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WARTS

These are caused by a group of viruses called Human papilloma virus.  About 90 different varieties have been described and the number is increasing.  They form small 0.5 to 1cm size raised  lumps that have a rough top.  These are easily diagnosed by the patient and doctor.  The difficult part is treating it!

There are many types depending on the area affected.

1.      common wart – verruca vulgaris

2.      plane wart – small flat warts usually numerous on face and hands

3.      plantar warts – called verruca by patients, occurs on the soles.  Can be obtained from swimming pools.

4.      genital warts – occurs in genitalia.  Usually obtained by sexually transmission but can be acquired otherwise also.

5.      mosaic warts – a special type of wart that is large and has a mosaic pattern - seen on the soles and very difficult to treat

Treatments

There are about 20 methods of treating warts.  It should be remembered that most warts resolve spontaneously.  In spontaneous resolution no scar is left behind while destructive treatments can leave a blemish and can even scar.

1. Salicylic acid paint

After soaking the area in water for 15 minutes the skin is pared down and the salicylic acid paint is applied.  This is done every day at night for a period of 3-4 months.  If the area becomes sore then the application is stopped.

2. Glutaraldehyde paint

This is done as above.

3. Cryotherapy

Your doctor may choose to freeze the wart with liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide snow.  It will hurt for 1 minute while the treatment is being applied after which the pain should settle.  A blister forms in 24 –48 hours and it is slowly resolves to leave a small blemish or scar.

4. Cauterization

This is done as a last resort and only few lesions remain.  It is destructive and there is no way to  predict the completeness and recurrences may occur.

Many other treatments including systemic oral medication have also been used with variable success.