Warts are harmless skin growths caused by a virus, the human papilloma virus (HPV). They have a rough surface on which tiny dark speck may be seen. They may grow on any part of the body. Their appearance depends on their location. On the face and tops of the hands warts protrude, while on such pressure areas as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, they're pushed inward. Warts on the bottoms of the feet (called planter warts or verrucas ) grow inward from the pressure of standing and walking and are often painful. Warts are common. They bleed if injured. However, they never turn cancerous.
Since warts are caused by a virus, they are slightly contagious. Warts may spread on the body, since a wart is the source of a virus that can seed other areas. We don't know why some people get warts easily while others never get them. There's no way to prevent warts. People have been trying to cure warts for thousands of years. The "success" of folk remedies for warts are due to the fact that warts often disappear by themselves, especially in young children. This spontaneous disappearance is less common in older children and adults.
Treatment of Warts
In the USA the treatment of warts has been the hallmark of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide ) laser therapy. Blisters and swelling, which are common after liquid nitrogen treatment, are not a problem with lasers. In large warts, which would normally be surgically removed Laser excision causes less bleeding and results in less scarring.
Verrucas
Verrucas are ordinary warts of the sole of the foot. Since Verrucas are on a pressure area, they grow inward and are often tender and painful. Like other warts, Verrucas are caused by a virus and are harmless.
Treating Verrucas
In the USA the treatment of verrucas has been the hallmark of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide ) laser therapy. Blisters and swelling, which are common after liquid nitrogen treatment, are not a problem with lasers. In large verrucas, which would normally be surgically removed Laser excision causes less bleeding and results in less scarring.
Seborrheic Warts
Seborrheic warts are harmless, common skin growths that first appear during adult life. As time goes by, more growths appear. Some people have a very large number of them. Seborrheic warts appear on both covered and uncovered parts of the body, they are not caused by sunlight. The tendency to develop seborrheic warts is inherited. Seborrheic warts are harmless and never become malignant. They slowly raised, light brown spots. Gradually, they thicken and take on a rough, wart like surface. They slowly darken and may turn black. These colour changes are harmless. Seborrheic keratoses are superficial and look as if they were stuck on the skin. Persons who have had several seborrheic warts can usually recognise this type of benign growth. However, if you are concerned or unsure about any growth, consult your doctor.
Treating Seborrheic Warts
Seborrheic warts can easily be removed in the office. The only reason for removing a seborrheic wart is your wish to get rid of it - if it's unsightly, itches, or annoys you by rubbing against your clothes. Laser treatment is ideal for these irritating lesions. It is more effective than liquid nitrogen for the thicker warts. Excision biopsy is very rarely needed.
