Warts
Warts are tiny skin growths that are not malignant and are brought on by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though they can form anywhere on the body, the hands, foot, and genitalia are the most frequently affected areas. Although benign in most cases, warts can nevertheless be bothersome, unpleasant, and even painful.
Types of Warts
There are various kinds of warts, and they can arise on various body locations.
Common Warts: Typically located on the wrists, knees, and fingers. They appear raised and coarse.
Plantar Warts: appear on the bottoms of the feet and, because of their placement, may cause pain. They frequently have thicker, harder skin covering them.
Flat Warts: smoother and smaller than other varieties; frequently found on the legs, neck, or face.
Filiform Warts: Long and thin, typically found on the face, especially around the lips, eyes, and nose.
Genital Warts: are sexually transmitted and manifest on the genital and anal regions.
Symptoms
Depending on the type of wart, symptoms might vary, but typically include:
- Rough, elevated growths on the skin
- Tiny black spots (clotted blood vessels) in the wart’s center
- Discomfort or pain, particularly from plantar warts
- Rashes or irritability
Diagnosis
Wart diagnosis usually requires a physical examination. A biopsy may occasionally be done by a dermatologist to rule out other skin disorders.
Causes and Risk Factors
The human papillomavirus is the cause of warts (HPV). There are more than a hundred strains of HPV, and each strain is responsible for a distinct kind of wart. Skin cracks or minor cuts allow the virus to enter the body.
- Warts can develop as a result of the following risk factors:
- Coming into direct contact with warts or HPV-contaminated surfaces
- A compromised immune system
- Skin conditions or accidents that cause skin damage
- Wet areas like swimming pools and changing rooms
- Giving someone with warts personal objects like razors, towels, or shoes
Treatment Options
Although warts frequently go away on their own, if they hurt or spread, medical attention may be necessary. Options for treatment consist of:
- Topical Treatments:
- o Solutions available over-the-counter that contain salicylic acid
o Prescription lotions, such as imiquimod
- Cryotherapy:
- o Applying liquid nitrogen to freeze warts
o Leads to the formation of a blister that lifts the wart off the skin
- Laser Treatment:
- o Burns warts with a laser
o Often applied to recalcitrant warts
- Electrosurgery and Curettage:
- o Applying an electric current to warts and then scraping them
- Immunotherapy:
- o Strengthens the immune system to prevent warts
o May entail topical medications or injections
Prevention
Keeping hands and feet dry and clean, wearing protective footwear in public showers and pool areas, avoiding direct contact with warts on oneself or others, not sharing personal items like towels or razors, and refraining from biting or picking at cuticles are all important ways to stop the spread and development of warts.
Pharmacist’s Role
Pharmacists can help with wart management by:
- Endorsing over-the-counter medications and their appropriate use
- Giving advice on whether to consult a doctor about painful or persistent warts
- Spreading knowledge on ways to stop warts from spreading
- Offering details about possibilities for prescription therapy
Conclusion
One common skin issue brought on by HPV is warts. Despite being largely benign, they can occasionally cause discomfort and annoyance. There are several ways to get rid of warts, and taking precautions can lessen your chance of getting one in the first place. In order to successfully educate the public and manage this problem, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals are crucial.