How can you remove plantar warts at home. What are the most effective over-the-counter treatments for plantar warts. Which natural remedies actually work for eliminating plantar warts. When should you seek professional medical treatment for plantar warts.

Understanding Plantar Warts: Causes and Characteristics

Plantar warts are a common skin condition that affects many individuals, particularly on the soles of their feet. These growths are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be both uncomfortable and persistent. Before delving into removal methods, it’s crucial to understand what plantar warts are and how they develop.

What exactly are plantar warts? Plantar warts are small, rough growths that typically appear on the weight-bearing areas of the feet, such as the heels or balls of the feet. They are caused by certain strains of HPV that enter the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin.

How can you identify a plantar wart? Plantar warts often have the following characteristics:

• A rough, grainy appearance
• A small black dot in the center (often called “wart seeds,” which are actually tiny blood vessels)
• Pain or tenderness when walking or standing
• A location on the sole of the foot, often in areas that bear weight

Why do plantar warts sometimes persist? Unlike warts on other parts of the body, plantar warts are often pushed inward by the pressure of walking and standing. This can make them more difficult to treat and may cause them to grow deeper into the skin.

Over-the-Counter Treatments: Salicylic Acid and Cryotherapy Options

When it comes to treating plantar warts at home, over-the-counter (OTC) options can be effective for many people. Two of the most popular and scientifically-backed methods are salicylic acid treatments and OTC cryotherapy kits.

Salicylic Acid: A Tried-and-True Solution

How does salicylic acid work on plantar warts? Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent that works by gradually peeling away the infected skin cells. This process not only removes the wart but also helps stimulate the immune system to fight the underlying viral infection.

What are the best ways to use salicylic acid for plantar warts?

• Choose a product with a concentration between 20% and 40% for maximum effectiveness
• Apply the solution daily after soaking and gently filing the wart
• Cover the treated area with a bandage or duct tape to enhance absorption
• Continue treatment for several weeks, even after the wart appears to be gone

Are there any precautions to take when using salicylic acid? While generally safe, it’s important to avoid applying salicylic acid to healthy skin, as it can cause irritation. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, consult a healthcare provider before using this treatment.

OTC Cryotherapy: Freezing Warts at Home

How do at-home cryotherapy kits work? These kits use a freezing agent, typically dimethyl ether and propane, to freeze the wart tissue. This causes the cells to die and eventually fall off, along with the wart.

What is the proper technique for using an OTC cryotherapy kit?

1. Clean and dry the affected area thoroughly
2. Apply the freezing agent according to the product instructions, typically for about 20-40 seconds
3. Allow the area to thaw and repeat the process if recommended by the product guidelines
4. Protect the treated area with a bandage and avoid picking at any blisters that form

How effective are OTC cryotherapy kits compared to professional treatments? While not as potent as liquid nitrogen used by healthcare providers, these kits can be effective for smaller warts. However, they may require multiple applications and are generally less successful for larger or more stubborn plantar warts.

The Duct Tape Method: A Surprisingly Effective Home Remedy

One of the most intriguing and cost-effective home remedies for plantar warts is the duct tape method. This approach has gained popularity due to its simplicity and potential effectiveness, especially when combined with other treatments.

How does the duct tape method work? While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it’s believed that covering the wart with duct tape may deprive it of oxygen and moisture, creating an unfavorable environment for the virus. Additionally, the adhesive in the tape may help remove infected skin cells over time.

What is the proper procedure for using duct tape on plantar warts?

1. Cut a piece of duct tape slightly larger than the wart
2. Clean and dry the affected area
3. Apply the duct tape, ensuring it adheres well to the skin
4. Leave the tape in place for 6 days
5. Remove the tape, soak the foot in warm water, and gently exfoliate the wart with a pumice stone or emery board
6. Leave the wart uncovered overnight, then reapply fresh duct tape the next morning
7. Repeat this process for up to 2 months or until the wart disappears

Can the duct tape method be combined with other treatments? Yes, many dermatologists recommend using duct tape in conjunction with salicylic acid treatments for enhanced effectiveness. Apply the salicylic acid product before covering the wart with duct tape.

Natural Remedies: Separating Fact from Fiction

While many natural remedies for plantar warts circulate on the internet, not all are backed by scientific evidence. It’s important to approach these methods with caution and realistic expectations.

Apple Cider Vinegar: A Popular but Unproven Treatment

Does apple cider vinegar actually work on plantar warts? While some people swear by this remedy, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. The theory is that the acidity of the vinegar may help kill the virus and remove infected skin cells.

How is apple cider vinegar typically used for wart removal?

• Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar
• Apply it to the wart and secure with a bandage
• Leave overnight and repeat daily for several weeks

What are the potential risks of using apple cider vinegar? This method can cause skin irritation and even chemical burns if used excessively. It’s crucial to monitor the skin closely and discontinue use if any adverse reactions occur.

Garlic: A Natural Antiviral Option

Can garlic effectively treat plantar warts? Garlic has known antiviral properties, which theoretically could help combat the HPV causing the wart. However, scientific studies on its effectiveness for wart removal are limited.

How is garlic typically used as a wart treatment?

• Crush a clove of fresh garlic to create a paste
• Apply the paste directly to the wart
• Cover with a bandage and leave overnight
• Rinse in the morning and repeat daily for several weeks

Are there any precautions to take when using garlic on skin? Garlic can cause skin irritation in some people. It’s advisable to do a patch test first and to avoid applying garlic to broken or sensitive skin.

When to Seek Professional Medical Treatment

While home remedies can be effective for many plantar warts, there are situations where professional medical treatment is necessary. Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider is crucial for proper management of stubborn or complicated cases.

What are the signs that indicate a need for professional treatment?

• The wart persists after 2-3 months of consistent home treatment
• The wart is causing significant pain or interfering with daily activities
• You have multiple warts or they are spreading rapidly
• You have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or poor circulation in your feet
• There’s any doubt about whether the growth is actually a wart

What professional treatments are available for plantar warts? Healthcare providers have access to more potent treatments, including:

1. Prescription-strength salicylic acid
2. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen
3. Electrocautery (burning the wart)
4. Laser therapy
5. Surgical excision
6. Immunotherapy to stimulate the body’s immune response

How do professional treatments differ from home remedies? Professional treatments are often more aggressive and can be more effective for stubborn warts. They may work faster than home remedies but can also be associated with more discomfort and a higher risk of scarring.

Prevention Strategies: Reducing Your Risk of Plantar Warts

While treating existing plantar warts is important, preventing new infections is equally crucial. Understanding how to reduce your risk can help you avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of these persistent growths.

What are the most effective ways to prevent plantar warts?

• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Wear flip-flops or water shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
• Don’t share towels, socks, or shoes with others
• Change your socks daily, especially if your feet tend to sweat
• Keep existing warts covered to prevent spreading

How can you boost your immune system to fight HPV? A strong immune system can help prevent warts or clear them more quickly. Consider these strategies:

1. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
2. Get adequate sleep and manage stress
3. Exercise regularly to promote overall health
4. Consider taking vitamin supplements, particularly vitamin C and zinc, after consulting with a healthcare provider

Is there a vaccine that can prevent plantar warts? While there are vaccines available for certain types of HPV, they are primarily designed to prevent genital warts and HPV-related cancers. Currently, there is no vaccine specifically for the strains of HPV that cause plantar warts.

Understanding Treatment Timelines and Managing Expectations

When dealing with plantar warts, it’s important to have realistic expectations about treatment timelines and outcomes. Understanding the typical course of treatment can help you stay committed to your chosen method and avoid unnecessary frustration.

How long does it typically take to remove a plantar wart?

