What is a Wart?
A wart is a benign skin lesion caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is characterized by an abnormal growth of the skin, forming a rough, hardened bump. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the hands, feet, face, and genital area.
Types of Warts
There are different types of warts, each with specific characteristics. The main types include:
Common Warts
Common warts, also known as vulgaris warts, are the most common. They have a rough appearance, with a rough surface and varying colors, ranging from skin-colored to yellowish, brownish, or dark. Common warts typically appear on the hands, fingers, and knees.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are warts that appear on the soles of the feet. They are flat, hardened, and can cause pain when walking. These warts are caused by HPV and are more common in people who frequent humid places, such as swimming pools and locker rooms.
Filiform warts
Filiform warts are elongated, thin warts that usually appear on the face, neck, and eyelids. They look like small bumps and can be flesh-colored or darker. These warts are more common in older adults.
Genital Warts
Genital warts, also known as condyloma acuminata, are warts that appear in the genital region. They are primarily transmitted through sexual contact and are caused by specific types of HPV. These warts can be small or large, single or multiple, and are usually painless.
Causes of Warts
The main cause of warts is the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 types of HPV, each of which can cause warts on different parts of the body. HPV is transmitted primarily through direct contact with infected skin or through sexual contact.
Symptoms of Warts
The symptoms of warts can vary depending on the type and location of the lesion. Generally, warts present the following characteristics:
– Rough, hardened lump on the skin;
– Rough surface;
– Varied coloration;
– May cause itching or pain, depending on the location;
– May increase in size over time.
Wart Treatment
Treatment for warts can vary depending on the type and location of the lesion, as well as the patient's preference. Some of the most common methods include:
– Topical application of medications;
– Cryotherapy, which consists of freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen;
– Electrocautery, which uses electric current to destroy the wart;
– Surgery, in more severe or persistent cases.
Wart Prevention
To prevent the appearance of warts, it is important to adopt some protective measures, such as:
– Avoid direct contact with infected people or objects;
– Use a condom during sexual intercourse;
– Maintain good personal hygiene;
– Avoid walking barefoot in humid places, such as swimming pools and changing rooms;
– Do not share personal items, such as towels and razors.
Conclusion
In short, warts are benign skin lesions caused by HPV. They can appear on different parts of the body and have specific characteristics depending on the type. Treatment for warts varies depending on the patient's preference and the severity of the lesion. To prevent the appearance of warts, it is important to adopt protective measures, such as avoiding direct contact with infected people or objects and maintaining good personal hygiene.
