Overview
Common warts are small, grainy skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They most often appear on fingers or hands and may feel rough to the touch. These warts often feature tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. Common warts are benign and usually harmless, but they can be bothersome or embarrassing.
Types of Common warts
- Common Warts (Verruca vulgaris): These typically occur on hands, presenting as rough, fleshy bumps with black dots resembling seeds. HPV types 2 and 4 are common culprits.
- Plantar Warts: Found on the soles of feet, these warts can be flat or grow inward. They may cause pain while standing or walking. HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27, and 57 cause plantar warts.
- Mosaic Warts: White, pinhead-sized warts that cluster on the balls of the feet or under toes. HPV type 2 is responsible for mosaic warts.
- Flat Warts (Verruca plana): Smaller and smoother than other warts, they can appear anywhere on the body. HPV types 3, 10, and 28 cause flat warts.
- Filiform Warts: Long, thread-like warts often found around the mouth, eyes, and nose. HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27, and 29 cause filiform warts.
Causes of Common warts
Common warts result from HPV infection, transmitted through casual skin contact or shared objects like towels. Some strains are acquired through sexual contact. It can take two to six months for warts to develop after exposure to the virus.
Risk Factors of Common warts
Several factors increase the risk of developing common warts:
- Children and Young Adults: Their developing immune systems may not have built up immunity to HPV.
- Weakened Immune Systems: Individuals with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients are at higher risk.
- Injuries to the Skin, Frequent Wet Hands, and Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) also increase susceptibility.
Symptoms of Common warts
Common warts exhibit the following characteristics:1. Appearance: Common warts are small, raised bumps that can occur on the fingers, hands, or other areas.
2. Texture: They feel rough and grainy due to their thickened skin layers.
3. Color: Common warts are usually flesh-colored or grayish.
4. Black Dots: These warts often have tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) on their surface.
5. Location: They commonly appear on the knuckles, nails, or backs of fingers.
6. Chest Pain or Discomfort: While they are generally not painful, they can cause discomfort if they rub against clothing or other surfaces.
7. Spreading: Common warts can spread to nearby skin through direct contact or self-inoculation.
Preventions of Common warts
To reduce your risk of common warts:
- Avoid direct contact with warts.
- Keep hands dry and avoid nail-biting.
- Practice good hygiene in public showers and pools.
Diagnosis of Common warts
- Physical Examination: Doctors can diagnose common warts through a simple physical examination. They look for rough texture, tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels), and other characteristic features.
- Skin Biopsy: If needed, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis
Treatment for Common warts
arious treatment options are available:
- Over-the-counter topical treatments (salicylic acid)
- Cryotherapy (freezing)
- Laser therapy
- Surgical removal
- Immunotherapy Monitor for recurrence and follow-up as needed.
When to seek medical attention ?
- Seek medical attention if:
- Warts are painful or change in appearance.
- Over-the-counter treatments fail.
- Warts persist, spread, or recur.
- The growths interfere with daily activities.
- Uncertainty exists about the nature of the growths.