• Home treatments: Usually 2-3 months of consistent application
• Over-the-counter products: 4-12 weeks, depending on the size and depth of the wart
• Professional treatments: Can range from a single session to several weeks of repeated treatments

Why do some warts seem to disappear quickly while others persist? Several factors can influence treatment success and duration:

1. The size and depth of the wart
2. The strength of your immune system
3. Consistency in applying treatments
4. The specific strain of HPV causing the wart
5. The location of the wart on the foot

What should you do if a wart returns after treatment? Recurrence is not uncommon with plantar warts. If a wart returns:

• Resume treatment immediately to catch it early
• Consider trying a different method if the previous one wasn’t fully effective
• Consult a healthcare provider if recurrences are frequent or resistant to treatment

By understanding these aspects of plantar wart treatment, you can approach the process with patience and persistence, increasing your chances of successful removal and prevention of future occurrences.

3 At Home Wart Remedies (That Actually Work!) – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

A wart can seemingly come out of nowhere and your first instinct might be to do a Google search to find some quick and easy home remedies. Instead of finding something simple, you find weird ideas like using pineapple juice, bleach, baking powder, basil, apple cider vinegar or even toothpaste on your wart.

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Then come the instructions like rubbing the wart with the inside of a banana peel, burning your wart with a hot match or poking it with a needle. (Hint: don’t do any of these!)

But what actually works?

Dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD, shares three wart home remedies that actually work and tips for reducing your risk of getting them.

1. Sandpaper and duct tape

A combination of sandpaper and duct tape is one wart removal remedy that is more likely to work than others, so get ready to head to your local hardware store.

“Keep the wart covered with duct tape 24 hours a day,” says Dr. Piliang. “If the tape falls off, you need to quickly replace it. The skin underneath will become wet, pale and wrinkled, and warts dislike that. Keep it on for two to three weeks, and if the wart looks smaller, then continue using the duct tape until it goes away.”

Once the wart is white and soft, you can gently rub it with sandpaper to remove the outer layer. Then, replace the duct tape and repeat every few days or once a week. Throw away the sandpaper after each use.

The use of duct tape may not work for everyone, but because it’s safe and easy to do at home, it’s worth the effort, she adds.

2. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a cold treatment that is used to treat arthritis, muscle pain, inflammation and skin lesions. Cryotherapy can be used to freeze off a wart using liquid nitrogen and can only be performed by a doctor.

“Since cryotherapy may require multiple sessions to be effective, I suggest following cryotherapy with a salicylic acid treatment when the area heals,” says Dr. Piliang.

Talk to your doctor to schedule a cryotherapy session for your wart.

3. Double up on products

To help boost results, Dr. Piliang suggests combining duct tape with over-the-counter wart treatments.

“It’s always reasonable to try over-the-counter options like salicylic acid gel, liquid or pads,” Dr. Piliang says. “You can also use salicylic acid and then cover the area with duct tape.”

After removing the duct tape covering the wart, soak the area in water. Then, exfoliate with a pumice stone, emery board or fine-grade sandpaper. Not only is sandpaper inexpensive, you can also cut it into small pieces and throw them away after each use.

Over-the-counter products must be used daily and might require weeks or even months of treatment to go away completely. When choosing salicylic acid, keep in mind that higher percentages (20 to 40%) are most effective.

4. Reduce your risk of getting warts

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread to other areas on your body. It can also be passed from person to person.

“Be very careful when shaving,” says Dr. Piliang. “If you have a wart, shaving over it can spread it to other areas.”

To prevent warts from spreading, don’t pick or scratch at them. Don’t touch someone else’s wart. Don’t be barefoot in public showers and locker rooms and keep foot warts as dry as possible. Since HPV thrives in humid environments, it’s crucial to frequently wash items such as towels and clothing that come in contact with the wart to prevent spread.

Common in children of all ages, warts often go away in a few months, with or without treatment. Adults are more likely to need treatment to get rid of warts. It might take repeated treatments over the course of several months, but don’t give up — getting rid of warts will keep the virus from spreading.

If you’ve tried endless home remedies for a few months and haven’t seen results, it’s time ​to go see a doctor.

Compound W Freeze Off® Plantar Wart Removal Kit

• Do not use if you cannot see clearly to read the information on the container or this Information Leaflet. Use only as directed.
• Do not use if you cannot clearly see the wart you are treating. If you mistakenly apply Compound W Freeze Off® directly to skin or use it on conditions that are not warts, it may cause serious burns and permanent scarring of the skin.
• Do not use on children under the age of 4 years. It is uncertain how Compound W Freeze Off® may affect the child’s skin. Use on a child under 4 may cause permanent scarring of the child’s skin.
• Do not use if you are diabetic or if you have poor blood circulation. Compound W Freeze Off® Wart Removal System works by freezing the wart. The frozen area in diabetic patients and those with poor blood circulation may not heal as quickly or completely.
• Do not use if you are pregnant or breast feeding. It is uncertain how Compound W Freeze Off® may affect patients under these conditions.
• Do not use on areas with thin skin such as the face, armpits, breasts, bottom, or genitals. Use on these areas may cause burns and permanent scarring.
• Do not use on irritated skin, or on any area that is infected, reddened or showing any signs of inflammation, such as itching or swelling. Treating these areas with Compound W Freeze Off® will result in worsening of the condition and possible further infection. These conditions may not be warts and should be examined by a doctor.
• Do not use on moles, birthmarks, warts with hair growing from them, genital (on penis or vaginal area) warts, or warts on the face or mucus membranes (such as inside mouth, nose, anus, genitals, lips, ears or near eyes). Use on these areas may cause burns and permanent scarring of the skin or blindness.

If you are not sure, consult your doctor.  If you treat a skin condition as a wart with Compound W Freeze Off® Wart Removal System and it is not a wart, you delay proper treatment. This delay may lead to a more serious skin condition or disease.

Avoid Contact with Eyes. Contact with eyes may cause blindness. Do not rub or touch eyes with hands if Compound W Freeze Off® Wart Removal System has been applied to them. If product gets into eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and call medical help right away.

Do not Swallow. Content is toxic and may cause serious internal damage. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.

For External Use Only. Use only as directed. If Compound W Freeze Off® Wart Removal System is not used exactly as instructed or you mistakenly apply it directly to the skin or use it on conditions that are not warts, it may cause serious burns and permanent scarring of the skin.

Keep out of Reach of Children.  Children cannot understand the instructions to properly use this product. Content is hazardous if swallowed, inhaled, sprayed on parts other than the wart, or exposed to heat.

Plantar Warts and Duct Tape: What You Should Know

Author: Dr. Bobby Buka

Have you ever heard of the plantar wart duct tape “hack” to get rid of warts? It’s not surprising if you have! It’s actually a commonly known method used widely.

But does it work all that well?

How does duct tape get rid of plantar warts?

Believe it or not, duct tape was originally described by the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics as a treatment for plantar warts on the feet. It works by stripping away the top layer of the wart and suffocates the aerobic virus, which needs air to survive.

Another way duct tape works is in conjunction with medication by “revving up” the medication you’re putting on the wart because of improved penetration into the skin.

How long does it take to kill a wart with duct tape?

It may never go away completely with duct tape alone. Occasionally, it takes more professional treatment options to get rid of a plantar wart.

However, many report that it can take up to two months to get rid of a wart using the duct tape method.

Plantar Wart Treatments

Sometimes, duct tape on plantar warts doesn’t work. In those instances, we have plenty of treatment options for plantar warts.

Liquid Nitrogen for Plantar Warts

The most commonly used treatment is liquid nitrogen to bring the wart down to -50 degrees Celsius, and then immediately rewarm the skin. It gets really cold —like putting your tongue on a flagpole in the winter — the quick transition from freezing to room temperature causes viral particles to lyse (explode).

