Causes of Warts

The clinical picture of the disease depends on the localization of the pathological process and the type of virus. Usually, flesh-colored growths develop into semi-circular, gray-brown, hyperkeratotic, discrete, rough papules, often with black dots on the surface. The black specks are thrombosed capillaries. Typically, there are not many warts, but they can be numerous.

Causes of Warts

Warts are benign growths. The main cause of warts is infection of skin cells with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The primary target organs for the virus are the skin and mucous membranes. Infection occurs through contact with an infected person or animal, as well as with carriers who do not have clinical symptoms. The viruses remain viable in the environment: infection can occur in swimming pools, baths, gyms, and similar places.

The virus mainly spreads through contact, such as direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person (e.g., through a handshake). Indirect transmission can also occur through shared surfaces, such as handrails or handles in public transportation.

Clinical practice has identified over 100 types of HPV that can affect the skin and mucous membranes, leading to various changes. On the skin, HPV infection appears as warts, with an incidence rate of 7-12% in adults. In children, HPV is also the cause of warts, with an incidence rate of 10-20%. Within two years, 65% of viral warts regress on their own; those that persist beyond this period require removal.

Types of Warts

The classification is quite simple and includes the following types:

• common (vulgar);
• flat;
• pointed (condyloma);
• filiform.

The common (vulgar) wart is the most widespread type. Palmar warts are slightly raised papules of a round shape, 1-10 mm in diameter, with rough, dry skin and a pitted surface of gray-white or reddish color. During instrumental diagnostics, these warts on the hands appear as colored and uncolored areas that mimic the shape, texture, and size characteristics of the external surface of the growth.

Another type of common warts is plantar warts. They appear on the foot or toes. The infection often occurs in areas of maximum pressure, such as the projections of the metatarsal heads, heels, and toes. An accumulation of several warts is called a "mosaic wart." Clinically, they present as round, rough, keratotic papules with a depressed appearance, either single or multiple, usually flesh-colored. When the surface is removed (debrided), single black dots, which are thrombosed capillaries, are often visible. Pressing on these papules causes pain. Some plantar warts are depressed and resemble numerous small pits. A callus can be mistakenly identified as a wart. A wart lacks clear lines on its surface and has dark spots in the center that bleed when debrided. Calluses have a hard, painful, transparent core in the center.

Flat warts appear on the face or the back of the hands. This type is characterized by flat, smooth papules that slightly rise above the skin surface, match the surrounding skin color, and are smaller in size than common warts. They often occur in groups. During diagnosis, flat warts appear as faintly colored, round areas of corresponding size.

Pointed warts (condylomas) are soft, reddish or pink masses resembling cauliflower. In some cases, they can reach a diameter of several centimeters. They usually appear on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Filiform or hanging warts are growths that do not exceed 5 mm in diameter. They appear as protrusions held on a thin stalk of skin. They are typically located in the folds of the eyelids and on the face.

What is the difference between warts and papillomas?

Warts differ from papillomas by their well-defined edges and rough surface. Papillomas have a stalk, which warts do not, and they can hang slightly. Typically, warts and papillomas have different locations on the body.

What happens if a wart is injured?

If a wart on the neck or any other area is injured, it may become painful, bleed, and increase in size. If it is severely injured or torn off, it can lead to infection and further dermatological issues.

After injury, warts may turn red or black. However, in some cases, red warts can occur due to disturbances in the functioning of small blood vessels, which lead to their intertwining.

Methods of Wart Removal

The main methods for removing warts include:

• Destructive methods (electro-, radio wave, and laser destruction, chemodestruction, cryodestruction);
• Cytostatic methods;
• Antimitotic methods;
• Antiviral methods.

In the case of multiple warts, especially those located on exposed areas of the body, conservative treatment methods that minimize scarring and other cosmetic defects are generally preferred. One well-known treatment method is cryodestruction.

Cryodestruction is a method of local exposure to low temperatures on the tissues of the growth. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, delivered through a metal tip, the tissues are instantly cooled to extremely low temperatures. This causes intracellular and intercellular fluids to freeze and turn into crystals, disrupting the vital processes within the warts, leading to their destruction. 

The treatment of warts using apparatus cryodestruction lasts several minutes. The removal is virtually painless and does not leave scars.

Prevention of Warts

It is difficult to discuss the incidence and prevalence of skin warts due to the lack of a registration and data accounting system for these growths in almost the entire world. It is estimated that the prevalence of warts may reach 20% of the population, and most people will experience this condition at least once in their lifetime.

One of the leading methods for combating growths is prevention, and the most effective preventive method is to avoid micro-injuries to the skin and to keep the skin moisturized.

LeoDerm Clinic offers a solution for warts on the body or face that arise for any reason. The advantage of treatment at a multidisciplinary clinic is a comprehensive approach to this type of dermatological pathology: diagnosis, selection of the optimal removal method, and preventive consultations. The clinic's specialists use modern equipment and practice an individualized approach in each clinical case. If warts appear on the body, it is advisable to consult a specialist to determine the cause of their occurrence, receive treatment, and ensure ongoing monitoring of the condition.