How to get rid of warts?

The skin can be affected by various rashes, inflammations, blemishes, formations and more. And how to get rid of warts is also a common question. Struggling with this problem, you need to know why it came about, what its varieties are, methods of elimination and preventive measures.

What are warts

These are formations on the skin in the form of gnarly bumps. Externally, they resemble spots, but the latter 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, so they are unpleasant to 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 found them.

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

Where do warts come from?

They are benign neoplasms and their cause is HPV, which means human papillomavirus. Today, medicine knows more than 150 of its types, and all of them cause growths to appear in various areas of the skin. Most of the times, the places of its occurrence are hands (usually hands), legs (mainly feet), elbows, neck, face, knees.

Thus, it is a viral disease 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 intimacy;
• In the case of the use of non-sterile equipment during aesthetic procedures, manicures, pedicures, tattoos, in a medical institution;
• In the common areas (swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, etc. ).

Even if the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes is not violated, the risk of infection by the virus is not excluded by contact with its carrier or infected surfaces. Growths can appear up to six months or more after infection. This is one of the reasons why an infected person may not show any external signs of the disease.

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 (common);
• Apartment;
• To plant;
• Filiform.

Each type of formation has its own characteristics, appearance, structure.

Simple

They are also called common or vulgar. This group includes about 70% of all training of this type. They are usually caused by HPV types 2 and 4. They can infect almost all areas of the skin. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that they rise significantly above it and are generally round in shape. The color of the formations is flesh-colored, grayish or yellowish brown. They are generally dense to the touch and their diameter is 2 to 5 mm.

There are two types of simple growth:

• Single chamber;
• Multi-chamber.

The latter need differential diagnoses, which will ensure that this is really the given type of training. How to get rid of warts on your arms, legs, elbows, knees and other parts of the body where they appear depends on establishing an accurate diagnosis.

Apartment

The peculiarity of this type of tumor is that they, like common formations, are formed above the surface of the skin, but protrude slightly above it. This species has 4% -5% of the total number of formations that HPV causes.

Most often, flat growths are located in the area of the forearms, back of the hands, in 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.

To plant

The appearance of such growths resembles common calluses. If you find a similar phenomenon in you, be sure to contact a cosmetologist, or rather - a dermatologist. A specialist will help determine the type and source of the problem. As is clear from the species name, these lumps of the soles of the feet are affected, and teenagers often face this problem. Among all species, this represents about 20-25% of cases.

The location of these formations is such that they are often injured, especially if the person wears tight and uncomfortable shoes. They almost never bleed, but how to get rid of warts on the legs should be in the interest of the person who has these lumps.

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

Filiform

In medicine, they are called acrocords. They are benign neoplasms of elongated shape and their size reaches 5-6 mm. Most of the time, the acrocords are located on the neck, face, occupy the armpit, groin area, in women they can occur under the chest.

Its formation begins with the appearance of a yellow spot on the skin, which later becomes larger and thicker to the touch. They take on an elongated shape, which is why they are called filamentous. In some cases, they take on a rounded shape, but are located on a thin stem.

What do you need to know about HPV?

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

The insidious character of the infection lies in the fact that, penetrating the body, it remains 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 the host cells, in which case malignant tumors develop.

Depending on how the virus behaves 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 1-5, 10, 28, 49 types;
• Low oncogenicity (almost never causes the development of malignant diseases). This category includes, in particular, 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40-44, 51, 72 types;
• Medium risk HPV. This includes types 26, 30, 35, 52, 56, 65;
• High oncogenicity (increasing the risk of a precancerous condition that can develop into a cancerous tumor). This group previously includes 16, 18, 31, 45 types. The first two (16 and 18) are usually the cause of cervical cancer in women.

If a person is infected with some types of the virus, this does not exclude the risk of infection with others. One carrier can be found as a strain and several dozen.

At the moment, there are no drugs that can completely rid the human body of HPV. So, talking about how to get rid of warts forever, unfortunately, today there is no guarantee that getting rid of warts will certainly lead to the fact that they will never come back. This guarantee can only be provided by the complete elimination of the virus, which is currently not possible.

How does the virus manifest itself?

