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 localized predominantly benign formation caused by epidermal hyperplasia. Papillomatous growths and papules most often appear due to the activity of viral infections. The main reason for their occurrence 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 injuries on 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 carriers of HPV. At the same time, symptomatic HPV may not manifest itself even throughout life. Warts, many of which are called papillomas, appear on the skin and mucous membranes only if there are factors favorable for this.
There are different types of warts, the appearance of which is caused by one type of virus or another. Each type of skin lesions can be localized either on the skin or on the 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 infection with the human papillomavirus and, accordingly, the appearance of neoplasms such as warts 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 skin epithelium 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 on any part of the body at any time in life. In shape, color and size, they can be different, ranging from small flat warts on the face of a white color, ending with 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. Also, the official confirmation received the relationship of warts, acting as 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 is worth noting 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, on the integument at the entrance to the urethra and directly on its mucous membranes, in the perianal region.
What kind of warts are there in children?
People of any age are susceptible to the appearance of warts. But warts are most common in children and adolescents. 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 closely communicate with other babies in large groups and easily "catch" various viruses from each other. In addition, a child can become infected with the papillomatous virus from the mother during intrauterine development or childbirth.
Warts: causes 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 belongings. Moreover, the carrier of the virus, which does not have any 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 cosmetic peeling. The same applies to papillomas and warts on the legs, chin and armpits. Various lesions on the skin only increase the risk of contracting HPV. This often happens in swimming pools, gyms and saunas.
Provoking factors
It is unlikely that the virus that causes the formation of warts will enter 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 the integument of an infected person or an object on the surface of which there is a virus is likely to result in infection. HPV can stay in the environment for about 2-3 hours. During this period of time, the likelihood that someone will become infected with it is quite high. Injuries (wounds, cuts, scrapes), sweating and, accordingly, the constant moisture of the skin only increases it.
- High humidity and warmth.
Such a provoking factor is most relevant for the appearance of warts on the legs. Wearing uncomfortable shoes that cause excessive sweating, calluses and lesions on the skin can cause epithelial lesions 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 observed. A person can carry the virus for decades and be unaware 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 basal cells of the epidermis leads to the appearance of benign formations, called seborrheic warts. In another way, such warts are called senile. It is quite simple to identify senile warts by their characteristic appearance:
- they are represented by papules or plaques protruding on 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 the warts can be yellow-brown and sometimes even black;
- the size of the formations can vary from 0. 5 to 4 cm.
The boundaries of the seborrheic wart are clear. They protrude slightly above the skin and may be slightly flattened.
If you get these warts on your hands, face, body, or head, you should see a doctor. To determine the most effective, safe tactics for their treatment and removal, it is necessary to carry out differential diagnostics, which will distinguish seborrheic warts from:
- Pigmented nevi.
These neoplasms are benign. Just like seborrheic warts, pigmented nevi are yellow-brown or darker, closer to black. Sometimes the papillomatous surface of the nevi is covered with hair. Their size can be different. In shape, 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 a certain similarity to moles and warts. The surface of the formations can be both smooth and keratinized. Their shape is round. Dermatofibroma is partially located in the upper layers of the skin and partially protrudes above its surface. Most often, single neoplasms are found. Their color can be different: from gray-pink to purple. Sometimes dermatofibromas are brown or black. The size of the formations is approximately 1 cm.
- Melanomas.
Unlike dermatofibroma and pigmented nevus, melanomas are malignant tumors. They appear at the site of moles or on nearby tissue sites. Factors provoking 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 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;
- HPV 2 - ordinary (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 - generalized manifestation of the virus, which is a warty epidermodysplasia;
- HPV 7 - vulgar warts;
- HPV 13, 32 - focal proliferation of epithelial tissues;
- HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35 - malignant neoplasms such as carcinomas and genital dysplasia.
In addition, with a weakening of immunity, the human body becomes more susceptible to papillomatous viruses of type 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 by 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 causes different localization of formations and their different characteristics. So, there are:
- Common warts, also called vulgar warts.
They are most often localized 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 off on their own or in a nail salon.
- Flat warts.
Their localization, as a rule, is observed on the skin of the neck, face, chest, knee bends and in 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. Their localization is possible at the entrance to the urethra with subsequent proximal spread.
- Perianal warts.
Such formations are located most often at the anus and vagina, as well as on the nearby tissues of the external genital organs in women. In men, perianal warts are localized at the anus.
- Laryngeal papillomatosis.
This manifestation of the virus occurs mainly in childhood. Masses can be multiple, which is a particular danger to life, causing obstruction of the respiratory tract.
Anogenital warts
Anogenital warts are benign neoplasms localized on the skin and mucous membranes of the external genital organs, as well as in the perianal region. All anogenital warts are usually divided into:
- Typical condylomas.
Such warts are localized, as a rule, at the entrance to the vagina, in the anus, and also on the inner layer of the foreskin. In their shape, such neoplasms may 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 keratinized tissue particles. For the most part, hyperkeratotic condylomas are localized on the outer leaf of the foreskin, the body 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 protruding 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 occurs when the HPV 16 virus enters the body. According to the results of some studies, HPV viruses 1, 6, 11, 18, 31, 33, transmitted by both contact and sex, can also lead to the appearance of such warts. The second name of such an education is the giant condyloma Bushke-Levenshtein. Its 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.
