How to get rid of warts?

The skin can be affected by various rashes, inflammations, moles, formations and much more. And how to get rid of warts is also a common question. Struggling with this problem, you need to find out what were the reasons for it, what are its varieties, methods of elimination and preventive measures.

What are warts

These are formations on the skin in the form of knotty growths. Externally, they look like moles, but the moles are soft to the touch, smooth, and their color is slightly darker than the color of the skin. Warts are resistant, because their top layer is a stratum corneum, due to which they are unpleasant to the touch and their color is similar to that of the skin. These growths bring considerable discomfort, so it is not surprising that the question of how to get rid of warts is relevant to those who have encountered them.

A feature of such formations is that they have the ability to grow - after the appearance of one, others appear, but, as a rule, smaller sizes. They can affect the genitals (genital warts form here), mucous membranes and various parts of the body.

Where do warts come from?

These are benign neoplasms and their provocateur is HPV, which stands for human papillomavirus. Today medicine knows more than 150 types, and all of them cause tumors to appear in various areas of the skin. Most often, the places of their appearance are the hands (usually hands), legs (mainly feet), elbows, neck, face, knees.

It is therefore a viral disease that is transmitted by contact. This means that the pathogen can enter the body like this:

• Through wounds, scratches on the skin, damaged mucous membranes;
• Using the same household items with an infected person;
• With privacy;
• When using non-sterile equipment during cosmetic procedures, manicures, pedicures, tattooing, in a medical establishment;
• In the common areas (swimming pool, sauna, hammam, etc. ).

Even if the integrity of the skin, mucous membranes is not violated, the risk of infection with the virus is not excluded by contact with its carrier or infected surfaces. The growths can appear even six months or more after infection. This is one of the reasons that an infected person may not show outward signs of illness.

HPV is an infection that is also activated when exposed to negative factors:

• Decreased immunity;
• Hormonal imbalance;
• The presence of concomitant serious diseases, infectious diseases (in particular, HIV);
• Frequent depression;
• Long-term treatment with the same drugs;
• The presence of bad habits.

Types of warts

Here are the main ones:

• Simple (ordinary);
• Dish;
• Plantar;
• Filiform.

Each of the types of formations has its own characteristics, appearance, structure.

Simple

They are also called ordinary or vulgar. This group comprises about 70% of all such training. They are usually caused by HPV types 2 and 4. They can infect almost any area of the skin. Their peculiarity is that they rise significantly above and are usually round in shape. The color of the formations is flesh-colored, grayish or yellow-brown. They are usually dense to the touch and their diameter is 2 to 5 mm.

There are two types of simple growths:

• Single room;
• Multi-room.

The latter require a differential diagnosis, which will make it possible to ensure that it is indeed the given type of these formations. How to get rid of warts on the arms, legs, elbows, knees and other parts of the body where they appear depends on making an accurate diagnosis.

Dish

The peculiarity of this type of growths is that they, like vulgar formations, form above the surface of the skin, but they protrude slightly above it. This species has 4-5% of the total number of formations caused by HPV.

Most often, flat growths are localized in the area of the forearms, backs of the hands, on the mucous membranes, on the face, but they can also form in other areas.

Doctors note that children and adolescents are more susceptible to this type of growth.

Plantar

The appearance of such growths resembles ordinary corns. If you find a similar phenomenon in yourself, be sure to contact a cosmetologist, or better - a dermatologist. A specialist will help determine the type and origin of the problem. As is evident from the name of this species, these growths on the soles of the feet are affected and adolescents often face this problem. Among all species, this represents about 20 to 25% of cases.

The location of these formations is such that they are often injured, especially if a person wears uncomfortable tight shoes. They hardly ever bleed, but how to get rid of warts on the legs should be of interest to the person with these growths.

The increased humidity of this part of the body, the presence of opportunistic microorganisms on it - these factors often cause suppuration. In this case, you may need to contact a trauma surgeon. But it can be avoided if you take care to get rid of plantar wart on time and eliminate this problem.

Skinny

In medicine, they are called skin tags. These are benign neoplasms of elongated shape and their size reaches 5-6 mm. Most often, skin tags are located on the neck, face, occupy the armpit, groin area, in women they can occur under the breast.

Their formation begins with the appearance of a yellow spot on the skin, which subsequently becomes larger and coarser to the touch. They take on an elongated shape, which is why they are called filamentary. In some cases, they have a rounded shape, but they are located on a thin stalk.

What do you need to know about HPV?

