A wart is a benign formation on the skin that looks like a rounded elevation, the cause of which is a strong growth of the surface epithelium and papillary layer.
In most cases, cell proliferation is caused by HPV, provoked by external and internal factors - agitation, a decrease in immunity, for some types - increased sweating of the extremities. You can become infected with HPV through contact with a carrier and objects. This does not apply to senile warts - their formation is non-viral in nature.
The sizes of the formations vary on average from 1 to 15 mm (old ones reach 6 cm). They have an uneven surface, so they are easily contaminated, because of this, over time, they can change color from almost flesh to brown. Some units can be grouped together when close together. All warts can be removed. In some cases, the doctor may decide to observe without removing if the patient is comfortable.
When to see a doctor urgently:
- education is located in the genital area;
- itching, discharge is observed in the area of the neoplasm;
- has a heterogeneous color, spots;
- changes shape and color;
- because of the location it hurts in everyday life;
- not sure if it's a wart.
Types of warts
There are 4 types:
- ordinary (simple) - formed on the hands (subgroup inside - plantar);
- flat - occur mainly in young people, so the second name of flat warts is juvenile;
- spiked - formed in the genital area, infection with HPV types that cause it;
- senile - the causes are unclear, they are not caused by HPV, they form in middle-aged and older people.
Common warts are 1-10 mm in size, dense, keratinized. The average life of such a formation is about 2 years, after which it resolves spontaneously. The most common place of localization are brushes.
Plantar warts are formations on the feet that at first look like a small callus, then a rough surface with black dots appears in its center and a small roller along the edge. Horny formations cause discomfort, because of them the patient experiences pain while walking. They can lead to loss of mobility and performance. The removal of plantar warts significantly improves the quality of life.
Flat warts have visible borders, small size - up to 5 mm, rise slightly above the surface of the skin by 1-2 mm. Any shape - round or uneven. Skin irritation, scratches, cuts can provoke the appearance. Favorite places for the localization of formations of this type are the face, hands and feet.
Genital warts are located on the genitals. They are treated with removal and quite quickly, as they can acquire large sizes. The infection occurs sexually, its probability is higher in the presence of wounds in the groin. Condylomas are pink nodules that coalesce and form papillary growths attached to the body in a stalk.
Senile warts (seborrheic keratosis) are the only ones listed that are not related to HPV. We can talk about a genetic predisposition due to the frequent positive family history. Formations can reach quite large sizes - up to 4-6 cm (average size - 0. 2-3 cm). They spawn in a group of up to 20 units. The most common places of localization are the chest, face, neck, forearms, hands.
At first, the elements are flat and small, the surface is uneven. They are covered with crusts that are easily removed. Then the crusts become denser, drier, covered with cracks. Over time, their thickness can be 1-2 cm. With age, they take the shape of a mushroom cap, become dark, although they were initially light yellow or pink. They contain impurities. The formations never turn into a cancerous form.
Removal of warts
The treatment of warts is selected by the doctor on an individual basis, depending on the type, size, contraindications and other aspects. The clinic offers 4 ways to remove warts, papillomas and condylomas:
- using a radio wave scalpel;
- laser CO2 removal;
- cryodestruction;
- diathermocoagulation.
They are suitable for removing flat and raised warts. Unfortunately, none of the methods presented are able to eliminate HPV from the body, which leaves the probability of recurrence at 30%. Also, no method gives a 100% guarantee, an additional procedure may be required. After removal, scars may remain, the right choice of clinic and technique will help to avoid this. Experienced dermatologists in a professional clinic and quality equipment manufactured according to modern standards are a combination that offers quality service, without pain and quick recovery. Infiltration and application anesthesia are available.
laser removal
The laser produces a powerful flow of light energy, causing a sharp increase in temperature in the tissue. The advantages of removing papillomas and warts with a laser is the absence of bleeding, blisters, and large wounds. The procedure takes 5-7 minutes. As a rule, formations are eliminated the first time.
Removal of warts is carried out according to the following plan:
- skin treatment with an antiseptic;
- treatment with an anesthetic (injection or lubrication);
- treatment of papilloma on the entire surface;
- resulting wound treatment and dressing.
Cryodestruction
The treatment is done with liquid nitrogen. This procedure is used in the removal of a wide range of neoplasms and even in the treatment of internal organ tumors, in cervical diseases, in liver surgery. Under the influence of low temperature, the water inside the cells freezes, the cell explodes and dies.
Removal procedure:
- anesthesia (if it is large, it is located in an area with thin skin);
- exposure with a cotton swab soaked in liquid nitrogen (5-30 seconds depending on the size);
- waiting for 2 minutes. Examination. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
The next day, a blister will appear on the skin, which will gradually pass. The patient's task is not to damage the bubble prematurely, to wash gently, not to apply a piece of earth, to protect it from external influences.
Diathermocoagulation
This method of treatment involves tissue cauterization using a high-frequency current, contact and non-contact method. The procedure is performed with the help of EKhVCh (high-frequency electrosurgical device). Its difference from the radio wave scalpel "Surgitron" lies in the use of high-frequency current - about 400 kHz (up to 4 MHz in the radio knife). The method allows bloodless coagulation of the skin and effectively cope with formations.
radio wave scalpel
As a radio wave scalpel, when removing warts, Surgitron is used, which operates on radio waves with a frequency of 3. 8-4. 0 MHz. The wave evaporates the cells to which it is directed and does not affect the neighboring ones. Often this method is used on the face, neck, genitals because of its delicacy. Advantages also include high speed, bloodlessness, minimal swelling, quick healing.
The operation is performed as follows:
- the skin is treated with an antiseptic;
- anesthesia is administered (injections, cream);
- the doctor takes the corrugator of the desired shape and removes the neoplasm;
- antiseptic treatment.
Make an appointment with a dermatologist
The NEARMEDIC network of clinics offers several effective methods for the removal of flat, pointed, senile, common warts, including plantar warts. An inexperienced person can confuse warts with other neoplasms that can turn into a malignant form - before resorting to treatment, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist.
In our clinic, experienced dermatovenerologists, candidates and doctors of medical sciences are treated, with whom you can consult even in difficult cases. On the website you will find the names, photos and biographies of all specialists with the place of admission. Here you can make an appointment with a specific doctor.
Removing the visible manifestations of the problem is not enough to reduce the likelihood of relapse. For this, general therapy with antiviral drugs is used, which reduce the activity of the human papillomavirus. The doctor will carry out a complete diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, advise on all types of removal and recommend the most effective in a particular case. At the first sign of illness, contact a specialist.
The cost of the doctor's appointment and removal is shown in the table. Please note that removing 2 to 5 or more than 5 formations is cheaper. To schedule an appointment, please call or use the form on the website.