Young and elderly 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 tissues of the glans penis and foreskin. Sometimes condyloma Buschke - Levenshtein can be localized on the integument of the penis trunk. In the female body, formations are 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 formations are hard and dry eminences on the skin. Their surface is uneven. Sizes vary within a few millimeters. Most often, such warts are localized on the fingers and hands, as well as on the face. The color of the neoplasms is usually grayish, yellow-brown or flesh-colored.
Palmar-plantar warts on the arms and legs
Warts can easily appear both on the palms and on 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 in appearance or deep (hyperkeratotic).
Treatment of palmar and plantar warts is complex. A dermatologist, during a thorough 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. Its color can practically not differ in anything from the color of the skin, therefore people often live with such formations and do not even notice them. Typically, such epithelial flat formations appear on the skin in whole groups.
The specialist will be able to detect and accurately identify flat warts on the face or, for example, on the back of the hands already at the first appointment. A visual examination will suffice for a competent physician to understand what he is dealing with. If the dermatologist has doubts about the presumptive diagnosis, then additional diagnostics, including laboratory tests, may be assigned.
Diagnosis of human papillomavirus infection
The clinical manifestations of a wart depend primarily on the place where it formed. Each individual type of epithelial tumor described above has its own individual characteristics.
- An ordinary wart is characterized by pronounced hyperkeratosis (high rate of cell division of the stratum corneum and desquamation).
It may look like a nodule or dome-shaped papules. Such warts appear mainly in those places where the risk of tissue injury is increased, that is, on the skin of the hands, feet, elbows.
- Flat warts have a flattened apex, they are small in volume and do not exceed 3-4 mm in diameter.
If a wart is visualized in the area of skin folds, then its initial diagnosis may be difficult, because such papules or growths can manifest themselves as flat or ordinary warts.
- Warts on the soles of the feet can be accompanied by a pain symptom, because these parts 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 several warts on the sole to merge into a single structure, forming a specific pattern in the form of a mosaic.
- With regard to filamentous warts, such a problem can appear on the skin of the face.
They grow rapidly, therefore, when detected, they try to be removed as a cosmetic defect.
- Also, warts can be diagnosed in the oral cavity, where formations are most often represented by whitish or pink small nodules.
Such a problem is found in extremely 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 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 dubious medicines on the advice of friends, advertising or a pharmacist in a pharmacy.
To date, there is no specific therapy for the human papillomavirus. It is because of this that the treatment of warts is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of a viral lesion.
If a patient is diagnosed with condyloma, then this type of education necessarily needs a well-chosen therapy, because 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 therapeutic methods is approximately 70%.
Remedy for warts: external therapy
Treatment for warts is primarily aimed at removing them. It can be done through physical intervention or medication.
With external methods, warts are treated in a complex. The doctor may prescribe cauterizing drugs and keratolytic drugs. It can be 10% silver nitrate solution, 50% lactic acid solution.
Your doctor may recommend antiviral medications for warts.
Cytotoxic drugs, such as fluorouracil cream, are also topical. Prescribed for the treatment of warts and all kinds of plasters with salicylic acid (40%).
Physical destruction of warts can be accomplished through 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. After the wart is removed, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications.
Removing warts at home is prohibited
Traditional medicine, according to most, can safely treat many diseases. But this opinion is erroneous, because decoctions, infusions and all kinds of compresses from essential oils and herbs can play only an auxiliary role and in no case should 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, flaxseed oil, milkweed.
Removal of warts at home is not performed. Education cannot be cut off with sharp objects, pierced and cauterized. Only a competent doctor, after diagnosing the patient's condition, can prescribe adequate and safe therapy. Be careful and do not indulge in thoughtless self-medication.
Laser wart removal and other methods
Modern medicine employs several surgical techniques to remove warts.
- Electrocoagulation is one of the most proven methods for removing various warts.
The manipulation is carried out under local anesthesia using a coagulator. The high-frequency current supplied to the steel loop helps to thinly cut the epithelial mass and prevent bleeding during and after surgery.
- Surgical excision is prescribed for extensive skin lesions.
The manipulation is carried out under local anesthesia, followed by the imposition of cosmetic sutures, which are removed after about 1 week. A minor scar may remain.
- Laser removal of warts is the newest method of treatment.
The effect of such manipulation can be presented in the form of evaporation or coagulation of skin cells. Laser removal of warts is quick and absolutely painless, because the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After removing the wart, 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 freezing of tissues leads to their death. This is how liquid nitrogen cryodestruction is carried out.
Such removal of warts is carried out using a cryoapplicator or an applicator stick with a cotton swab. In any case, the procedure is effective and takes just a few minutes.
The applicator is applied to the wart (perpendicularly) 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 any removal of warts is not a guarantee that the problem will not reappear. The likelihood of re-formation depends on numerous 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, together with the surgical removal of warts, prescribe general anti-relapse therapy.
Prevention of warts
In order to protect yourself at least a little from a viral infection and reduce the risks of warts on the body, doctors advise first of all to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to constantly competently maintain the immune system, which loses its protective functions due to constant nervous strain, lack of sleep, malnutrition and even a lack of vitamins.
Doctors recommend:
- Refuse casual sex. It is advisable to have one permanent and healthy partner.
- Adhere to the rules of personal hygiene. You should not use someone else's towel, go to a public bath without your own change of shoes.
- Treat lesions on the skin properly.
It is also important to eat right, lead an active lifestyle, get rid of bad habits, get enough sleep, be less nervous, because all these factors negatively affect the immune system.