Warts are non-inflammatory skin diseases. They look like small tumor-like formations ranging in size from 1 mm to 1 cm or more. The appearance of warts is a viral etiology (caused by the activation of the human papillomavirus). This article explains how to get rid of warts.
Etiology
Why do warts appear on the body? As mentioned, these formations appear on the skin due to papillomavirus infection. The infection occurs at the slightest damage to the skin (with various cuts, scratches, as well as in direct contact with a sick person or by sharing infected objects). The following factors are beneficial for activating papillomavirus:
- reduced immunity;
- constant stress;
- frequent contact with virus carriers;
- lack of hygiene;
- a visit to the pool or sauna;
- strict and low quality shoes;
- increased sweating of the feet and hands.
Warts form in almost any area of the body (legs, arms, face, head). The incubation period is 2-5 months.
Types of warts
There are the following types:
- Normal - such warts appear on the hands (back), fingers, scalp and also on the face. They look like dense round nodules with a rough surface.
- Flat (or juvenile) - are small yellowish nodules that have a rounded shape and a flat surface and protrude slightly above the level of healthy skin. They usually appear on the face and hands, they are common in students and young people.
- Pointed - located in intimate places, looks like cauliflower, with dark or brown flesh, sexually transmitted.
- Plantar warts most commonly appear on the feet. They are painful, callus-like, and consist of filiform papillae surrounded by significant layers of the cornea.
How to remove warts yourself?
Any formations on the skin can be malignant, so you should consult a dermatologist before starting treatment, especially in the following cases:
- if the wart hurts, bleeds, changes in shape or color;
- if the wart is large and disturbed;
- if the formation is located on visible parts of the body and is the cause of psychological discomfort;
- if new warts appear constantly.
It is worth noting that improper treatment can lead to malignancy (degeneration of malignancies).
What can you do at home?
After consulting a doctor, it is recommended to use one of the specialty chemicals that can be purchased at pharmacies and help to get rid of warts quickly. Before applying any pharmaceuticals, it is recommended to steam the skin first in hot water with soap and soda, and then remove the stratum corneum with nail scissors. Salicylic ointment is often used to soften plantar warts. To do this, apply it on the formation and cover with adhesive plaster. For some time the skin is evaporated in water and the keratinized areas are removed. All chemicals specifically designed to control warts should be used in strict accordance with the instructions.
What are the remedies for warts?
The following tools are very effective:
- Solution containing phenol and m-cresol. The drug causes protein coagulation and has a cauterizing effect. It also causes necrosis of abnormal formations and delamination of hyperkeratosis zones, promotes viral cell death and enhances epithelialization. The main indications for its use are removal of warts on the hands and feet, getting rid of dry corns, genital warts and common warts. The specified solution is used externally only. When used on pathological formations, care should be taken to avoid contact with the skin. Failure to do so may result in burns. Depending on the type of wart, either one application or 5 to 10 times is required. Side effects include allergic reactions and swelling at the site of application. One of the features of using the solution is that it is not recommended to take other medicines in the form of ointments before and after use.
- Cosmetic product consisting of potassium and sodium hydroxide. When applied to warts, it leads to necrosis. Before use, the skin around the wart should be smeared with cream to avoid burns. Removing warts is easy with this product. It is enough to apply one drop of it for pathological growth every day for a week. Treatment is then stopped. In cases where the warts remain, re-application is performed.
- Cryotherapy drugs - getting rid of a wart with this tool is one of the methods of cryotherapy. Basically, one medication is enough. The applicator should be pressed against its surface to prevent build-up. It freezes the wart. During the procedure, a slight burning or tingling sensation may occur, as well as skin whitening.
- Transparent gel - growths on the skin are removed with the help of this tool due to its antiviral effect. It is in the form of a gel that should be taken twice a day for 20 days. The duration of treatment depends on the nature and size of the abnormal formations.
- Band Aid. Its main active ingredient is salicylic acid, which helps to soften deposits and make them easier to remove mechanically. In addition, this patch contains sulfur, which is deeply absorbed into the skin and, together with salicylic acid, provides a keratolytic effect. How to remove a wart with a patch? First, make a warm foot bath, dry the skin with a towel and firmly apply the required size plaster to the growths. Leave the plaster for two days, then remove the sticky plaster, soak the wart in warm water, remove the softened layers (pumice stone can be used for this purpose). Then dry the skin and apply a new glue. This treatment regimen is repeated 3-4 times. In some cases, longer treatment is needed.
As the appearance of warts is associated with a decrease in immunity, the use of immunomodulators as well as antiviral agents is recommended to prevent the main etiological factor, the human papillomavirus. If the described treatment methods are ineffective, laser removal is used.