This treatment may cause a small blister afterwards, as the wart bubbles-up and falls off. It takes an average of three sessions to make most warts completely disappear. We space these treatments two weeks apart.

Yeast Injection for Plantar Warts

There are many other therapies for wart removal. For example, we can inject a yeast into that area and try to get the immune system to respond to the HPV virus.

Pulsed Dye Laser for Plantar Warts

Another therapy includes the pulse dye laser. This works by heating up blood vessels that supply the wart, thereby suffocating it.

Bleomycin for Plantar Wars

The most intense treatment is called bleomycin, a treatment wherein we inject a very strong anti-cancer agent into the wart tissue to cause the wart to necrose (die) and fall off.

These are among my top therapies for treating warts in our practice.

Prescriptions for Plantar Warts

I can also give you prescriptions to take home with you ranging from over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid to more advanced therapies, like imiquimod, which causes the immune system to target an HPV-affected area.

All of our therapies surround an attempt to irritate the wart area, so that the body’s immune system recruits T cells to the wart to target the HPV virus.

Are plantar warts dangerous?

It bears mentioning that one of the reasons warts hang around as long as they do is because they’re never harmful to the body. While pesky and annoying to us, warts never harmed anyone.

Therefore, the immune system has learned to, over time, ignore them. Essentially we must “trick” our immune system into targeting them.

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How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Remove Plantar Warts: Leonard Greenwald, DPM: Podiatrist

Plantar warts are benign raised bumps that form on the heels or any weight-bearing part of the leg. It is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and since there is no cure for HPV, treatment typically focuses on removing the wart. Treating plantar warts can be expensive and painful, and sometimes require multiple procedures. Even after successful treatment, it may return or spread to other parts of the body. This article focuses on the use of apple cider vinegar (ACV) for removing Plantar warts.

HOW DOES APPLE CIDER VINEGAR WORK FOR PLANTAR WARTS?

Vinegar has been used for centuries for treating different kinds of conditions, from diabetes to poison ivy and stomach ache. The concept of using ACV for treating warts stems from several decades ago. Here is why many people believe Apple Cider Vinegar is effective for plantar warts:

• Vinegar is an acetic acid, which means it can kill certain types of bacteria and viruses upon contact.
• Vinegar burns and gradually destroys the infected skin, making the wart fall off eventually, like the way salicylic acid works.
• The irritation caused by the acid boosts the immune system’s ability to combat the virus responsible for the wart.

HOW TO USE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

The process of using ACV to treat plantar wart is somewhat simple. The items required include cotton ball, water, duct tape or bandage and apple cider vinegar. Here is the process:

• Dilute two parts ACV with one-part water
• Soak the cotton ball in the solution
• Put the cotton ball on the wart directly
• Cover the area with a tape or bandage for several hours (probably overnight)
• Remove and discard the cotton ball and bandage
• Repeat the process until the wart breaks off.

Here is another way to use ACV:

• Mix the same quantity of ACV and water in a bucket or large container
• Immerse the affected foot for about 15 minutes daily
• Wash the leg afterward.

CAUTION WHEN USING ACV

Vinegar is a weak acid that has between four to eight percent acetic acid. Nonetheless, weak acids can cause chemical burns. Patients are advised to exercise caution when using ACV on the skin. It may cause mild irritation or burning sensation. If the pain gets intense or the burning seems to worsen, it is better to remove the cotton ball and wash the area with water. The rule is to dilute the ACV properly in water to prevent burns.

Apple cider vinegar should never be applied to open wounds. As with any natural product, allergic reactions may occur. Symptoms include rashes or hives, dizziness, difficulty breathing or racing heartbeat. If allergic reactions occur, stop using it immediately and contact the podiatrist.

IN CONCLUSION

Like many natural solutions, the evidence guiding the use of apple cider vinegar for plantar warts is generally anecdotal. ACV is readily available and very affordable, so it might be worth trying it before considering more expensive treatments. If you suffer pain or burning, you should dilute the vinegar more before application. You can also talk to your podiatrist for helpful tips.

Get more information here: https://footdoctorinsanjose.com or call Leonard Greenwald, D.P.M. at (408) 827-9483

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Best home remedies for curing warts

Childhood warts are a painful problem, but there are some good treatments to stop them from hanging around. Some a little more, erm, unusual than others.

Warts are one of the most common – and troublesome – skin conditions in childhood.

A common infection caused by a virus, warts can turn up anywhere on the body, but for most children, warts are most commonly found on the hands and feet.

While many warts will eventually disappear on their own after being reabsorbed by the body, they can bleed when knocked and cause the sufferer some pain and embarrassment.

Other warts simply won’t leave on their own in most cases, so it is generally recommended by health professionals to take some type of action towards wart removal to avoid cross-infection and the possible spread of warts to other parts of the body.

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Wart removal products

With warts being so prevalent in the community, it’s no surprise that there are many wart removal products available and methods around. However, what may work well for one wart may have no impact on another, so it pays to be prepared to try a range of methods when aggressively tackling a wart problem head-on.

The most common methods of wart removal include:

• AT-HOME APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID – most of the wart removers sold in chemists use salicylic acid to burn the wart off.
• CHRYOTHERAPY – this involves a health professional freezing the wart off, usually with liquid nitrogen.
• CANTHARADIN – this is the juice of a blister beetle that is painted on by your doctor and left to form a blister over 24 hours. The dead skin of the wart is later removed by the doctor.

Frustratingly, some warts don’t respond to any of the OTC wart removal products at all. But before you consult a dermatologist, or other specialist, consider trying one of the old-fashioned home remedies for wart removal that so many sufferers swear by. Like all wart removers, you may have to try a couple before you find the perfect remedy that works for each wart.

RELATED: How to avoid warts

Warts are more common than you might think. Image: iStock 

Home remedies for warts

Of course, there are other more unusual DIY methods some people swear by, which can be done easily at home. Here are a few others we found: 

• Cut a potato in half and rub the wart firmly with the potato half, making sure that the skin becomes saturated with raw potato juice. Repeat morning and night for two weeks to start seeing results.
• Soak a cotton wool ball in apple cider vinegar and apply directly to the wart. Use a bandaid to fix the cotton ball to the wart. Remove after three to four hours. Repeat every day for three days to start seeing results.
• Place a small square of duct tape over the wart and leave in place, removing only when you want to replace the tape. Continue for two weeks to start seeing results.
• Rub the wart with the peel of an orange. The wart will turn orange and then darken and finally drop off. Continue for two weeks to start seeing results.
• Paint the wart with a layer of clear nail polish. Repeat every second day. Continue for two weeks to start seeing a result.

RELATED: HPV and genital warts in pregnancy

Medicine to help. Source: iStock

• Soak a cotton ball in fresh aloe vera and apply directly to the wart. Repeat each day for two weeks to begin seeing a result.
• Rub a raw garlic over the wart every day for two weeks to begin seeing a result.
• For plantar warts, apply the inside of a banana peel to the wart. The peel must remain in contact with the wart at all times. Continue for 3 – 4 days to see a result.
• Apply the milk of a dandelion directly to the wart. Repeat every day for two weeks to begin seeing a result.
• Rub castor oil onto the wart twice a day for two weeks to begin seeing a result.

Surprisingly, the duct tape cure remedy is the only remedy to have been medically researched and proven to work.

The most popular – and anecdotally successful – home remedy is the apple cider vinegar remedy, which apparently work to redress the skin’s pH balance and thus eliminate the wart.

Trying multiple methods. Source: iStock

Don’t confuse warts with Molluscum Contagiosum an illness where a wart-like rash can pop up. And here are other childhood skin conditions you need to know about. 

