Warts Treatment

Overview

Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are generally harmless but can be contagious and sometimes uncomfortable. They come in various forms, such as common warts, plantar warts, and genital warts, each differing in appearance and location on the body.

About Warts

Warts are small, rough, and hard growths on the skin that are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Though they are generally harmless, they can be unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable. Warts come in various forms, and their appearance can vary depending on their type and location on the body.

What are Warts?

Warts are small, benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which invades the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. There are more than 100 different strains of HPV, and each strain tends to cause warts in different parts of the body. Commonly, warts manifest as rough, raised bumps with a hard texture, though their appearance can vary widely depending on the type and location. Warts are typically harmless but can be uncomfortable or painful, especially when located on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet.

Warts can appear anywhere on the skin and mucous membranes. The main types include common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, filiform warts, and genital warts. Common warts usually develop on the fingers and hands and are characterized by a rough, grainy appearance. Plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet and can be painful due to pressure from walking. Flat warts are smaller and smoother, often appearing in clusters on the face, neck, hands, and knees. Filiform warts have a thread-like appearance and commonly grow around the mouth, eyes, and nose. Genital warts are transmitted through sexual contact and affect the genital and anal regions.

HPV is highly contagious, and warts can spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces, such as towels or floors. They can also spread to other parts of the body if scratched or picked. Children and individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing warts.

While warts often disappear on their own over time, treatment options are available to expedite their removal. These treatments include over-the-counter topical medications containing salicylic acid, which helps to dissolve the wart tissue, cryotherapy (freezing), laser treatment, and minor surgical procedures. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary, particularly for persistent or recurring warts.

Preventing warts involves practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding direct contact with warts on oneself or others. It is also advisable to wear protective footwear in public showers and locker rooms to reduce the risk of plantar warts. Additionally, HPV vaccines can provide protection against certain strains of the virus that cause genital warts and are associated with a higher risk of cancer.

What are the types of Warts?

Understanding the different types of warts is essential for proper identification and treatment.

• Common warts (Verruca Vulgaris) are the most frequently encountered type. These warts typically appear on the fingers, hands, knees, and elbows. They are characterized by their rough, raised texture and are usually grayish-brown in color. Common warts often have a cauliflower-like surface with black dots, which are tiny, clotted blood vessels.

• Plantar warts (Verruca Plantaris) develop on the soles of the feet and can be quite painful due to the pressure exerted on them while walking. Unlike other warts, plantar warts grow inward, creating a thick layer of dead skin over the wart. They often have a grainy or pitted appearance and can cause discomfort, making activities like walking or standing painful.

• Flat warts (Verruca Plana) are smaller and smoother compared to other types. They usually appear in clusters on the face, neck, hands, wrists, and knees. Flat warts are slightly raised and have a flat top, giving them a smooth texture. They are typically flesh-colored or slightly brownish and can spread easily due to their tendency to develop in groups.

• Filiform warts (Verruca Filiformis) are long and narrow, often resembling tiny threads or spikes. These warts typically grow around the mouth, nose, eyes, and neck. Filiform warts have a distinctive appearance with finger-like projections and are usually flesh-colored. Their location on sensitive areas can cause irritation and discomfort.

• Genital warts (Condyloma Acuminata) are a sexually transmitted infection caused by specific strains of HPV. These warts appear on the genital and anal areas and can vary in size and shape. They are usually flesh-colored or slightly pink and may have a cauliflower-like surface. Genital warts can cause itching, discomfort, and emotional distress due to their sensitive location.

• Periungual warts develop around or under the fingernails and toenails. These warts can cause pain and discomfort, especially when they grow under the nail, leading to nail deformities. They have a rough texture and can be difficult to treat due to their location.

Each type of wart has unique characteristics that can aid in identification and treatment. While warts are generally harmless, their appearance and location can cause discomfort and self-consciousness. Understanding the different types of warts is crucial for effective management and prevention of their spread. 

What parts of the body do Warts affect?

Each part of the body where warts appear presents its own unique set of challenges and discomforts.

• Common warts typically make their appearance on the hands and fingers. These rough, raised bumps can be unsightly and irritating, especially when they form in areas subject to frequent use or friction, like the palms or knuckles. They can also appear on the knees and elbows, areas prone to minor cuts and abrasions that allow the virus to enter the skin.

• Plantar warts are found on the soles of the feet. Unlike other warts, plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure exerted by walking and standing. This inward growth can be painful, creating a sensation akin to walking on pebbles. The balls of the feet and the heels are common locations for plantar warts, and they often have a tough, calloused surface with a central black dot, which is a clotted blood vessel.

