Warts are multiple skin growths that appear on the arms, elbows, legs, face, and even the genitals. They have a round shape, protrude above the surface of the skin, and when mechanically damaged, they bleed and cause discomfort. Outwardly, such formations look quite harmless, but in fact their appearance indicates the presence of human papillomavirus in the body.
When such tumors appear, the verdict of doctors is to remove them as soon as possible. This is the only way to avoid unpleasant consequences and completely get rid of the existing cosmetic defect. There are many ways to remove warts, each of them has certain characteristics and indications. Let's understand what methods are used in modern dermatology and how to recognize the presence of warts on the body.
It is important!
The information in this article cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. You should always consult a doctor to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
what is a wart
It is a benign, flesh-colored formation that represents a localized proliferation of the epidermis with papules (nodules) or plaques. Simply, such formations do not differ or slightly differ from the color of the skin, but rise above its surface and have a characteristic round shape.
Complications of warts include cracking of the surface, growth of the affected areas and joining the process of infection. In addition, some types of growths are painful. However, patients often do not think about the possible consequences and consult a doctor only for one reason - for psychological concern about the unaesthetic appearance and appearance of growths.
Warts, as a rule, do not turn into malignant neoplasms. However, it can be confused with some types of malignant pathologies. Therefore, when such growths are detected, a doctor's examination is a mandatory measure to protect health.
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Reasons for appearance
The cause of warts on the body is the papillomavirus (HPV) in the body. One of the symptoms of this infection is light-bodied neoplasms, often multiple in nature.
According to statistics, up to 90% of the world's population is infected with papillomaviruses. More than 100 types of HPV have been identified that can infect the skin and mucous membranes and cause the development of changes characterized by papillomatous growth.
Once in the body, papillomavirus infection does not always lead to the development of external manifestations. This is facilitated only by certain factors, including:
- avitaminosis;
- bad habits;
- pregnancy;
- endometriosis, etc.
Moreover, the development of HPV can occur against the background of a normally functioning immune system. It should be noted that infection occurs through direct contact with an infected person. The most common methods of transmission are through sexual contact with an infected person or parent-to-child transmission of the human papillomavirus. In addition, growths on the skin (i. e. warts) are themselves contagious. It is also known that the virus can penetrate the basal layer of the epidermis through microtrauma.
It should be noted that HPV does not always cause warts, as it can occur latently. In addition, the appearance of tumors depends on the subtype of infection entering the body. Lesions caused by human papillomavirus are morphologically diverse, so only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.
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Types of warts
Human papillomavirus can cause the following formations:
- Ordinary or vulgar (verrucae vulgares). The most common form, which is more common in preschool children (about 70% of cases). They are growths with a rough surface up to several millimeters in size. It can have a yellowish or gray color. At first, their shade often matches the skin tone, but then the formations begin to darken. Over time, they can increase in size, causing great discomfort to a person. In addition, there are frequent cases of the formation of cracks around the wart. To the touch - rough and dense, covered with keratinized skin. The main localization is the fingers, the back of the hands, in children, the growths are also on the knees. Often, a cluster of several small ones forms around a vulgar wart, and over time, the affected areas only grow in size. As a rule, the formations are not painful, but in rare cases they can disappear on their own. However, they are often required to be removed to prevent damage. This type of warts are caused by HPV types 1, 2, 4 and 7. Infection occurs through direct contact with the patient. There are also a number of factors that are prone to infection: the presence of microtraumas on the skin, recent shaving, hyperhidrosis, excessive pressure on the skin with clothes or shoes. Children often get infected at school, kindergarten or in the sports section. When identifying neoplasms of this type, it is important to make a different diagnosis and exclude the presence of warty skin tuberculosis, keratoacanthoma and a number of other pathologies.
- Flat or juveniles (verrucae planae verrucae juveniles). It is clear from the name of these neoplasms that they appear in adolescence or young adulthood. Their feature is a protrusion slightly above the surface of the skin, a round shape and a color matching the shade of the skin. Keratinization is often absent. The size of growths is up to 5-8 mm. They can be single or multiple. It is located on the back of the face, neck, hands. They may disappear on their own after 1-2 years. Differential diagnosis is made with lichen planus and molluscum contagiosum.
- Plantars (verrucae plantares). As the name suggests, a common form that occurs on the bottom of the feet. As a rule, this is the area of the metatarsals, ankles or balls of the toes - the areas subject to the greatest pressure and friction. Such growths can reach large sizes - up to 2 cm in diameter. Excessive friction can cause them to fall apart and be damaged. They usually have clear edges and a rough surface. Under the keratinized skin, black dots often appear - thrombosis capillaries. Color - yellow or brown. The cause of the appearance of such growths is HPV type 1 and 4. Pathological process can be superficial and deep. In the second case, warts cause discomfort and cause pain when walking, so they are always removed. Differential diagnosis is carried out with calluses and fungal skin lesions.
- Genital warts. This form of neoplasm is one of the common manifestations of HPV in the anogenital area. Condylomas are located on the genitals or near the anus, sometimes in the groin, armpits, near the mammary glands and in the corners of the mouth. They come in different sizes and look a bit like cauliflower. They are flesh-colored and can be knotted on a thin stalk or a broad base. Such growths are quite "fragile", so they often bleed. It is sexually transmitted. Risk factors include the presence of sexually transmitted infections, frequent changes of sexual partners, disruption of the normal microflora of the vagina, pregnancy, as well as various internal factors (for example, vitamin deficiency). Another feature is the simultaneous appearance of multiple genital warts. In men, such formations are often mistaken for the papular neck of the penis. In women, the pathology can be confused with micropapillomatosis of the labia.
