Warts

Warts are small skin growths caused by viral infections. There over 100 types of human papilloma virus (HPV). They are responsible for many different types of warts, ranging in appearance from slender threads to hard, calloused lumps.

Warts are a common skin complaint, particularly in childhood. Some estimates suggest that up to one in five children have warts, with children aged 12 to 16 years most commonly affected. Without medical treatment, about 65 per cent of wart infections spontaneously go away by themselves. There is no link between warts and the development of skin cancer.

Symptoms
The characteristics of a wart depend on the type, but can include:

• A small, raised bump may appear on the skin.
• The average size can range from one to 10 millimetres.
• The wart may have a rough or smooth surface.
• Warts can occur singly or in clusters.
• In some cases, the wart may itch.
• Face, feet, knees and hands are most commonly affected.

• Common warts (verruca vulgaris) - these look like hard, raised lumps with rough surfaces. Any body part can be affected, but the knees and hands are the most common sites.
• Flat warts (verruca plana) - these look like smooth, flattened lumps. Any body part can be affected, but the face, lower legs and hands are the most common sites.
• Filiform warts - these look like thin, long threads. The face is usually affected, particularly near the eyelids and lips.
• Mosaic warts - these appear as a group of tightly clustered warts. The hands and soles of the feet are most commonly affected.
• Plantar warts - these look like small, hard bumps, and can have tiny black dots on them. The soles of the feet are most commonly affected.
• Genital warts - these look like grey or off-white lumps with a grainy ‘cauliflower’ appearance. Since genital warts are sexually transmitted, the penis, vulva and anus are most commonly affected.

• Injuries to the skin
• Skin infections that break the skin surface
• Frequently getting the hands wet
• Hands or feet that sweat heavily (hyperhidrosis)
• Swimming in public swimming pools
• Nail biting
• Direct contact with other people’s warts
• Scratching or shaving your own warts, which can spread the infection to other areas of your body.

• Do nothing - about 65 per cent of wart infections clear up by themselves within two years, without any medical intervention. This ‘wait and see’ approach isn’t recommended for people with severe wart infections, or for those who have had their warts for more than two years.
• Topical (applied to the skin) chemicals - such as salicylic acid, formalin or topical retinoids. Some topical agents can be harmful to healthy skin tissue, which means they are best applied by your doctor or dermatologist. Other topical agents can be applied yourself. It may take three months or more for the treatment to get rid of the warts.
• Immune system stimulator - which differs from other topical therapies, because it stimulates the immune system to fight the viral infection.
• Injections - warts that are resistant to topical chemicals may be treated with injections of antiviral drugs.
• Oral drugs - such as cimetidine. Some studies have found that taking oral cimetidine may be no more effective at treating warts than a placebo.
• Cryotherapy - the warts are frozen with liquid nitrogen. It may take up to four months of regular cryotherapy to get rid of the warts. However, this treatment doesn’t work in about one third of cases.
• Laser therapy - laser is used to burn off the warts. Scarring may occur in some cases.
• Electrosurgery - if the wart infection is extensive, it may be necessary to pare back the growths and cauterise their ‘roots’. In some cases, the warts return after a few months. Scarring is a possible side effect of electrosurgery.

• Your doctor
• Chemist
• Dermatologist.

• Warts are small skin growths caused by viral infections.
• Warts are a common skin complaint, particularly in childhood.
• Without medical treatment, about 65 per cent of wart infections spontaneously go away by themselves.
• Make sure you talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of your chosen treatment, as some cause scarring.