Vitamin cures

It’s not just foods (and duct tape) that work a miracle wart cure. Some vitamins reportedly work miracles too:

• Before going to bed, prick open a vitamin E capsule and carefully cover the wart with the oil. Cover the treated area with a band-aid, sock or glove and leave the oil on overnight. Repeat for two weeks to start seeing results.
• Break a vitamin C tablet down to a similar size as the wart you are treating. Using a bandaid to keep it in place, tape the vitamin C tablet directly onto the wart. Change the bandaid and vitamin C tablet each day and repeat for two weeks to start seeing results.

Additionally, when you have warts you should eat a diet rich in vitamin A – the orange foods such as pumpkin, carrots, papaya, mangos and apricots – and garlic to boost your immune system.

If you’re worried about any skin condition your child is displaying, please speak to your local health practitioner for advice. 

This article was first published in July 2017 and updated in February 2021

Wart Removal — Dermatologist | The Dermatology Center

Warts are benign (non-cancerous) skin growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV). You are more likely to get one of these viruses if you cut or damage your skin in some way.

Wart viruses are contagious. Warts can spread by contact with the wart or something that touched the wart.

Warts are often skin-colored and feel rough, but they can be dark (brown or gray-black), flat, and smooth. 

signs and symptoms of warts

There are a few different types of warts. The type is generally determined by where it grows on the body and what it looks like.  Common warts include:

How do dermatologists treat warts?

Warts often go away without treatment. This is especially true when children get warts. In adults, warts may not disappear as easily or as quickly as they do in children. Although most warts are harmless, dermatologists do treat them.

You should see a dermatologist if you cannot get rid of the warts, the warts hurt, or you have many warts. Dermatologists have many treatments for warts. The treatment used depends on the patient’s age and health as well as the type of wart.

A dermatologist may use one of the following treatments:

• Cantharidin: A dermatologist may treat a wart in the office by “painting” it with cantharidin. Cantharidin causes a blister to form under the wart. In a week or so, you can return to the office and the dermatologist will clip away the dead wart.

• Cryotherapy: For common warts in adults and older children, cryotherapy (freezing) is the most common treatment. This treatment is not too painful. It can cause dark spots in people who have dark skin. It is common to need repeat treatments.

• Electrosurgery and curettage: Electrosurgery (burning) is a good treatment for common warts, filiform warts, and foot warts. Curettage involves scraping off (curetting) the wart with a sharp knife or small, spoon-shaped tool. These two procedures often are used together. The dermatologist may remove the wart by scraping it off before or after electrosurgery.

• Excision: The doctor may cut out the wart (excision).

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD)

Warts are simply areas of skin that grow faster than normal due to the presence of the wart virus. Warts are skin-colored and feel rough to the touch. The technical name is verruca vulgaris. They are most common on the hands, feet and face but they can grow almost anywhere in the body. They are infectious and some people, especially children, are more susceptible than others.

Flat warts are much smaller and are less rough than hand or foot warts. They tend to grow in great numbers — 20 to 100 at any one time. They can occur anywhere, but in children they are most common on the face. In adults they are most often found in the beard area in men and on the legs in women. Skin irritation from shaving probably accounts for this.

A plantar wart is simply a wart growing on the weight-bearing surface of the foot that grows inward rather than outwards because it is pressed on when a person walks.

As warts are caused by a virus infection, the body will build up resistance over a period of time and eventually the body will cause the warts to disappear. This may take months or sometimes years but is the natural way the body deals with warts. If they are allowed to disappear in this way it is less likely that a person will get any further ones as one will then be immune to that virus.

The first treatment to try on wart is removal with a salicylic acid liquid or pad. Be patient as it takes up to 12 weeks to get rid of warts. One will need a bottle of wart medication like Occlusal-HP or Compound W, a roll of 1-inch surgical tape (‘Micropore’ or ‘Blenderm’ are good) and a pumice stone or emery board. The wart should be soaked in warm water for 10 or 15 minutes. After soaking, rub away at the white, dead warty skin with the pumice stone. Apply the wart medication to the warts, getting as little as possible onto the surrounding skin and let dry. Put a piece of tape over the wart big enough to stop the medication getting rubbed off.

One needs to keep going down until just below the level of the surrounding skin to eradicate a wart completely. Stop when the base of the wart looks exactly like normal skin (i.e. no black dots or ‘graininess). If they become sore or bleed a little just leave off the treatment and carry on the following night. Special precautions are not needed if one goes swimming or walks barefoot to avoid infecting other people. The risk to others is very little.

Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy is what dermatologists use most often to cure warts. This method can cause pain, soreness and blistering and usually cures 50% of warts after one treatment. Frequent applications of liquid nitrogen are needed to cure more stubborn warts.

OTHER TREATMENTS

Warts around the fingers and nails are definitely a challenge. For finger and toe warts there is a very good, but unusual treatment using ‘duct tape’. Apply the tape over the warts for 6 1/2 days per week and give the finger 1/2 day off per week. In kids, the tape often has to be replaced every day, or every other day, etc. The tape needs to be ‘occlusive’; it cannot be tape that ‘breathes’ like in cloth Band-Aids, etc. The tape probably works for two reasons. Warts are viruses, and thus susceptible to changes in temperature and decreased oxygen locally. The occlusive tape probably locally increases temperature. There is often a foul odor when the tape is removed.

There are special treatments such as contact hypersensitization and Bleomycin injections used for difficult warts that really need to be gone. These often work, but may have some side effects that must be understood before they are tried. Tagamet is an oral medication used for ulcers that may help boost the immune response. It is only effective in children, and not consistently so.

Burning warts off with a CO2 laser or electric needle is often effective, but scars. The CO2 laser is no better than burning with the needle. This can be used on one or two warts in difficult places. A more effective laser is the Pulsed dye laser, but this is not the laser most doctors have. The good thing about this laser is there is absolutely no downtime from pain, and scarring is rare. It is 60-75% effective (within 1-3 treatments spaced two weeks apart) for difficult warts.

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The medical information provided in this site is for educational purposes only and is the property of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and shall not create a physician – patient relationship. If you have a specific question or concern about a skin lesion or disease, please consult a dermatologist. Any use, re-creation, dissemination, forwarding or copying of this information is strictly prohibited unless expressed written permission is given by the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.

90,000 photos before and after, indications, contraindications, effect of the procedure

Plantar warts look like round or oval skin lesions with a diameter of no more than 1 – 2 cm. In most cases, they do not stand out in color, but can have a pink or brownish color. Over time, the protrusion becomes rough and rough to the touch due to constant friction.

Sources of infection

The papilloma virus is transmitted through direct contact – in a shared shower, in a pool, sauna or bath.Most often, neoplasms are localized on the soles of adolescents and young people, less often in the elderly. With a weakened immune system, they develop within a few days, but can also appear months after infection.

Risk factors

Doctors point to conditions that increase the risk of developing neoplasms:

• Regular rubbing, trauma, damage to the skin on the feet;
• Wearing uncomfortable, tight shoes that provoke constant friction and pressure;
• foot hyperhidrosis;
• varicose veins of the legs;
• flat feet or arthritis.

How dangerous are plantar warts?

Lesions of the epidermis are not dangerous, in some cases they pass on their own over time without removal. However, plantar warts cause psychological discomfort and pain. Experts say that without timely treatment and with regular mechanical action, neoplasms can degenerate into mosaic. In this case, there are multiple foci of infection that are extremely difficult to treat.

Treatment methods

Depending on the severity of the problem, individual contraindications, the removal of plantar neoplasms is carried out in different ways:

• high-frequency electrocoagulation;
• Cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen;
• surgical operation;
• conservative drug therapy;
• radio wave exposure;
• laser technique.

