Warts are non-malignant skin tumors that are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV.) They can, and do, seem to appear mysteriously. They afflict many of us at one time or another. They're unattractive, can become tender and itchy as well as contagious and may spread if you scratch at at them.
There are various types of warts including the typical wart, Verruca vulgaris, which generally crops up on your hands and fingers. Plantar warts (Verucca pedis) tend to show up on the soles of your feet. Flat warts (Verruca plana) develop in areas where a person frequently shaves and there is the genital wart, which is sexually transmitted. The filiform wart generally grows around the mouth, eyes or nose.
There are several options when it comes to getting rid of these tumors: Your doctor may advise keratolysis. In this treatment, a blistering agent such as salicylic acid, will be applied to the lesion after which your physician will use a pumice stone, and blade, to remove the dead surface skin and cut away the tumor.
Another method is cryosurgery. With this method, liquid nitrogen will be directly applied to the area. This topical application establishes a blister between the wart and the outer layer of skin. The lesion is frozen and, in time, the skin around the lesion dies and falls off as will the wart.
Curettage, which means to cut, is another option. The wart is sliced and lifted out of the skin. A patient will be given a local anesthetic during this procedure. The dermatologist will remove the tumor by scraping and/or scooping it out.
Laser treatments burn off the lesion via laser beams. This is considered state-of-the-art treatment. Because no cutting is involved, this is a non-invasive approach.
Some physicians prefer to directly inject antigens into the tumor, which reportedly stimulate the body's immune system, resulting in the elimination of the virus.
A less orthodox treatment is the use of duct tape. Wrap the afflicted area with duct tape and, in time, the tape ostensibly smothers the warts and they fall off.
A homeopathic approach is to soak the area in cider vinegar and then cover it with a bandage. When the wart turns dark, stop applying the vinegar and let the area dry out. When that occurs, peel off the wart. Do not use this technique on the genitals.
Your dermatologist may recommend a topical solution, many of which are on the market, that can help eliminate these tumors.
