I. Introduction
Warts are small, rough, and grainy growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infecting the top layer of the skin. They often appear on fingers, hands, feet, and around the nails. But how can you tell if it’s a wart? Identifying a wart is crucial in determining the best course of action to take. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, types, causes, examination, home remedies to try, treatment options, and ways to prevent warts.
II. Symptoms to watch out for
Warts may differ in appearance, but here are some common symptoms to take note of:
Appearance of warts
Warts can be small and rounded, flat and smooth, or rough with an irregular surface. They may also appear flesh-colored or with a darker tint due to blood vessels. They’re often round or oval-shaped with a raised center.
Texture and sensation
Warts have a rough texture and can be painful or itchy, particularly when located on the foot. They may also cause discomfort when pressed. Warts can grow in clusters called mosaic warts, making them appear bigger in size.
Common locations on the body
Warts can appear on any part of the body. However, they tend to show up on the fingers, hands, feet, and around the nails. Genital warts may appear on the perineal or anal areas of both men and women.
III. Types of warts
Here are some common types of warts:
Common warts
These are raised warts with a rough surface that appears on fingers, hands, and around the nails.
Plantar warts
These are warts that appear on the soles of the feet, which can become painful when walking.
Flat warts
As the name suggests, these warts are flat and smooth, with a flesh-colored appearance. They tend to appear on the face, arms, and thighs.
Genital warts
These are sexually transmitted warts that mainly appear around the genitals or anal area. They can cause itching or discomfort and may look like small, pink or reddish lumps.
IV. Causes of warts
Overview of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a common virus that can cause warts as well as cervical and other types of cancers. The virus is highly contagious and can be contracted by skin-to-skin contact with a person who has the virus. Over 100 different strains of HPV have been identified, but only a few cause warts.
How HPV is spread
HPV is primarily transmitted through cut, irritated, or moist skin, particularly in warm and humid environments, such as pools and locker rooms. Also, the virus can spread through sexual contact, and having unprotected sex with a partner who has HPV increases the risk of getting genital warts.
Risk factors for developing warts
Factors that influence the development of warts include having a weakened immune system, being a child or teenager, and having prolonged contact with an infected person or surface. Also, individuals that tend to sweat excessively are likely to get warts.
V. How to Examine the Area
When examining a wart, make sure to note the following:
Step-by-step guide to examining a wart
- Start by washing your hands to prevent spreading or infecting other areas of your skin.
- Check the size, color, and location of the wart
- Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the size of the wart.
- Note how long you’ve had the wart, as this can aid in diagnosis and treatment.
How to measure the size and shape of the wart
Measure the length, width, and height of the wart, if it extends off the skin. Using a ruler or measuring tape is helpful because warts tend to grow slowly, so the measurements indicate how long the wart has been present.
Other important characteristics to note
Take note of any pain, bleeding, or discharge from the wart. Also, check for the presence of other warts on the same area or other parts of the body.
VI. Home remedies to test
Here are some common home remedies for treating warts:
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an over-the-counter medication used to treat warts. It works by removing dead skin cells on the top layer of the wart over time.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antiviral and antifungal properties that can help in treating warts. Apply diluted tea tree oil to the wart two or three times a day for a few weeks.
Banana peels
Applying the inside of a banana peel to a wart, skin tag, or other skin condition is a folk remedy said to remove the blemish over time.
Duct tape
Place a small piece of duct tape over the wart and change it every few days. This treatment method works by suffocating the wart and may take several weeks to show results.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may help to soften the skin surrounding the wart and slowly causes the wart to fall off naturally. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the wart for up to 20 minutes, twice daily.
How to determine if a home remedy is worth trying
Speak to your healthcare provider before attempting any home remedy. They can provide advice on how to use each treatment and whether it is safe and effective for your situation.
VII. What to do when you’ve identified a wart
When to seek medical treatment
If the wart is causing pain, is bleeding, or is rapidly increasing in size, seek medical attention. Also, if you are unsure about the type of wart or have other skin lesions, you should see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment options for removing a wart
There are different treatment options for warts, including prescription medications, cryotherapy, laser surgery, and electrosurgery, among others. It is important to speak to a healthcare provider to discuss which treatment may be most suitable for you.
VIII. Preventing warts
Here are some tips on how to avoid getting warts:
Tips for maintaining good hand hygiene
Wash your hands regularly, especially before and after touching other people, surfaces, or objects. This helps prevent the spread of warts, as well as other infectious diseases.
Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact
Do not share personal items, such as towels, razors, shoes, or socks with other individuals. Use sandals in public pools and locker rooms to prevent picking possible spores that may be lying around underfoot.
Avoiding sharing personal items
When you have a wart, avoid picking at it or trying to remove it by yourself, as this may cause it to spread. Also, if you have other skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne, and are prone to warts, you should consult with your healthcare provider for precautions to take.
IX. Conclusion
Identifying a wart is the first step to figuring out the best course of action to take. Warts may appear harmless, but they can cause pain, discomfort, and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. When home remedies are ineffective, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider.
