Warts - What are the main causes of this?

Warts – What are the main causes of this?

Warts are those pesky, unsightly skin growths that can pop up anywhere on your body. But what exactly causes them? The culprit is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a highly contagious virus that infects the top layer of skin. While most HPV types are harmless, some can lead to more serious conditions, such as genital warts and certain cancers.

How Do Warts Develop?

HPV enters the body through tiny cuts or abrasions in the skin. Once inside, it triggers abnormal cell growth, resulting in the formation of a wart. Several factors can increase your risk of developing warts, including:

Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to HPV infections.
Direct contact: Warts are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated objects.
Skin injury: Cuts, scrapes, or hangnails can provide entry points for the HPV virus.
Nail biting: This habit can create tiny injuries around the nails, increasing the risk of wart development.

Common Types of Warts

There are various types of warts, each with its distinct characteristics:

Common warts: These are the most prevalent type, appearing as rough, gray-brown growths on the hands and fingers.
Plantar warts: Located on the soles of the feet, these warts can be particularly painful due to pressure from walking.
Flat warts: Small, flat-topped warts that often appear on the face, arms, and legs.
Genital warts: Caused by a different strain of HPV, these warts develop in the genital and anal areas.

Signs and Symptoms of Warts

Warts can vary in appearance and size. Common symptoms include:

Small, raised bumps on the skin
Rough, cauliflower-like texture
Tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) within the wart
Pain or discomfort, especially with plantar warts

Wart Removal: Seeking Expert Help

While warts may eventually disappear on their own, many people opt for removal due to discomfort or cosmetic concerns. There are several treatment options available, including:

Over-the-counter treatments: Products containing salicylic acid can help break down the wart.
Cryotherapy: Involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal tissue.
Cauterization: Using heat to burn off the wart.
Surgical removal: Reserved for larger or resistant warts.
Immune-boosting therapies: Certain medications can strengthen the immune system to help clear warts.

For effective and safe wart removal in Indiranagar, consider consulting Dr Juvita, a renowned dermatologist in Indiranagar, with expertise in treating various skin conditions. Dr. Juvita’s in-depth knowledge and advanced techniques can provide tailored solutions for your wart concerns.