This is a group of viruses with more than 150 types. The infection is transmitted very simply, so today skin manifestations caused by HPV are quite common. Doctors cite statistics that more than 60% of the world's population carry some type of this virus.

The insidiousness of the infection lies in the fact that, getting into the body, it persists in the basal layer of the epithelium. And then different types of viruses manifest themselves in different ways:

• Representatives of some of them are in the body without affecting the chromosomes of human cells. In this case, benign skin neoplasms are formed;
• Some types of infection infect and alter the genome of host cells, in which case malignant tumors develop.

According to the behavior of the virus in the human body, its types are divided according to the level of oncogenicity (ability to cause cancer):

• Non-oncogenic (does not cause oncological diseases). This group includes 1 to 5, 10, 28, 49 types;
• Low oncogenicity (almost never provokes the development of malignant diseases). This category includes in particular types 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40-44, 51, 72;
• Medium risk HPV. These include types 26, 30, 35, 52, 56, 65;
• High oncogenicity (increasing the risk of a precancerous condition which may progress to a cancerous tumor). This group previously included 16, 18, 31, 45 types. The first two (16 and 18) are often the cause of cervical cancer in women.

If a person is infected with certain types of viruses, this does not exclude the risk of infection from others. A carrier can be found as a stump and several dozen.

At present, there is no drug that can completely rid the human body of HPV. Therefore, talking about how to get rid of warts forever, unfortunately today there is no guarantee that their removal will lead to the fact that they will never come back. Such a guarantee can only be provided by the complete elimination of the virus, which is currently not possible.

How does the virus manifest itself?

The main manifestation of its presence in the body is skin growths. If an infection lives there and affects the internal genitalia of the woman, their manifestations in the form of genital warts can be detected during an examination by a gynecologist, but the doctor does not make such a diagnosis "with the naked eye". A smear is done for PCR, and this analysis determines the presence or absence of HPV and its strain in the body.

The infection may be accompanied by general weakness, fever. But these manifestations are accompanied by many other diseases, therefore, they should be the reason for looking for a problem in the body.

Doctors note that if an infected person has good immunity, leads a healthy lifestyle, is not susceptible to depression, stress, and other negative factors, the virus may not manifest itself for years without disturbing his or her. carrier.

Who can get warts?

They can appear in any person. Therefore, you can cope with both how to get rid of a wart in a child, and how to get rid of this problem in an adult of any age.

Do warts spread?

The growths themselves, which appear as a result of exposure to the virus, are not transmitted. But you can get infected with HPV from a person infected with it, and it is already capable of provoking the appearance of formations on the skin. Since it is very easy to get infected with the virus, you should refrain from contact with its carriers, be careful in everyday life, using only objects.

Medical methods to remove warts

1. It should be borne in mind that getting rid of warts on the face, legs, arms, neck and other parts of the body is not the same as getting rid of HPV. Neoplasms on the skin are the consequences of the influence of the provocateur on the body, and if it is impossible to completely get rid of the infection itself at the moment, it is possible to get rid of its consequences. But modern medicine knows how to weaken the virus. This can be done with the help of antiviral agents, immunomodulators.
2. To remove the neoplasms themselves, other methods are used.

Cryodestruction

1. There is another name for this method in medicine - cryotherapy. Cryodestruction literally means frost destruction. Liquid nitrogen is used for this, having a temperature of -196 degrees C. This is the indicator at which the gas acquires a liquid state.
2. This method of getting rid of the wart quickly provides that the affected area is treated by freezing the growing tissue. Their cells are so cooled that the liquid they contain expands, causing their destruction and, as a result, the death of the entire neoplasm.
3. The advantages of a method that allows you to quickly and effectively get rid of the wart:
   • The method can be used to treat children;
   • Affordable cost of the procedure;
   • After such moxibustion, no trace remains;
   • Speed;
   • No contraindication.
4. But this also has drawbacks:
   • If the growths are multiple and large, more than one procedure may be necessary;
   • Relapse is not excluded;
   • The patient may experience unpleasant and painful sensations during the session.

Burn with a laser

1. This is a modern technique, also called laser vaporization. Its essence lies in the fact that the affected area is exposed to light, which allows the growth cells to evaporate. Then a crust appears in its place, and after some time the skin is restored, acquires a healthy color, appearance and structure.
2. Perhaps there is only one downside to this method - the relatively high cost. But if you need to get rid of a high-quality wart on the face, arms, legs and any other part of the body, this effective method has many advantages:
   • The speed of the procedure - it takes 20-30 minutes;
   • Typically, no additional sessions are required;
   • High efficiency;
   • The technique can be used for patients of all ages and sexes;
   • Indolence is a factor that allows you not to use anesthesia;
   • Rapid rehabilitation;
   • If you are looking for how to get rid of a wart on your finger, face, leg, or other areas, this method will work;
   • No need for long preparation for handling.