Skin growth is the main manifestation of its presence in the body. If an infection that affects the internal genitals of women lives in it, then its manifestations in the form of genital warts can be detected in the examination of a gynecologist, but the doctor does not make this diagnosis "by eye". A smear is made 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, so 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 its carrier.

Who can have warts?

They can appear on anyone. Therefore, you can find out how to get rid of a wart in a child and how to eliminate 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 become infected with the HPV of a person who is infected, and they can already become a trigger for the formation of skin formations. As it is very easy to become infected with the virus, one should avoid contact with its carriers, be careful on a daily basis, using only objects.

Medical methods to remove warts

1. It must 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 of the skin are consequences of the influence of the provocateur on the body and, if it is not possible to completely get rid of the infection 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 eliminate the neoplasms themselves, other methods are used.

Cryodestruction

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

Burning 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, due to which the growing cells are evaporated. Then a crust appears in its place, and after a while the skin is restored, acquiring a healthy color, appearance, structure.
2. Perhaps there is only one disadvantage to this method - the relatively high cost. But, if you need to get rid of high quality warts on your face, arms, legs and any other part of the body, this effective method has many advantages:
   • The speed of the procedure - takes 20-30 minutes;
   • Usually, no additional sessions are required;
   • High efficiency;
   • The technique can be used for patients of any age and sex;
   • The absence of pain is a factor that allows not to use anesthesia;
   • Rapid rehabilitation;
   • If you are looking at how to get rid of a mole on your finger, face, leg or other areas, this method will work;
   • There is no need for long preparation for handling.

Electrocoagulation

1. The method involves the destruction of neoplastic cells by means of high frequency current. Since the beginning of the use of laser vaporization, this method of removing growth has become less common.
2. However, it has its advantages:
   • The speed of the procedure;
   • High efficiency;
   • Rehabilitation and rapid 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. Disadvantages of this method, such as getting rid of warts on the toe, leg, elbow, knees, etc. :
   • It will not 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, however, blood loss;
   • It is not recommended to use this method to eliminate formations in sensitive areas of the skin - face, neck, décolleté.

Surgical removal

1. This method is rarely used. If there is a possibility of using a closed and less traumatic method (for example, laser burning), it is better to resort to it.
2. Surgical removal involves excision of the accumulation with a scalpel and the wound formed on the skin is sutured. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia.
3. The advantages of the method are the surgeon's ability to control the penetration depth of the scalpel and the volume of excision of the affected tissues. It can be used to remove tumors in 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 application, a noticeable scar may remain;
   • After surgical removal, the rehabilitation time 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 which remedies are considered effective for this?
   • Apple, beet, potato. You can choose one of these products. It is cut into two parts, each of which is rubbed over the affected area. After the product halves are connected, tied with a string, wrapped in paper, sent for storage anywhere (you can leave). It is believed that growths will go away when the fruit rots;
   • Acetic Acid. Take a bandage, make a hole, whose diameter and shape coincide with the parameters of the neoplasia. It must be glued to the skin around the growth so that it is in the orifice of the plaster. Combine a little vinegar and flour, a thick porridge should form. It is applied to the wart, involving the treated area with a clean cloth or bandage. Every day you need to apply a new mixture until the problem goes away;
   • Ashes. Burn several matches completely after removing the sulfur heads. Grind them to a powder and 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 "remedy" must be fixed with a bandage, a clean cloth. The procedure is repeated daily until the problem goes away;
   • Celandine. Using an infusion of the plant, which can be purchased at the pharmacy, clean the growth daily.
3. Before getting rid of warts using traditional methods, consider some of the doctors' comments on the subject. Official medicine does not consider them effective, since there is no scientific justification for their effect. In addition, medical guidance is required, which will allow to determine the type of neoplasia, 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 - one 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, due to the forms of transmission of its provocateur, it is necessary to follow some preventive measures. When visiting common areas, use only your personal belongings, toiletries. 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 must be taken to increase the body's defenses:
   • Proper nutrition;
   • Sport;
   • Rejection of bad habits;
   • Adequate sleep;
   • Avoiding stress, depression and other negative emotional states.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to get rid of warts forever, unfortunately. But that does not mean that they return after treatment. Take preventive measures to reduce your risks. In addition, you only need to be treated by an expert. This is another way to greatly increase the chances of effectively dealing with the problem.