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Viral Warts
What are viral warts?
Viral warts are common benign lesions that are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus typically enters the body through a tiny scratch on the outer layer of the skin, with the virus lingering on areas and things such as keyboards, flooring, doorknobs and almost everything else that we come in contact with. After the virus has entered the skin, rapid cell growth ensues, forming a wart on the skin's outer layer.
Viral warts can occur on the hands, soles of the feet, genitals, and other parts of the body. It usually is challenging to trace the exact source of infection as a viral wart can take several months to develop and be visible.
Common symptoms of viral warts include:
- Small, fleshy, grainy bumps or growths on the fingers, hands, face, arms or legs
- Rough or painful growths when touched
- Growths that may have tiny black pinpoints, which are small, clotted blood vessels.
There are different types of viral warts, namely:
Common warts
These are warts that appear on the fingers, around the nails and at the back of the hands. Typical warts may feel like rough bumps.
Flat warts
These warts may occur anywhere on the body and are smaller than common warts. Flat warts typically grow in large numbers.
Plantar (foot) warts
These are warts that occur on the soles of the feet, and they usually grow in clusters. Flat warts may be painful.
Genital warts
These are warts that occur in the genital area due to a strain of HPV that spreads through unprotected sexual activity. Certain types of genital warts can cause cervical cancer.
Filiform warts
These warts occur on the fingers and may appear to have long threads. Filiform warts grow very quickly.
How are viral warts treated?
In some cases, common warts go away on their own without treatment. As a dermatologist, Dr Zinzi Limba may recommend the following treatment options:
Salicylic acid
This prescription helps remove layers of the wart a little bit at a time.
Cryotherapy
This procedure involves the dermatologist applying liquid nitrogen to the wart. The liquid nitrogen will cause a blister to form under and around the wart. Over time the dead tissue will then fall off.
Laser treatment
This procedure involves the dermatologist using a small laser to burn tiny blood vessels that surround the wart. The infected tissue will then die and fall off.
Viral Warts FAQ:
Can viral warts be prevented?
There are precautionary measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of warts. These measures may include:
- Washing your hands often.
- Avoid habits such as biting and chewing your fingernails.
- Use a moisturiser, especially when you have dry or cracked hands.
- Wear sandals or flip flops when showering in public showers, locker rooms and around swimming pools.
- Do not share razors, towels, or socks with another person.
Are warts cancerous?
Warts are non-cancerous (benign) skin growths that are caused by viruses. The virus that causes viral warts is called the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Can viral warts be contagious?
Yes, they may be transferred from one person to another through touch or nail-biting.