Laser removal is recognized as the most effective and safe in modern medicine.Light radiation burns out damaged tissues without injuring nearby ones. In this case, neighboring cells are “sterilized”, which eliminates the risk of re-formation of plantar warts. The non-invasive non-contact method excludes the possibility of infection, does not cause discomfort, and has a short rehabilitation period. Another advantage of the laser is the reduced list of contraindications. The technique is used, among other things, in patients with insufficient blood clotting, a tendency to allergies, weakened immunity, and impaired metabolism.

In what cases is the removal of neoplasms prescribed?

Experts recommend seeking help if indicated:

• Pain when wearing tight shoes, walking for a long time;
• bleeding in the affected area;
• uneven coloration of the neoplasm;
• Rapid growth, consolidation of individual lesions into arrays.

If you still have doubts about whether to remove the neoplasm, seek the advice of a specialist.

Contraindications to laser treatment:

• infections and exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
• diabetes mellitus in the stage of decompensation;
• epilepsy and mental disorders;
• history of oncological pathology;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• exacerbation of herpes.

Preparing and carrying out the procedure

The appointment of a session is preceded by a specialist consultation. The doctor examines the neoplasms, selects the necessary laser parameters, collects anamnesis to eliminate the risk of contraindications.If necessary, additional laboratory and instrumental studies are prescribed.

Before the procedure, the target area is decontaminated and treated with a local anesthetic. Combined with the laser cooling system, it provides complete patient comfort. Using the handpiece of the device, the doctor acts pointwise on the affected skin. The high temperature burns out damaged cells at a given depth, disinfects the wound surface and coagulates blood vessels. The whole procedure takes just a few minutes.

A single laser session is usually sufficient to completely remove a plantar wart. After treatment, the affected epidermis is covered with brown granulations, which eventually come off and leave clean, young skin.

Photos of completed works

Removal of plantar warts

Photo “before” and “after”

Plantar wart

Laser removal of plantar wart: “before” and “after” the procedure

Rehabilitation

Immediately after the session, the patient can return to his usual life.Primary rehabilitation takes no more than 5 days, while it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Do not forcibly remove the crusts, this may cause bleeding. Wait for the granulation to exfoliate on its own.

Observe foot hygiene: the treated area can be gently washed, excluding the use of a hard washcloth, pumice stone and other abrasive products.

Do not wear tight or uncomfortable shoes until the skin is completely healed.

The final result can be assessed a month after the procedure, when the young skin is evened out in tone and texture.After the laser, there are no scars or traces of exposure. Unlike a safe technique, surgical intervention and cryodestruction can cause infection of the skin, the formation of hypertrophied scars and other unpleasant consequences.

Since in modern medicine, neoplasms on the soles are considered a cosmetic problem, the patient himself decides on the appropriateness of treatment. When neglected, they can cause severe pain, lameness and reduce the quality of life.Laser removal is a simple and quick way to get rid of plantar warts, return to normal life without pain and complexes.

Plantar warts | Symptoms | Diagnostics | Treatment

What a plantar wart looks like

A plantar wart, or spine, looks like a hard, flat mass on the skin of the foot that rises slightly above the skin level. This type of warts belongs to tumors of the epithelium, which are benign, and diagnosis, as a rule, does not cause difficulties – the main method is dermatoscopy.The doctor, with the help of a special device, visually determines the nature of the new formation. Warts can occur anywhere on the foot, but usually they form on the pads of the toes, heels, that is, in the places of greatest pressure. The photo clearly shows what a plantar wart looks like, its appearance is quite specific and usually leaves no doubt about the diagnosis. The lesion has a dirty brown or unpleasant yellow color, characteristic rough papules are visible, which destroy the papillary patterns.

Since the formation is located on the foot, this can lead to painful sensations and injury to the wart itself.For these reasons, the spine must be treated, although there is a small chance that the plantar wart will go away on its own without serious treatment.

Unfortunately, it is still not easy to get rid of a wart, therefore it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to reduce the risk of infection to other people, as well as to shorten the treatment time for the disease. The use of exclusively folk remedies and independent attempts to get rid of the tumor are undesirable. The plantar wart has a deep root, which is almost impossible to remove on its own, so relapses occur.Folk remedies often severely injure the surrounding tissue, which can lead to an increase in the area of ​​the lesion and unpleasant consequences in the form of burns and scars.

Symptoms

If you suspect a neoplasm, you should not only know what a plantar wart looks like in the photo, but also remember that the disease has characteristic symptoms:

If you experience similar symptoms, see a doctor immediately. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with the consequences.

Causes of the plantar wart

The plantar wart occurs due to the defeat of the foot by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The main route of transmission is contact, infection occurs through common objects or directly from person to person. The favorable environment is warm and humid, so it is important to take precautions when visiting the bathhouse, pool, sauna and gym.

The cause of the occurrence may also be a weakened immune system, since in a normal state the human papillomavirus does not give visible manifestations.

This type of wart can also occur with microtraumas of the epidermis, dry skin, when wearing tight uncomfortable shoes, hyperhidrosis. Also, the causes of warts on the leg can be diseases that lead to deformation of the feet – arthritis of the joints, osteoarthritis, flat feet, as well as diseases that lead to a violation of the integrity of the skin of the foot: diabetes mellitus, varicose veins. It must be remembered that frequent stress can indirectly affect the onset of this disease.

HPV can be acquired by accident during normal walking barefoot on an infected surface, the virus can live up to several months without a direct carrier. After entering the body, it may not manifest itself for several days or even weeks, which is why it is not always possible to know the exact time of infection.

Diagnostics

To determine how to treat plantar warts, a dermatologist conducts a number of studies:

• general inspection;
• dermatoscopy;
• PCR diagnostics;
• histological examination.

How to cure plantar warts

When a plantar wart appears, the question arises of how to cure this neoplasm. When the growths are uncomfortable and spread quickly, the best solution is to see a dermatologist as soon as possible, he will select the most appropriate treatment option. There are several ways to solve this problem.

The most radical of them is operative: the wart and its roots are surgically removed.This method is not the most effective, since the roots of the neoplasm are located in the deep layers of the skin. In some cases, it is not possible to completely remove them.

Removal of warts can be performed using laser and electrocoagulation, as well as using cryotherapy.

In addition to removal in medical institutions, plantar warts can be removed by less radical methods, such as ointments, solutions, special plasters, as well as folk remedies.These remedies for removing plantar warts have a number of their advantages and disadvantages, the main of which is the long treatment time.

Removal of plantar warts

One of the most common ways to remove plantar warts is to remove them in specialized medical institutions. A dermatologist at the appointment should tell you in detail how to get rid of plantar warts, and, based on the results of the examination, choose the most appropriate method.Despite the fact that the thorns are difficult to cure, there is no special specific means of removing them; all methods are used that are appropriate in the treatment of other types of warts. Plantar warts can be treated on an outpatient basis, but your doctor may prescribe remedies to help remove the growths at home.

Surgical removal of warts

Along with other methods of treatment, surgical intervention is used to remove warts. The wart is scraped out with a special scalpel under local anesthesia.After this procedure, if the plantar wart is significant, sutures are applied under the skin, which are removed within one to two weeks. The wound site is treated with a disinfectant solution and an aseptic bandage is applied. There is usually a small scar at the site of removal.

The difficulty of this method is that during the operation the doctor must remove all the roots, otherwise the plantar wart will appear again. Therefore, this method is used today only if all other methods of treatment turned out to be ineffective.

Liquid nitrogen removal

Removal with liquid nitrogen implies exposure of the neoplasm to extremely low temperatures, this is the most common modern and fastest way to treat a plantar wart.

