Warts – are benign growths that can appear on the skin and mucous membranes. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Approximately 10% of the world's population is affected by them. They are even more common among school-age children, affecting 10-20% of children in this age group. Warts are also more common in people with weakened immune systems and people who regularly work with raw meat (such as butchers). Warts are usually harmless and disappear on their own over time.
Types of warts
- Common warts – most often appear on the hands. They look like rough skin growths with black dots. Apart from HPV types 1, 3, 7, 27, 29, and 57, HPV types 2 and 4 cause common warts;
- Plantar warts – most commonly occur on the feet, especially on the soles. They are often flat or grow deep and may have black dots. They can become quite large and cause discomfort when standing or walking. HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27, and 57 cause plantar warts;
- Mosaic warts – These warts are white and about the size of a pinhead. They usually form on the ankles or under the toes. However, they can spread and cover larger areas of the feet. Mosaic warts are flatter than plantar warts, so they are not painful when walking. Mosaic warts are caused by HPV type 2;
- Flat warts – these warts can appear anywhere on the body. Children are most commonly affected. They are smaller and flatter than other warts and usually grow in large numbers, for example, from 20 to 100 at a time. Flat warts are caused by HPV types 3, 10, and 28. Flat warts go away on their own;
- Filiform warts – these warts resemble long threads and often appear on the face: around the mouth, eyes, and nose. HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27, and 29 cause filiform warts. Genital warts – these warts affect the genitals and rectum. This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact;
- Genital warts – are small bumps with a rough surface. HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts.
Are warts contagious?
Yes, warts are contagious. Warts can spread through direct or indirect contact. Direct contact is touching another person's wart or skin-to-skin contact. An example of indirect contact is using items such as towels or razors that have been in contact with a wart or HPV.
Diagnosis
- Medical history and examination: to diagnose warts, the doctor will ask about troublesome symptoms, their onset, progression, family history, risk factors, and examine the skin for changes;
- Skin biopsy: to confirm the diagnosis.
When are warts removed?
- In case of discomfort or bleeding;
- In case of constant trauma to the wart;
- For aesthetic purposes, if you are dissatisfied with its location or appearance.
- Wart removal methods
Warts removal methods
Removing warts with medication – is one of the most common methods of wart removal, which involves the use of salicylic acid. This treatment can take several months, during which you will need to apply the medication to the affected area every day to completely get rid of the warts. Salicylic acid is available without a prescription and can be found in liquid, gel, or patch form.
Removing warts with radio waves – this procedure is performed under local anesthesia, where anesthetics are injected only in the area where the warts will be removed. An electrode is used to remove the warts, which does not physically touch the skin, and the incision is made using radio waves. The generator uses a frequency of 4.0 MHz, which is more than 8 times higher than that of electrosurgical devices. This incision allows the tissues to heal with minimal postoperative pain and scarring, and also shortens the duration of the operation. After wart removal, healthy skin forms within a week, leaving no scar. The use of surgical radio frequency technology ensures unmatched precision, versatility, and safety.
Laser wart removal – this procedure uses a laser that emits intense pulses of light to destroy warts. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the wart, the procedure takes about 15-30 minutes. Laser wart removal is a safe, painless, and effective method for achieving excellent aesthetic results.
Wart removal with nitrogen (cryotherapy) – during the procedure, the wart is removed using liquid nitrogen. The procedure is slightly painful and may leave a scar or slight discoloration of the skin.
Surgical wart removal – the operation is performed under local anesthesia, when anesthetics are injected only in the area where the wart will be removed. The wart is removed and the wound is sutured with special sutures. Seven to ten days after the operation, during a follow-up visit, the sutures are removed and further treatment tactics are discussed.
What happens before the procedure?
Before removing the wart, the doctor will examine your skin and perform a dermatoscopy, during which they will thoroughly assess any changes in your skin. During the consultation, the doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment method for your case. The doctor will give you specific instructions on how to best prepare for the planned procedure. It is recommended that you do not take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulants a few days before the procedure, as they may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, especially local anesthetics.
What happens during the procedure?
Local anesthetics will be injected into the area of the lesion so that you do not feel any pain and the procedure is as gentle as possible. Radiofrequency waves will then be used to completely destroy the wart. The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes. During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort and pressure.
What happens after the procedure?
After the procedure, the doctor may monitor you for up to 15 minutes to ensure that you do not experience any side effects, including dizziness, nausea, or allergic reactions. Local anesthesia will not cause fatigue or drowsiness, so you will be able to drive yourself home.
After the procedure, it is recommended to:
- Bandage and care for the wound;
- Take pain medication;
- Rest and recuperate.
Side effects and complications
- Redness, swelling;
- Bleeding;
- Scars (which may or may not be noticeable);
- Infection;
- The growth may recur;
- Hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation of the skin.
FAQs about wart removal
Is wart removal painful?
To make wart removal painless, your doctor will use local anesthetics. You may feel slight discomfort at the site of the procedure, which should disappear after 12-24 hours.
What is the healing period after the procedure?
The healing period depends on your overall health and the size of the wart that was removed. It is likely that healing will take up to 2 weeks after wart removal. During this period, you will be able to engage in your daily activities, but you may experience slight discomfort. To promote faster healing and avoid infection, you should follow your doctor's instructions.
When can you return to work?
Most wart removal procedures are quick and safe. After your visit, you will be able to drive home and return to work immediately.
Prevention
There is no reliable way to prevent warts. However, you can reduce your risk of contracting the virus that causes them by taking the following steps:
- Avoid direct contact with people who have warts;
- Do not share towels, clothing, nail clippers, razors, or other personal items;
- Keep your skin moisturized;
- Talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine;
- Wear appropriate footwear when using public changing rooms, swimming pools, or showers.