Electrocoagulation

1. The process involves the destruction of neoplastic cells by means of a high frequency current. Since the beginning of the use of laser vaporization, this method of removing growths has become less common.
2. However, it has its advantages:
   • The speed of the procedure;
   • High efficiency;
   • Rapid rehabilitation and healing of the skin;
   • Affordable price;
   • The doctor can control the depth of penetration of the current discharges;
   • After the procedure, the skin is quickly restored, acquires a healthy appearance and color.
3. Cons of this method, how to get rid of wart on toes, legs, elbows, knees, etc. :
   • It won't work if the affected area is large. In such cases, the appearance of scars is possible;
   • The procedure can be painful;
   • The use of this technique can be associated with a small but loss of blood;
   • It is not recommended to use this method to remove formations on sensitive areas of the skin - face, neck, décolleté.

Surgical removal

1. This method is rarely used. If there is a possibility to use a bloodless and less traumatic method (for example, laser engraving), it is better to resort to it.
2. Surgical removal involves excising the buildup with a scalpel and the wound formed on the skin is sutured. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
3. The advantages of the method are the ability of the operating physician to control the depth of penetration of the scalpel and the volume of excision of the affected tissue. It can be used to remove growths from areas with thick skin - for example, plantar warts on the legs.
4. Disadvantages of the method:
   • Its use is associated with blood loss, and in some cases it is quite abundant;
   • After applying it, a visible scar may remain;
   • After surgical removal, the duration of the rehabilitation can be long, as well as the healing time of the skin.

How to remove warts with folk remedies?

1. They are used at home, their effect is similar to moxibustion methods, and there are many ways to deal with this problem.
2. How to get rid of warts at home and what remedies are considered effective for it?
   • Apple, beets, potatoes. You can choose any of these products. It is cut into two parts, each of which is rubbed over the affected area. After the halves of the product are connected, tied with a wire, wrapped in paper, sent to storage anywhere (you can go outside). It is believed that the growths will disappear when the fruit rots;
   • Acetic acid. Take an adhesive bandage, make a hole in it, the diameter and shape of which coincide with the parameters of the neoplasm. It must be stuck to the skin around the growth so that the latter is in the hole of the adhesive plaster. Mix a little vinegar and wheat flour, a thick porridge should form. It is applied to the wart, wrapped around the treated area with a clean cloth or bandage. Every day you need to apply a new mixture until the problem disappears;
   • Ash. Completely burn several matches after removing the sulfur heads. Grind them into powder, add a little water to make a thick mixture. To get rid of warts at home, it is applied to the affected area, after which the "medicine" should be fixed with a bandage, a clean cloth. The procedure is repeated daily until the problem subsides;
   • Celandine. With the help of an infusion of the plant, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, wipe off the growth daily.
3. Before you get rid of warts using traditional methods, heed some of the comments of doctors on this subject. Official medicine does not consider them to be effective, because there is no scientific justification for their effect. In addition, medical advice is required, which will allow you to determine the type of neoplasm, its structure. This is necessary to exclude its malignancy.
4. These are not the best ways to get rid of a baby's wart. He will need the help of a specialist - you should not risk the health of a small patient. The doctor will select one of the most effective methods of action, eliminating the problem quickly, effectively and painlessly.

Prophylaxis

1. The phenomenon has a viral etiology, and taking into account the modes of transmission of its provocateur, it is necessary to follow certain preventive measures. When you visit the common areas, only use your personal effects, hygiene items. It is desirable to do this in everyday life, on vacation. To prevent the risk of genital infection, barrier contraception should be used.
2. Warts that appear on the fingers, feet, hands, knees, elbows, face, neck, décolleté are also felt due to decreased immunity. Therefore, if the virus has already entered the body, measures should be taken to increase the body's defenses:
   • Adequate nutrition;
   • Sport;
   • Rejection of bad habits;
   • Sufficient sleep;
   • Avoid stress, depression and other negative emotional states.

Unfortunately, it will unfortunately not be possible to get rid of warts forever. But that doesn't mean they're guaranteed to come back after treatment. Take preventative measures to reduce your risk. In addition, you only need to be treated by a specialist. This is another way to greatly increase the chances of effectively dealing with the problem.