• Flat warts can be a little less conspicuous but often more widespread, appearing in clusters on the face, neck, hands, wrists, and knees. Their smaller, smoother surface and flesh-colored appearance make them less noticeable, but their tendency to grow in large numbers can be a source of self-consciousness, particularly when they appear on the face.

• Filiform warts have a distinctive, thread-like appearance and are typically found around the mouth, eyes, nose, and neck. These warts can be particularly bothersome due to their location on sensitive areas of the face, where they can cause irritation and discomfort. Their elongated shape and rapid growth can make them quite conspicuous and distressing.

• Genital warts, as the name suggests, affect the genital and anal areas. These warts are transmitted through sexual contact and can vary significantly in size and shape. They often appear as small, flesh-colored bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts can cause itching, discomfort, and significant emotional distress due to their sensitive location and the stigma associated with them.

• Periungual warts develop around or under the fingernails and toenails. These warts can be particularly painful and can lead to nail deformities if they grow under the nail bed. They are often rough and can cause significant discomfort, particularly when they interfere with nail growth.

Warts can also affect less common areas, such as the armpits, scalp, or even the mucous membranes inside the mouth.

What are the symptoms of Warts?

Warts are typically easy to identify due to their distinctive characteristics, though their symptoms can vary depending on the type of wart and its location on the body. Generally, warts appear as small, rough, and raised bumps on the skin. They are usually flesh-colored, although some may have a slightly darker or lighter hue compared to the surrounding skin. The most common symptom of a wart is its physical presence, but other specific symptoms can help distinguish different types of warts.

What causes Warts?

Warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a highly contagious virus that spreads through direct or indirect contact. There are more than 100 different strains of HPV, and each one tends to cause warts on different parts of the body. The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, scrapes, or other breaks in the skin barrier, which allows it to infect the top layer of the skin. Once the virus invades the skin, it causes the rapid growth of cells, leading to the formation of a wart.

HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, making certain settings more conducive to its spread. Public places such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers are common areas where the virus can be contracted. Walking barefoot in these environments increases the risk of developing plantar warts. Additionally, sharing personal items like towels, razors, or shoes with someone who has warts can also facilitate the transmission of the virus.

Warts are more common in children and teenagers, as their immune systems are still developing and may be less effective at fighting off the virus. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, are also more susceptible to HPV infections and warts. Furthermore, people who bite their nails or pick at hangnails may inadvertently create breaks in the skin that provide an entry point for the virus.

HPV can also be transmitted through sexual contact, leading to the development of genital warts. Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and can affect both men and women. The virus can spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, even when no visible warts are present.

Warts Treatment Process

How are Warts diagnosed?

Diagnosing warts is generally straightforward and involves a combination of visual examination, patient history, and occasionally, specialized diagnostic techniques. Healthcare providers primarily rely on the distinctive appearance of warts to make a diagnosis, as these skin growths have characteristic features that are usually easily recognizable.

During a physical examination, a healthcare provider will closely inspect the suspected wart, noting its size, shape, texture, and location on the body. Common warts (Verruca Vulgaris) typically present as rough, raised bumps with a grainy surface, often found on the hands and fingers. Plantar warts (Verruca Plantaris) appear on the soles of the feet and grow inward due to pressure from walking. They are characterized by a thick, callused surface and a central black dot, which is a clotted blood vessel. Flat warts (Verruca Plana) are smaller and smoother, appearing in clusters on the face, neck, and hands, while filiform warts (Verruca Filiformis) have a thread-like appearance and are often found around the mouth and eyes. Genital warts (Condyloma Acuminata) are flesh-colored or pinkish growths that affect the genital and anal areas.

In addition to the visual examination, the healthcare provider may ask about the patient's medical history, including any previous occurrences of warts, recent exposure to individuals with warts, and any known risk factors such as a weakened immune system. This information can help in confirming the diagnosis and ruling out other potential skin conditions that may resemble warts, such as skin tags, corns, or certain types of skin cancer.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may use additional diagnostic techniques to confirm the presence of warts. One common method is dermoscopy, a non-invasive procedure that involves the use of a handheld device called a dermatoscope. This device magnifies the skin and allows the provider to examine the wart in greater detail, highlighting specific features like the presence of tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) or the characteristic patterns of HPV-infected skin cells.

How are Warts treated?

