Warts are non-cancerous (benign) hard growths that occur on the skin. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV typically infects the squamous epithelium (outer layer) of the skin or genitalia, but each type of HPV can usually infect only a specific region of the body. Most types of HPV can create a benign growth called a wart or papilloma in the region they infect. The more common types of HPV and warts, along with their areas, are as follows:
A) COMMON WARTS (VERRUCA VULGARIS)
These warts are called common warts because they are the most widespread type. HPV 2 and 4 (most common), as well as 1, 3, 26, 29, 57, etc.
B) FLAT WARTS (VERRUCA PLANA)
Most common types are HPV 3, 10, 28 (Flat Warts).
C) PLANTAR WARTS (VERRUCA PLANTARIS)
Found on the soles of the feet, with small black spots in the middle resembling corns. They are often painful and can form in clusters. HPV 1 (most common), and also 2, 3, 4, 27, 28, 58.
D) GENITAL WARTS
Warts transmitted through sexual contact. Most common HPV types are 6, 11, 16, 18, and also 42, 44, etc.
E) CANCER AND GENITAL DYSPLASIA
‘High-risk’ HPV types: Most common are 16, 18, and also 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 52, 58, 59, etc.
F) PERIUNGUAL AND SUBUNGUAL WARTS
These occur under or around the fingernails and toenails.
G) MOSAIC WARTS
Form in tight clusters on the hands or feet.
H) BUTCHER’S WART
Caused by HPV Type 7.
I) HECK’S DISEASE (FOCAL EPITHELIAL HYPERPLASIA)
WHO CAN GET WARTS?
Children are more prone to warts because they often have cuts on their skin. However, anyone can get warts. Individuals with autoimmune diseases or weakened immune systems, including the elderly, are more susceptible to the virus that causes warts.
WHAT CAUSES WARTS AND ARE THEY CONTAGIOUS?
When the HPV virus enters a cut in the skin, it causes a skin infection that leads to the formation of warts. Warts are highly contagious. The virus can spread from person to person or from one part of the body to another through:
- Direct contact with a wart
- Touching an object contaminated with the virus, such as a towel, doorknob, or shower floor
- Sexual intercourse (genital warts)
- Nail-biting or picking at the cuticles
- Shaving
Symptoms of Warts
They can vary in appearance:
- Dome-shaped
- Flat
- Rough
- Can be skin-colored, brown, gray, or black.
HOW ARE WARTS DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosis is made through examination and biopsy.
HOW TO PREVENT WARTS
There is no foolproof way to prevent warts. However, certain steps can reduce the risk of contracting the wart virus.
- Avoid shaving over a wart.
- Stop the habit of biting your nails or picking at cuticles.
- Do not share towels, razors, clothing, nail clippers, or other personal items.
- Avoid touching someone else’s wart.
- Get the HPV vaccine.
- Keep your feet dry to prevent plantar warts.
- Try not to scratch, pick, or cut a wart.
- Wear flip-flops or shoes when using public changing rooms, pools, or showers.
REMEMBER: After contracting the wart virus, there is no definite way to prevent warts from coming back or disappearing. Warts may reappear in the same place or in a different part of the body after treatment.
HOW CAN WARTS BE TREATED?
While your immune system fights the virus, warts often go away on their own. However, warts can spread, become painful, and cause an unsightly appearance, necessitating treatment.
A) HOME WART REMOVAL
Wart removal products contain SALICYLIC ACID. This chemical dissolves warts layer by layer but may harm healthy skin. These products come in liquid, gel, and patch forms. To completely get rid of the wart, you may need to apply the medication EVERY DAY for several months.
B) CRYOTHERAPY (FREEZING)
Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the wart. After freezing, a blister forms, and eventually, the blister and wart peel off. Several treatments may be required.
C) IMMUNOTHERAPY
For stubborn warts that do not respond to traditional treatments, it helps the immune system fight the virus. This process is done with a topical chemical like Diphencyprone (DCP).
D) LASER AND RF
This method works by selectively heating and destroying blood cells (especially hemoglobin) or water molecules (CO2 laser) inside the wart.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WARTS ARE NOT TREATED?
Most warts go away without any significant problems. However, they can sometimes cause the following issues:
CANCER
HPV and genital warts are associated with several different cancers, including anal, cervical, and oropharyngeal cancer.
DEFORMITY
People with weakened immune systems can develop unattractive clusters of warts on their hands, face, or body.
INFECTION
Cuts in the skin (shaving) can lead to infection.
PAIN
Most warts are painless. However, plantar warts (on the sole of the foot) can grow inward, causing pain when walking. They may feel like there is a pebble under the skin.
DISINFECTION (For used surgical instruments or devices)
The virus is relatively resilient and resistant to many common disinfectants. Exposure to at least 1 minute of 90% ethanol, 2% glutaraldehyde, 30% savlon, or 1% Na-hypochlorite can disinfect the pathogen. The virus is resistant to drying and heat but can be killed by 100°C and UV radiation.
