Warts

DEFINITION

Warts are tiny cauli-flower like masses seen in the outer skin layer, caused by a virus. They are not cancerous. They are contagious from one area to another on the same person. Occur anywhere, but most likely on the fingers, hands and arms. Those found around the genitals are known as Genital Warts
Warts are more common in children and young adults till age 30, but may occur at any age.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

A small, raised area on the skin with the following characteristics:

  • Warts begin very small (1mm to 3mm) and grow larger.
  • Warts have a rough surface and clearly defined borders.
  • They are usually the same color as the skin, but sometimes darker.
  • Tiny warts often appear in clusters around a "mother wart."
  • If you cut into the wart surface, it contains small black dots or bleeding points.
  • Warts are painless and don't itch.

CAUSES

Invasion of the epidermis by papilloma virus.

DIAGNOSIS

  • Typical symptoms.
  • Confirmation by a doctor.

TREATMENT

  • Your doctor may apply/ prescribe certain chemicals, such as mild salicylic acid, to destroy warts. If so, follow instructions diligently


  • Cryotherapy (freezing cells to destroy them). This is an office procedure that doesn't require anesthesia or cause bleeding. Freezing stings or hurts slightly during application, and pain may increase a bit after thawing. 3 to 5 weekly treatments are usually necessary to destroy the wart. If you have cryotherapy, a blister (sometimes with blood) will develop at the treatment site. The roof of the blister will come off without further treatment in 10 to 14 days. You should have little or no scarring. Wash and use make-up or cosmetics as usual. If clothing irritates the blister, cover with a small adhesive bandage. If the blister breaks, the fluid may have active virus and spread to other areas.


  • Electrosurgery (using heat to destroy cells). This treatment can usually be completed in one visit, but healing takes longer and chances of secondary bacterial infections and scarring are more common. If you have electrosurgery, keep the treatment site clean with soap and water.

| Warts | Genital Warts |