There are other, less common types of warts. The classification of formations takes into account the type of HPV that causes their appearance, the nature of germination, size and external parameters. For example, A. N. Khlebnikova identifies 8 clinical types of warts. A number of researchers identify more options by dividing them into smaller subgroups. Other common types of neoplasms include:
- Filiform warts. Thin horny growths visible on the face: near the nose, mouth, eyes. Usually diagnosed in elderly patients, they may have a wide or narrow base. He gets injured very easily.
- Giant Buschke-Levenshtein condyloma. This is a separate type of genital organs that initially appear as a cluster of multiple papillomas. As a rule, the growths are located in the region of the inguinal folds or the vulva, over time, a large lesion is formed with the inclusion of neighboring tissues in the process.
- "Butcher" warts. This is one of the types of vulgar warts that often appear in people who come into contact with raw fish or meat. They are cauliflower-shaped neoplasms, but flesh-colored.
- Cystic warts. A type of growth that appears as soft nodules with deep fissures on the legs. When injured, a white-yellow cheesy discharge appears.
Diagnosis of warts
In most cases, a visual examination and taking an anamnesis is enough to make a diagnosis. Histological examination of neoplasm cells can be performed to confirm the results and exclude other pathologies.
If you suspect another infection, the doctor may prescribe additional diagnostic procedures. For example, it is possible to conduct an analysis to detect antibodies against the virus, CT or MRI.
In some cases, the treatment of warts depends on the reason for their appearance, or rather, on the type of human papillomavirus present. In order to determine the current disease, a different analysis of scraps of epithelial cells of the genitourinary tract is performed.
Removal methods
The goal of treatment is to remove growths to prevent growth and recurrence. Modern treatment methods provide up to 80% efficiency. Drug treatment for patients is most often required in the presence of genital manifestations of HPV and includes the use of cytotoxic drugs.
Physical or chemical destruction methods are used to eliminate physical manifestations. More than 30 different treatment methods are described in modern medical literature, so it is very difficult to talk about a universal method. Yu. Yu. Stirschneider notes that most of the described techniques have a number of serious drawbacks (for example, incomplete removal of radicals, the risk of developing intraoperative and postoperative complications, the formation of various cosmetic defects). Therefore, the treatment method is selected individually and only after differential diagnosis.
The most popular treatments include:
- Cryodestruction. This method of removing warts involves contacting the affected areas with liquid nitrogen. Controlled tissue necrosis occurs, resulting in the complete removal of the existing tumor. Cryodestruction can be performed by application (suitable for warts up to 10 mm in diameter) and aerosol (required for growths with deep tissue growth). Removal takes place in one session, if necessary, the procedure is repeated after 1-2 weeks. This technique is used for a small number of warts (up to 4-5 elements on average) and a small treatment area. The procedure is generally painless and effective, but the result mainly depends on the doctor's professionalism.
- Electrocoagulation. Removal of the tumor layer by layer under the influence of electric current. The technique is considered more effective than cryodestruction, but it also has its drawbacks: scars are often left on the skin after removal. Therefore, this method is not used in cases where a good aesthetic result is important. However, with the help of electric current, large affected areas can be removed.
- Laser destruction. One of the most effective ways to remove warts is laser therapy. This is the preferred method at our Altermed Aesthetic clinic in St. Petersburg. The removal of the growth takes place by layer: under the influence of a laser beam, the damaged tissue is vaporized until it completely disappears. Exposure time is from a few seconds to 2-3 minutes (depending on the size and number of growths). The procedure allows to remove warts, papillomas and condylomas without invasive effects. Due to the immediate coagulation of the tissue under the influence of the laser beam, the risk of secondary infection is eliminated. Therefore, the rehabilitation process is quick and uncomplicated.
- Radio wave therapy. This technique involves the use of electromagnetic waves at a certain frequency. The procedure is performed using a special device (the Surgitron device is often used). During exposure, tissue heating occurs, as a result of which the cells of the formation are actually vaporized (like what happens during laser therapy).
- Chemicals. Salicylic patches and applications of lactic-salicylic collodion cannot be called a modern method of treatment, but in some cases this method is still used. For example, if there are contraindications for other procedures. Chemical cleaning is a complex process that requires repeated procedures and initial mechanical removal of the affected tissue.
It is very difficult to say unequivocally which method of removing warts is better. When choosing a technique, the doctor takes into account the type, size, number and location of formations.
The accompanying medical history of the patient, the presence of chronic pathologies and previously used methods are taken into account. Studies using popular treatment methods have shown that laser destruction gives optimal results (76%). Yu. Yu. According to Stirschneider, these figures are higher than electrocoagulation (56%) and cryodestruction (44%).
Complications after removing warts are extremely rare. As a rule, results are possible after attempts to remove the growths yourself. In these cases, the patient experiences inflammation, further spread of the virus through the skin, or scar formation. So, if you find a wart or a similar shape, do not try to burn it or cut it yourself.