WARTS
Warts are small, benign growths on the skin caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are generally harmless but can be bothersome and sometimes contagious. Here's what you need to know about warts:
Types of Warts
Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)
- Appearance: Rough, raised bumps, usually on the hands or fingers.
- Cause: Often spread by direct contact or sharing personal items.
Plantar Warts
- Appearance: Flat, thickened skin growths on the soles of the feet, often painful when walking.
- Cause: Spread through walking barefoot on infected surfaces, like public showers.
Flat Warts (Verruca Plana)
- Appearance: Small, smooth, and flat-topped, usually on the face, legs, or arms.
- Cause: Often spread by shaving or scratching.
Filiform Warts
- Appearance: Long, thread-like projections, commonly on the face or neck.
- Cause: Spread through direct contact.
Genital Warts
- Appearance: Flesh-colored growths in the genital area.
- Cause: Spread through sexual contact.
Periungual Warts
- Appearance: Irregular, thickened skin near nails.
- Cause: Often seen in people who bite their nails or pick at the skin.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Cause: HPV infection through breaks in the skin.
- Risk Factors:
- Weakened immune system.
- Frequent exposure to moist environments (e.g., public pools).
- Skin injuries or cuts.
- Nail-biting or picking at warts.
Treatment Options
- Homoeopathy is the best option to treat warts successfully and harmlessly
Prevention
- Avoid direct contact with warts (yours or others').
- Do not share personal items like towels or razors.
- Keep feet clean and dry; wear flip-flops in communal areas.
- Cover warts with a bandage to prevent spread.
- Strengthen your immune system through a healthy lifestyle.
When to See a Doctor
- Warts are painful or bleeding.
- Rapidly increasing in size or number.
- Located in sensitive areas like the face or genitals.
- Not responding to home treatments after a few weeks.