The method is based on freezing the tissue itself. In fact, inside the cells of the wart, under the influence of an extremely low temperature of –196 degrees Celsius, ruptures occur, leading to the death of the wart.

Cryodestruction is carried out manually or by hardware. If the wart is large or the procedure is performed on a child, then it becomes necessary to use local anesthesia, usually novocaine.

Direct exposure time to liquid nitrogen is up to 30 seconds. After the first moxibustion, the doctor should pause to assess the effectiveness of the effect and the need for repeated moxibustion.

After freezing, a blister with a colorless or reddish liquid forms at the site of the wart, which indicates the onset of the inflammatory process.This is a normal reaction to the moxibustion procedure.

Cryodestruction is considered painless, but when treating plantar warts, it must be repeated several times to achieve the final effect. After the wart falls off, no scars remain.

The advantages of liquid nitrogen removal are:

• freezing excludes further spread of the disease to the nearest skin;
• lack of special training;
• short duration of the procedure;
• the risks of developing scars or scars are minimal.

The disadvantages of cryodestruction of plantar warts are:

• the need for a second course with a large lesion area or because of the size of the wart;
• human factor – the professionalism of the doctor performing this procedure is a guarantee of success. The doctor must correctly assess the time and degree of exposure to nitrogen on the tissues, otherwise a burn may form;
• the discomfort caused by a swollen bladder and the need to treat it are also considered disadvantages of the method.

In general, reviews of the treatment of plantar warts by the method of moxibustion with liquid nitrogen are positive, since this is the simplest, most effective and affordable way.

Laser Removal

Laser removal is considered one of the most effective and safe methods. After laser treatment, the wart ceases to be infectious. The procedure itself is painless; a special nozzle is built into the laser, which cools the site of exposure.Additionally, one or more pain-relieving injections are given before the operation. The patient usually feels a slight tingling sensation during the procedure. After removal of the neoplasm, no traces remain, since the laser burns directly the diseased tissue. The laser method allows maximum control of the depth of exposure, which is individual in each case. Therefore, even with deep tissue lesions, it is possible to completely remove the roots, which means that the re-growth of the wart can be prevented.

The operation takes place under sterile conditions, there is no direct contact with the skin or wart, and the duration of the operation is only a few minutes.The positive results of laser-assisted plantar wart removal also make this method the most attractive.

The main disadvantage of laser plantar wart removal is the high cost, which usually includes a doctor’s consultation, anesthesia and the operation itself. In addition, after removal, the wound heals for a long time and requires hygiene.

Treatment of a plantar wart

Before treating a plantar wart, it is necessary to make sure that the diagnosis is accurate and then proceed directly to the procedures.In addition to surgery, your doctor may prescribe immunotherapy and topical medications.

The need for immunotherapy, as a rule, is justified, since the disease is caused by a virus that actively develops in a weakened state of the body. Local immunotherapeutic agents directly target the virus in two ways. In the first case, the drug stimulates the immune system, and in the second, an antigen is injected into the body of the wart, which also activates the immune system, so that the wart can disappear faster.

Treatment of a plantar wart takes quite a long amount of time, it is important not to forget to strengthen the immune system and observe hygiene. If you do not apply removal and treatment, then the wart can go away on its own for more than a year, while a person is a source of infection for everyone around. You should carefully consider this unpleasant disease and be sure to consult a dermatologist, who will definitely tell you how and how to treat a plantar wart.

Treatment of a plantar wart directly depends on compliance with all hygiene standards and doctor’s prescriptions, daily treatment of education is a guarantee of a successful recovery.

Treatment at home

Any new formations on the skin must not be ignored, as cancer tensions are growing all over the world. Do not ignore the appointment with a specialist, he can prescribe a plantar wart treatment at home. In this case, special solutions, ointments, and a plaster for warts are usually prescribed.

Ointments are one of the mildest methods of treatment, they act on the wart itself, as a result of which it gradually dies off and disappears.The following types of ointments are used in the treatment:

• antiviral ointment;
• acid-based ointment;
• various herbal ointments.

The most commonly prescribed ointments with salicylic acid and oxolinic ointment. Any type of ointment is dotted on the wart several times a day in accordance with the instructions. When treating a plantar wart, before applying the drug, it must be steamed in warm water beforehand.It is advisable to apply any ointment at night so that you do not have to step on the formation and wash the ointment.

To get rid of plantar warts at home, you can use a special salicylic acid patch. This product has a low cost and proven effectiveness. The plaster is sold in pharmacies without a prescription, the principle of its use is very simple – a wart is glued with a piece of plaster, and an ordinary medical plaster is fixed on top. You need to change the patch at regular intervals.It may take about two weeks to remove a small wart, but you cannot leave the wart for a long time without a patch. As the treatment progresses, the area of ​​the wart decreases, after 12 hours it becomes covered with a crust, which then disappears. After a successful cure, a small pinkish speck remains on the skin, which should completely disappear over time.

When applying the patch, care must be taken – when applying, avoid healthy skin areas, otherwise severe irritation may occur.There are contraindications for using this method of removing the wart, so the doctor should make the decision on the appointment of the patch.

Another way to treat plantar warts at home is hyperthermia. Feet affected by warts are immersed in the hottest water possible. Such procedures are repeated several times. In some cases, hyperthermia shows a positive effect. The mechanism of the procedure is based on the stimulation of small blood vessels in the legs and the activation of local immunity.

Low temperature treatment can be used at home, similar to the removal of warts with liquid nitrogen. For this, you can use special applicator pens or sprays. As with cryodestruction, several applications may be required.

Treatment with folk remedies

Despite the fact that modern medicines are much more effective and with their help the process of removing plantar warts is faster, it cannot be denied the effectiveness of treatment with folk remedies.Traditional medicine has accumulated vast experience in combating warts, and some methods remain effective.

• Celandine juice is one of the most popular ways to remove thorns. You can use the juice of a fresh plant or purchase at the pharmacy “Mountain celandine”, which contains, in addition to celandine juice, and other herbal extracts. The juice is applied once or twice a day to the affected area.
• Acetic acid, together with various additives, is also used to remove warts.In addition to the acid, onions and flour are used. You can drip the acid itself directly onto the affected area, but this method is quite dangerous due to the high risk of severe burns.
• Apple cider vinegar: a swab soaked in solution (it is important not to use undiluted vinegar) is applied to the affected area of ​​the skin, the area of ​​the skin is preliminarily treated with an abrasive file.
• Garlic is another folk remedy for treating warts. The formation should be rubbed with raw garlic until it disappears completely, but this method can be used for no more than three weeks.
• The banana peel is applied internally to the affected area of ​​the skin, it is believed that it can pull out the wart.

In order to pinpoint the affected area and not touch the adjacent tissue, you can use a piece of adhesive tape. A hole is made in it to the size of the neoplasm, and the adjacent healthy skin remains intact. This avoids burns and other injuries.

Plantar wart in a child

With age, a person develops immunity to HPV, so children and young people are more susceptible to this infection.Most often, the disease affects children over the age of five. A doctor will help you recognize a plantar wart in a child, as in some cases it may resemble an old callus.

Although plantar warts in a child go away on their own, you should not ignore their treatment, it is also worth remembering the possibility of infecting the whole family and people around them. A plantar wart in a child almost always causes severe painful discomfort when walking, therefore, requires prompt treatment and a visit to a doctor.Our service contains proven pediatric dermatologists and reviews about them, according to which you can choose a good specialist for your child.

Because children are sensitive to pain, it is difficult to find therapy. To begin with, you should use various ointments – they are affordable, easy to use and effective. Folk remedies are also widely used, in the safety of which there is no doubt.

