Usually they cause some discomfort, although they are not painful, and are generally "harmless". Warts are small skin tumors caused by viruses. They are papular lesions (the term papule means elevated area of the skin), have rough surfaces and are highly contagious. In general, they are larger and more textured than pints.
Cristiane Braga L. Kanashiro, Due Clinic dermatologist, specialist in Medical Clinic, Dermatology, Aesthetic Medicine and Hair, explains that warts can appear anywhere on the human body. They can also come in groups or in isolation and can easily spread from one area of the body to another.
Note that warts often disappear without specific treatment, but in certain cases treatments may be required to speed up this process.
Why do warts appear?
Cristiane explains that there are many reasons that cause the warts. "Usually they arise from the contamination of the HPV virus (Human Papilloma Virus) in skin lesions and cuts," he says.
Warts are also common in areas of the body where people often shave, such as the face for men who shave, and the legs for women who shave them.
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Is it possible to transmit warts to others, especially through touch, in a process called self-inoculation? common in shared bathrooms of gyms, pools, clubs etc. Transmission may also occur during unprotected sex.
Anyone is subject to warts eventually, but it is noteworthy that some factors can? Make it easier? their emergence, such as:
- Children or pre-teens who tend to suffer more skin lesions (while playing) than adults;
- People who frequently bite their nails;
- People who have weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or autoimmune diseases.
Different types of warts
Dermatologist Cristiane explains that there are different types of warts:
Plantar wart: appear on the sole of the foot and have internal growth. Most are sore on stepping.
Genital Wart: It is found in the genital region. They are soft and moist and usually have a whitish color.
Periungual wart: appear around the nails.
Filiform wart: appear on the face and neck. Common in older people, they look like finger projections.
Common Wart: They are the same color as the skin and are palpable.
How to treat warts?
It is possible to clinically remove and treat warts with qualified dermatologists to do this safely. Cristiane talks about the options currently available:
Salicylic Acid + Lactic Acid: Applying everyday, the skin peels until it heals.
Steaming Nitric Acid: Biweekly applications are made in the doctor's office.
Cryotherapy: freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen.
Electrosurgery: burn the wart.
Are there home treatments for warts?
Some people believe they can resort to? Home methods? to remove a wart from the skin. However, dermatologist Cristiane points out that they are not indicated. "It is always best to seek the professional because, because it is highly contagious, the person can end up self-contaminating and spreading the wart to other parts of the body," he says.
In this regard, it is worth highlighting some care with the wart to prevent a local infection:
- You must not handle the injury;
- You should not attempt to remove it without medical advice;
- You should never use pliers or other instruments to cut it.
The Brazilian Society of Dermatology has also taken a stand against home-grown methods (popularly known and especially widespread on the Internet) to eliminate warts, stating that they carry risks ranging from irritation to aggravation of a case of skin cancer. That's because some people may mistake moles for warts, but their treatment is quite different: warts are a benign lesion and spots can indicate the presence of skin cancer. Applying? Homemade products? on a spot that has already turned into a tumor, the skin will be beaten and the cancer may get worse.
How to prevent warts?
According to Cristiane it is possible to prevent the emergence of warts by taking good care of open lesions, always cleaning them. It is also necessary to avoid contact with the wart of other contaminated persons.
Do warts pose health risks?
Cristiane points out that the wart does not pose any serious health risk except that of contaminating other body areas.
Although generally "harmless", warts tend to bother a lot, especially when they are located in parts of the body under pressure, such as the soles of the feet? They may hurt and eventually itch. Treatment is indicated to prevent the wart carrier from infecting other people and also to make them feel better.
What's the Deal with Warts? (April 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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