Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some HPV types have certain preferences for particular body areas. The few common types of warts include common warts, genital warts, plane warts, palmoplantar warts. Warts can be infected by direct or indirect contact. People with damaged skins are particular prone to develop warts.
Causes:
Warts can affect any area of skin and mucous membranes. However, transmission of virus into the blood has not been reported. Virus replicate on the surface of skin and they can be found in the basal layer.
Different kinds of warts:
1) common warts- HPV type 2 and 4
2) palmoplantar warts- HPV type 1
3) flat warts- HPV type 3,10
Warts are estimated to affect 10% of people and can occur at any age.
Symptoms:
Common warts usually have no symptoms. However, plantar warts can be painful. Plantar warts can affect walking if the pain is severe enough.
Signs:
Warts have rough and irregular surface. They could present as papules or plaques.
Treatment:
Cryotherapy: This is the use of liquid nitrogen to remove warts. The treatment can be repeated every 3-4weeks.
Curettage and cautery: This method can be done under local anesthesia. It is particularly effective for resistant warts.
Laser: The use of CO2 lasers to vaporize the infected tissue.
Avoid:
Minor trauma and maceration of skin which include frequent wet work with hands, sweaty feet are risk factors for getting warts. Walking bare foot in swimming pools and in public area are particularly risk factors for getting plantar warts.