Liquid nitrogen and laser removal are effective methods for removing plantar warts in children.Removing warts using these methods is one of the most radical methods. They are resorted to when solutions and ointments do not have the desired effect.

After healing, it is important not to forget about the prevention of plantar warts in children. This is strengthening the immune system, careful hygiene and wearing the right comfortable shoes. It should be remembered that the risk of infection is especially high in public places and from another person, so you need to make sure that the child does not walk in someone else’s shoes or barefoot.Any item that has come into direct contact with the formation must be thoroughly washed at a high temperature. All of these actions will help prevent the development of the virus in the future.

Danger

If the procedure for removing plantar warts is not carried out in time, this can lead to serious consequences, such as:

• the appearance of warts on other areas of the skin;
• skin cancer.

Doctors strongly advise not to self-medicate – cutting, piercing or cauterizing the warts will worsen the situation and lead to the formation of new warts.

Risk group

Risk group consists of:

• people with hormonal disorders in the body;
• HIV-infected.

Prophylaxis

To prevent plantar warts, patients are advised to:

• strengthen the immune system;
• eat more foods rich in vitamins;
• to properly care for the skin of the feet;
• Do not wear tight shoes, shoes made of synthetic materials;
• In public places (changing rooms, showers) do not walk barefoot.

This article is posted for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.

How to get rid of it quickly and permanently? »Farmvestnik

Warts are perhaps one of the most common skin problems, especially in adolescents. According to statistics *, 75% of people at least once in their life have encountered warts in themselves or their loved ones.

To date, it has been proven that a wart is a benign neoplasm of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).Moreover, various types of virus have been identified that cause this or that type of warts. Two types of warts are most common:

• Common warts (about 65-70% of cases) are usually painless. They are gray-white and appear as bumpy nodules. On the surface of common warts, there may be growths that resemble cauliflower. Localization of lesions – most often on the fingers, outer surface of the hand, face. They can also be found on the body.

• Plantar warts (about 30% of cases) form on the soles of the feet, mainly in people with increased sweating.These are dense formations with a dirty gray color and an uneven, bumpy surface. They are painful when pressed and thereby cause severe inconvenience when walking.

HPV skin lesion proceeds in different ways. The infection can manifest itself as single or multiple warts. The penetration of the virus into the body through the skin is facilitated by microtrauma (cuts, scratches, etc.) and skin diseases. That is why among the most common places where warts appear are fingers and palms of hands, elbows, feet, which are most often injured.

It is worth noting that over time, warts may disappear on their own, but this is not worth waiting for. Indeed, very often warts remain on the skin for a long time and can gradually grow – this is called autoinoculation.

The presence of warts causes severe emotional discomfort, and with plantar localization – also physical. But the point is not only that the affected areas of the skin are visually unpleasant. Warts are highly contagious and can easily spread even with a simple handshake.Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Undoubtedly, the most effective method is considered to be cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen or laser removal in medical centers with the participation of experienced professionals. Getting rid of warts in this case is possible in one or several procedures, depending on the degree of skin damage. But the cost of these services is often high. Today there are remedies that can help get rid of warts at home.

The simplest and most convenient way to remove warts at home is cryodestruction at temperatures below -50 ° C.In pharmacies, there are products for self-removal of warts using cryotherapy (freezing). After 7-14 days, a healthy skin is formed under the “frozen” wart, which then remains after the detachment of the tissues that have died as a result of freezing.

* http://www.speleomed.ru/php/content.php?id=4571

NERVOUS DISEASE – WARRIORS – Ogonyok No. 20 (4451) dated 19.05.1996

Health

In the spring, everyone wants to be beautiful, and the number of visitors to beauty salons increases dramatically.However, with commonplace warts, doctors are often in no hurry. And in vain

“N Don’t take a frog in your hands – you will get infected with warts” – this is how children still frighten each other. Frogs have nothing to do with it, but it is very easy to get infected with warts. This mysterious disease of a viral nature is very easily transmitted from person to person, especially easily if the virus enters the damaged areas of the skin – combed, inflamed, on the smallest cracks, invisible to the eye. The virus was isolated by scientists, however, except for the fact of its existence, everything else in the history of warts is the field of scientific hypotheses.It is assumed, for example, that the disease is based on disorders of the central nervous system, that the virus affects the nerve endings … The same wart is attributed to benign neoplasms.

Warts of children and adolescents are most often affected, it is also unknown why. Adults are more likely to suffer from other benign tumors – papillomas – tiny flesh-colored balls on a thin stalk, and old people – from the so-called senile warts, but both of them are not of viral origin.

Each of the three types of warts – simple, flat and pointed – requires special treatment.

Simple or juvenile warts appear on the face, the back of the palms and look almost harmless: barely protruding yellowish-white papules (small tumors) that are slightly scaly. However, if left untreated, many white spots will develop around the “maternal” wart, which over time can turn into brown plaques. Teenage girls often try to remove unpleasant stains themselves or plaster them with foundation.As a result, the wart can cover the entire face, becoming a source of distress. However, if the doctor manages to identify and remove the “maternal” wart, all her “daughters” can disappear in two or three days – and this is another mystery of the mysterious disease. It is these warts that most often lend themselves to treatment by purely psychological methods: hypnosis, folk conspiracies, “grandmother’s” means. One cosmetologist said that he sometimes achieved success by tying the girl’s wrist with a red thread and not allowing her to be removed until the warts disappeared.For similar purposes, adolescents are sometimes prescribed treatment with simple vitamins.

But flat warts with all these things cannot be overcome. They look more ugly – dense nodules of a grayish-yellow color, quickly becoming keratinized. The most sensitive areas of the hands and feet are affected – the back of the palms, between the fingers, around and under the nails. A particularly difficult option is plantar warts, which can appear even in a small child. They are most often discovered quite late, and it is more difficult to treat them from this.Plantar warts interfere with walking, cause pain, and can range in size from a plaque of a few millimeters to a chicken egg.

Genital warts resembling a bright pink sponge affect the groin folds and require immediate treatment by a dermatologist.

Anna ZAKATNOVA

Specialist opinion

O.S. Panova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Director of the Center for Cosmetology Correction:

– P Experiences to treat warts on their own can have dire consequences.Outwardly, simple and flat warts are very similar to non-pigmented melanoma – a very dangerous malignant disease. Even a single wart needs to be shown to a doctor, and it is best to treat them in specialized medical institutions or in those beauty salons where you are guaranteed a dermatologist’s consultation. When removing neglected warts, it is worth asking whether an analysis of the removed tissue will be done. The statistics of skin diseases is growing steadily, including malignant ones, so you should not neglect basic precautions.

Prevention of warts – the same simple rules of personal hygiene, cleanliness, timely treatment of lesions on the skin. In order not to get unpleasant plantar warts, do not wear someone else’s and tight shoes, if you suffer from flat feet, seek the help of an orthopedist.

Pharmacy on duty

N The doctor will recommend the necessary treatment, and now there is a choice in pharmacies. The special cream “Ferizol” perfectly softens the keratinized surface of warts.For the same procedure for plantar warts, a special plaster “Solkoderm” was made. But only specialists will help to completely get rid of unpleasant growths.

The two most commonly used methods are cryotherapy and electrocoagulation. At the first, the warts are treated with liquid nitrogen (its temperature reaches minus 187 degrees). As a result of such a “burn on the contrary”, a bubble is formed, it quickly peels off, the wart disappears.

Electrocoagulation is most often used in the treatment of juvenile warts.A device resembling a thick automatic pencil is applied to the warts with high-frequency electric current. The procedure is practically painless and effective.

Attention: under no circumstances try to remove warts with strong acids, this causes deep skin burns, but rarely leads to success.

