This article looks at the different types of warts and the treatment options. It also explains how to know when wart treatment has been effective. Warts are harmless skin growths that vary in appearance depending on their type. They can occur anywhere on the body but commonly affect the hands. The human papillomavirus HPV causes warts, which can readily spread between people in close contact.
If a person comes into contact with the virus, it can infect the surface layer of the skin, creating a wart. Having cuts or other damage to the skin makes this more likely to occur. Some people have a higher likelihood of getting warts than others, including:. As there are about strains of HPV, the virus can cause many different types of warts.
Types of warts include:. Common warts have a rough, cauliflower-like texture and may appear as single warts or in a cluster. Their size ranges from 1 millimeter to more than 1 centimeter, and they usually occur on the backs of fingers or toes, around the nails, or on the knees.
Plantar warts, which grow on the soles of the feet, look like calluses, have a hard surface, and contain small, black dots. They can appear as single warts or in clusters.
These warts may feel tender under pressure, and a person may feel as though they have pebbles in their shoes when walking. Plane warts are flat, skin-colored warts that commonly grow on the face, hands, and shins. People usually have multiple plane warts. Shaving may be responsible for spreading the virus on the face or legs. Filiform warts look like threads or fronds coming from the skin. They appear on the face, particularly around the eyes, nose, or mouth, and usually grow quickly.
However, they occur due to a specific strain of HPV and affect people who live or work in cold, moist environments. Wart treatments work by removing the wart rather than curing HPV. The virus particularly thrives in warm, moist environments, meaning it is commonly contracted in swimming pools or locker rooms. Q: Does duct tape really work to remove plantar warts? A: There is no clear evidence to suggest that the application of duct tape really works to remove plantar warts. However, the method is enduringly popular and does seem to work for some people, despite the science behind this being unclear.
If you are considering using this method, consult a doctor beforehand. Q: Can plantar warts be cancerous? A: In the vast majority of cases, plantar warts are harmless and pose no risk of cancer.
Certain types of the HPV virus, however, can lead to some cancers. If plantar warts do not respond to treatment and continue to grow, a biopsy should be carried out to check for cancerous cells. Mayo Clinic. NHS Choice. Accessed August 15, NHS inform. Accessed February 24, The Egyptian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology. American Academy of Dermatology. Natural Remedy Idea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Podiatry Network. Accessed July 17, This website meets the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. What are plantar warts? Causes of plantar warts Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus HPV — an umbrella term for a group of viruses that affect the skin.
How plantar warts spread Warts are spread from person to person, sometimes indirectly through objects or surfaces such as: Surfaces around swimming pools Floors of communal changing rooms Shared socks and shoes Shared towels Damaged or wet skin is most susceptible to infection.
Diagnosing plantar warts Diagnosing plantar warts will ordinarily involve a doctor or specialist examining the affected area and checking for visible signs and symptoms. Plantar warts removal Home remedies are available and can be effective in removal of the warts in some cases. Surgical methods of plantar wart removal include: Electrosurgery: Often viewed as a last resort, this surgery involves using an electric needle to burn away the warts.
It is typically carried out using a pulsed dye laser to cauterize the skin and kill skin tissue to remove the wart Plantar warts home remedies As plantar warts are generally non-serious, many people attempt to treat the condition at home, before seeking professional medical attention. There are a variety of methods for doing this: [11] Salicylic acid products: A range of non-prescription salicylic acid products, including plasters, gels and rubs, are available from almost all pharmacies.
It is usually necessary to apply the products a number of times Liquid nitrogen: Non-prescription liquid nitrogen products are also available from pharmacies. Plantar warts prevention Plantar warts are common and can be difficult to protect against. However, taking certain preventative measures may help reduce the risk of infection: [13] Covering the feet with shoes or sandals, for example, when using communal areas like swimming pools and locker rooms Washing the feet and hands regularly The HPV vaccine may reduce the risk of developing plantar warts, though this is not guaranteed and may be most effective when administered at a young age [14] Those who have plantar warts should make efforts to prevent the spread of the virus to other parts of the body, as well as to other people.
They can: [15] Avoid sharing towels, shoes and socks Cover warts with a plaster when swimming Wear shoes or sandals in communal areas Avoid scratching or unnecessarily touching warts Change socks daily If you are concerned that you may have plantar warts, try using the free Ada app to carry out a symptom assessment.
If there is no response to treatment, further diagnostic evaluation may be necessary. In such cases, the surgeon can perform a biopsy to rule out other potential causes for the growth.
Although many folk remedies for warts exist, patients should be aware that these remain unproven and may be dangerous.
Patients should never try to remove warts themselves. This can do more harm than good. A A A Print Share. What Is a Plantar Wart? There are two types of plantar warts: A solitary wart is a single wart. It often increases in size and may eventually multiply, forming additional satellite warts.
Mosaic warts are a cluster of several small warts growing closely together in one area.
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