Treating warts involves a variety of methods, ranging from over-the-counter remedies to professional medical procedures, depending on the type, location, and severity of the warts. Although warts often disappear on their own, many people seek treatment to remove them more quickly and alleviate discomfort or embarrassment.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are a common first-line approach for treating warts. Salicylic acid is one of the most widely used OTC treatments. It works by gradually dissolving the wart tissue. Available in various forms such as gels, liquids, and adhesive pads, salicylic acid should be applied consistently over several weeks for the best results. Another OTC option is cryotherapy kits, which use dimethyl ether and propane to freeze the wart. These kits are less potent than professional cryotherapy but can still be effective for smaller warts.

• Professional treatments offer more targeted and often more effective solutions. Cryotherapy, performed by a healthcare provider, involves the application of liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. This causes the wart tissue to die and eventually fall off. Cryotherapy sessions may need to be repeated every few weeks until the wart is completely removed. Another professional treatment is cantharidin, a blistering agent applied to the wart by a healthcare provider. This causes a blister to form under the wart, lifting it away from the skin.

• Laser therapy is another option, particularly for stubborn warts that do not respond to other treatments. This method uses an intense beam of light to burn and destroy the wart tissue. Laser therapy is often reserved for warts that are difficult to treat with other methods due to its higher cost and potential for discomfort.

• Minor surgical procedures can be performed to remove warts that do not respond to other treatments. One common method is curettage, which involves scraping off the wart with a sharp instrument. This is often combined with electrosurgery, which uses an electric current to burn away the wart tissue. Surgical removal is typically used for larger warts or those in sensitive areas.

• Prescription medications may be necessary for persistent or recurring warts. Topical treatments such as imiquimod and fluorouracil can stimulate the immune system to attack the wart virus or interfere with the wart's growth. Oral medications like cimetidine can also help boost the body's immune response against the virus.

• Preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing warts. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding direct contact with warts, and wearing protective footwear in public places like swimming pools and locker rooms are essential. Additionally, HPV vaccines can provide protection against certain strains of the virus that cause genital warts and are associated with a higher risk of cancer.

How to prevent Warts 

Preventing warts involves a combination of good hygiene practices, protective measures, and lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for warts. By adopting these preventive strategies, individuals can minimize the likelihood of developing warts and spreading them to others.

• One of the most effective ways to prevent warts is through good hygiene. Regular handwashing with soap and water is crucial, especially after touching common surfaces or coming into contact with someone who has warts. It is essential to keep the skin clean and dry, as HPV thrives in warm, moist environments. Moisturizing the skin can also help prevent small cuts and abrasions that can serve as entry points for the virus.

• Avoiding direct contact with warts is another key preventive measure. Individuals should refrain from touching, picking, or scratching their warts, as this can cause the virus to spread to other parts of the body or to other people. It is also advisable to avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, socks, and shoes with others, as these items can harbor the virus.

• When it comes to public places like swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers, wearing protective footwear is essential. HPV can survive on surfaces in these environments, and walking barefoot increases the risk of contracting plantar warts. Sandals or flip-flops can provide a barrier and reduce the likelihood of exposure to the virus.

• Boosting the immune system can also play a role in preventing warts. A healthy immune system is better equipped to fight off infections, including HPV. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep can all contribute to a stronger immune system.

• HPV vaccines offer significant protection against certain strains of the virus that cause genital warts and are associated with a higher risk of cancer. The vaccine is recommended for preteens, but it can also be beneficial for older individuals who have not yet been vaccinated. By receiving the HPV vaccine, individuals can reduce their risk of developing genital warts and other HPV-related conditions.

• Regular screenings and check-ups can help detect warts early and prevent their spread. For example, women should undergo regular Pap smears to monitor for any abnormal changes in the cervix that could indicate the presence of HPV-related conditions. Early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment, reducing the risk of complications.

Warts Treatment in Iran

Equipped hospitals, and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who need Warts Treatment.

Warts Treatment cost in Iran 

The cost of warts treatment in Iran can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of treatment, the location of the clinic, and the expertise of the healthcare provider. Generally, warts can be treated using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, professional medical procedures, or a combination of both. For more persistent or severe warts, professional medical treatments may be necessary. One common method is cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. These treatments typically cost around 150-500 USD.

Laser therapy is another option for treating warts, particularly those that are resistant to other treatments. Laser therapy uses an intense beam of light to burn and destroy the wart tissue. The cost of laser therapy in Iran can vary significantly, with prices ranging around 1,500 USD. The total cost will depend on the number of sessions required and the specific clinic's pricing.