By the way

In folk medicine there are old methods of treating warts: smearing with celandine juice, especially juice from the root part of the plant.It is also recommended to rub the warts with garlic and dandelion juice; in the fall, for the same purpose, they use gruel from the fruits of red mountain ash – it is applied to the wart at night and bandaged or fixed with a plaster.

For warts in children, folk medicine recommends wiping with a piece of ice, you can artificially: keep the ice while you wait.

There are also “psychotherapeutic” folk remedies: for example, cut an apple in half with a thread, rub the wart with halves of the apple, then tie it with the same thread and bury it: when the apple decays, the warts will disappear.A completely extravagant method of treatment was recommended by the notorious Huck Finn to the even more famous Tom Sawyer – to remove warts with a dead cat at midnight on Friday in the cemetery. It is possible that these exotic methods are also effective – after all, warts, as already mentioned, are a nervous disease. But take care of yourself – instead of a dead cat, resort to the achievements of progress. It is both safer and the nerves are more intact.

Treatment of warts | State Scientific Center for Laser Medicine named after OK. Skobelkina

Laser removal of warts

The appearance of warts is often associated with a decrease in immunity and with infection with the papillomatosis virus.All types of warts can be removed with a laser. And they are different:

By the place of localization, warts are distinguished: corporal, on the head, genital.

By shape and appearance, warts are classified as follows:

• ordinary – have an uneven surface, most often appear on the face, back of the hand, fingers, scalp. Laser removal of warts on the face solves not only a medical problem, but also an aesthetic one;
• plantar – are filiform papillae.They can easily be mistaken for a corn. These warts are painful and can lead to complications;
• genital warts are localized in the inguinal and intergluteal regions, on the genitals and are fused pink papillary formations. Infection occurs through sexual contact. Removal of such warts with a laser in our center is carried out anonymously by appointment;
• Juvenile (flat) warts are caused by irritation, cuts, scrapes on the face and hands.With age, such growths disappear, but this does not exclude the appeal to a specialist in our center;
• Senile (keratomas) are not associated with a viral origin, they appear in people in old age and are concentrated on the neck, face and trunk. The color ranges from gray to dark brown.

In appearance, the warts are similar to neoplasms of another origin, therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor before removal. The first stage in complex treatment is the removal of formations on the skin.Laser removal of warts is a modern method of treatment that guarantees a good result. This is due to a quick recovery and a minimal likelihood of complications after the procedure. With laser therapy, all cells infected with the virus are destroyed, since the laser has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.

Medical center in Tula – clinic L-Med

Warts are a contagious disease. It is caused by a special virus (having more than 50 varieties), which enters the body through microtrauma of the skin and mucous membranes.Source – a sick person and his personal household items; the incubation period takes about 4-5 months. So from such an unpleasant disease – warts – no one is immune. In addition, there are several types of warts:

• common warts . The formations are distinguished by convexity, density, clear boundaries, skin color or grayish-brown, with a rough surface. Common warts are located on the hands and fingers, face, scalp.
• Plantar warts . Very hard and painful, conical warts that grow rapidly. The location of plantar warts is a zone of high pressure.
• juvenile warts . Sufficiently small formations of yellowish color, rounded, with a smooth surface. Juvenile warts are located on the face and hands.

If you have warts, remember – there is always a risk of acquiring a malignant character.In addition, warts can metastasize throughout the body, both on the surface of the skin and in internal organs, which leads to the appearance of more and more formations.

A signal for immediate treatment of warts can be their rapid growth, change in shape and color, bleeding or soreness. Unless, of course, you want to prevent this process. Wart treatment is a procedure performed using several different methods.

Treatment of warts by cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen .A very painful way to treat warts using low-temperature exposure to an applicator with liquid nitrogen. The applicator or a special cryoapplicator is applied perpendicularly to the wart for 10-30 seconds, subsequently there is hyperemia and edema of the wart, an epidermal bladder with serous and hemorrhagic contents, which lasts about 5-7 days. After that, the bubble disappears, a crust forms in its place; 10-12 days after the treatment of the wart with liquid nitrogen, only an inconspicuous pinkish spot remains.The procedure sometimes has to be repeated several times (up to 5 times or more with an interval of 3-5 days).

Treatment of warts by electrocoagulation . Electrocoagulation of warts involves using a surgical coagulator under local anesthesia to cut the wart with an electric current. The use of a coagulator avoids tissue bleeding. After exposure, a thin crust forms at the site of the wart, which falls off within a week. Sometimes after the treatment of warts with electrocautery, light small scars may remain.

Surgical excision of warts . The indication for the use of this method of treating warts is their vast areas. The operation is performed under local anesthesia with the imposition of intradermal cosmetic sutures, removed on the seventh day. However, with this method of treating warts, there is a risk of their reappearance.

Laser treatment for warts . This modern method of combating warts is presented in two varieties: vaporization with an erbium laser or coagulation with a carbon dioxide laser.Removal of warts occurs in layers under local anesthesia for 1-2 minutes. At the site of the wart, only a small depression remains, which levels out in 2 weeks.

Laser is the only suitable method for treating all types of warts, optimally combining painlessness, efficiency and convenience. This method gives absolutely no complications in the form of scars, hypo- or hyperpigmentation. The advantage of laser treatment for warts is the prevention of repeated removal, and healing does not require any restrictions in the usual way of life.The method of treating warts with a laser is completely bloodless, sterile, eliminates the possibility of blood poisoning.

After the removal of the wart, the material is sent to an independent histological laboratory; the results of histological analysis are provided as quickly as possible. Take care of your health – even a small wart is a ticking time bomb! The longer you live with this virus, the more likely it is that the wart will turn into a malignant tumor.

Laser medicine today offers many ways to treat various diseases, and the use of such technologies allows you to achieve maximum success in dermatology.Laser treatment of warts is the most effective method of getting rid of this unpleasant disease, because there are no scars, scars and other side effects at the site of the warts. Laser treatment of warts is simple, painless and safe.

Removal of warts in Novosibirsk – prices at EuroMed clinic

Warts are an annoying nuisance that worries many people. Warts are benign growths on the skin that are infectious in nature.The incubation period for the development of a wart is from 2 to 5 months.

Despite the unattractive appearance, many people are in no hurry to remove them. Concerns are caused both by the procedure itself (will it not be painful) and the expected aesthetic effect: will an ugly scar remain in place of the removed wart?

Fortunately, these fears are unfounded. Modern methods of removing warts are completely safe for health, painless and do not leave scars.

Electrocoagulation

The wart is removed using a high frequency electric current.The current is supplied to a special metal loop. Cutting off with current and coagulation of nearby tissues occurs. Heating occurs instantly, which prevents contamination of surrounding tissues and prevents bleeding from developing. The removed tissues are sent for histological examination.

After exposure to the current, a crust forms on the skin, which disappears by itself after about a week.

Surgical excision

If the neoplasms reach a significant size, the method of surgical excision is used.The operation is carried out under local anesthesia, at the end of the operation, cosmetic stitches are applied to the patient, which are removed on the seventh day. After the operation, a thin (about a millimeter) flat scar remains. The excised warts are also sent for histological examination.

Laser Removal

The most modern and popular method of removing warts at the present time. Laser removal allows you to quickly and painlessly solve this delicate problem. With this method of removing a scar, no scar is formed, however, it remains possible to take a tissue sample for histological examination.

Which removal method is best for you can only be decided by a doctor in an in-person consultation. Regardless of which method is preferred, the doctors of the EuroMed clinic will carry out the procedure at the highest level. After removing the wart, the doctor will carefully examine the treated skin area and give detailed recommendations for further caring for it.