified according to their appearance and arrangement of elements.
- Common warts. This is the most common type, occurring in 60% of all infected. They differ in a small growth in the form of tuberous nodules above the surface of the skin. As a rule, the edges of such warts are clearly defined and have a pink or grayish-white color. Most commonly found on the fingers and wrists.
- Plantar warts. They appear on the legs in the form of painful yellowish or gray plaques up to 5 cm in size. In the total mass, they make up 35% of all skin papillomas.
- Youth warts. 4% of all adolescents are infected with these types of tumors. These are irregularly shaped plaques of yellow-gray color, slightly rising above the skin. Locations: hands, broken skin, face and knees.
- Filamentous large wart or acrochord. Neoplasm hascylindrical shape and resembles a cone, lengthening over time. The growth is elastic and soft to the touch. It occurs in 50% of all older people and has a fleshy yellowish color.
- Butcher's warts. Risk group - people who often and closely contact with raw meat. The virus enters the body through small breaks in the skin. The main foci of distribution are the hands and elbows. The growths are usually painless and light brown or white in color.
- Condyloma or anogenital formation. A black wart that looks like a cockscomb or cauliflower. It is located in the groin area, in rare cases on the tongue or on the inside of the cheeks. After the appearance of the first formations, the virus quickly spreads throughout the area of infection.
- Keratosis or senile warts. This type of papillomas is not directly related to infection. It appears as a result of the growth of the stratum corneum of the skin and has several stages: a plaque flush with the skin, then a nodule with an uneven surface, and then the growth turns into hard scales. The risk group is the elderly, patients with psoriasis and other dermatological diseases.
How to remove warts
People whose immunity is reduced and whose papillomas are localized around the genitals or in the oral cavity, it is necessary to take a course of antiviral therapy using the following drugs:
- "Aciclovir";
- "Groprinosin";
- "Panavir".
Together with therapy, it is recommended to take drugs,boosting and strengthening the immune system, which will also help get rid of warts and papillomas:
- "Polyoxidonium";
- "Immunal".
After the immunity gets stronger, you can proceed to the direct removal of papillomas. If there are no problems with immunity, and rashes are few, then you can do without drug therapy.
Use after consultation with your doctor!
Laser wart removal
When removing formations with a laser, the device acts pointwise on the affected area of the skin, heating the papilloma cells and evaporating all the water from them. As a result, the growth simply dries up, and the laser “solders” the damaged skin and capillaries that feed the wart. After the operation, a dry crust appears on the skin without blood and pain.
Laser removal of warts on the face or other delicate parts of the body takes place only with the use of a soft grinding laser, otherwise there is a possibility of scars and scars.
Indications:
- removal of papillomas on the face due to a positive cosmetic effect;
- formations within 1 mm - 1 cm.
Contraindications:
- inflammation or ulcers in the area of papillomas;
- low immunity;
- suspected malignancy.
Dignity
Relatively fast recovery of the skin - about 5-7 days. There are practically no postoperative scars and bleeding is excluded. One of the main advantageslaser method - sterility, so the risk of getting infected with something during the operation is reduced to zero.
Flaws
The laser in any case causes injury to the skin, so there is a possibility of the appearance of children in people with weakened immune systems. Unfortunately, there is no possibility to take a tissue sample for oncological confirmation.
Nitrogen burning
Cryodestruction or burning of warts is the effect on papilloma with low temperatures up to 196 ° C. Liquid nitrogen, acting on tissue cells, destroys the formation of papillomas. After cauterization, a bubble forms, under which he althy skin begins to form, already without a viral presence (2-3 days).
Small growths are cauterized with a Q-tip for 5-10 seconds, while large warts may require 30 to 40 seconds of cauterization.
Indications:
- cosmetic defect;
- child papillomas;
- plantar formations;
- often injured warts.
Contraindications:
- decreased immunity;
- facial area (risk of scarring).
Dignity
The operation takes place in seconds, does not require large financial costs and is more than safe.
Flaws
In places where the skin is hypersensitive, the procedure can be quite painful. In such cases, local anesthesia is used ("Lidocaine", "Novacaine"). Please note that from the moment of anesthesia should passat least 15 minutes. Otherwise, liquid nitrogen will simply freeze the anesthetic and cause extensive frostbite.
Surgical removal
The operation takes place only in the presence of a dermatologist surgeon and, as a rule, under local anesthesia ("Lidocaine", "Novocaine"). After excision of the formation and extraction of the root, a cosmetic suture is applied and post-surgical treatment of the operation site is carried out.
If the wart is on the nose, elbow or on a thin stalk, then the surgeon simply cuts off this stalk without cutting he althy tissue, which allows the operation to be more or less painless and fast.
Surgical intervention to remove papillomas is not often used, because the cosmetic market is replete with various kinds of equipment for removing neoplasms, so the only exceptions can be difficult cases in the groin area and extremely advanced warts.
Indications for surgical removal of papillomas:
- suspicion of benign warts;
- papilloma is constantly exposed to external trauma (shaving, clothing);
- rapid neoplasm or inflammation;
- wart area over 1 cm.
Contraindications:
- infectious diseases;
- various pathologies of internal organs;
- unstable blood clotting.
Dignity
Removal of formations of any size and quality, coupled with tests for the good quality of papilloma. Fast operation and clearly visibleresult.
Flaws
Terms of healing of the operated area up to 3 weeks. Ongoing care and periodic visits to the doctor. In some cases, a postoperative scar may remain.
Summing up
Before removing warts, the first thing to do is to consult an experienced dermatologist, who, in turn, will make the correct diagnosis of papillomas and exclude any malignant changes in the formations.
Beauty salons, of course, are well equipped with equipment and facilities, but not always the staff has the necessary qualifications and knowledge. Therefore, in order to avoid risks, it is better to contact specialized clinics or certified specialists.
