A wart is a benign formation on the skin that looks like a rounded elevation, the cause of which is a strong growth of the surface epithelium and papillary layer.
In most cases, the proliferation of cells is caused by HPV, caused by external and internal factors - unrest, decreased immunity, for some types - increased sweating of the extremities. You can get infected with HPV through contact with the carrier and objects. This does not apply to senile warts - their formation is non-viral in nature.
The sizes of formations vary on average from 1 to 15 mm (senile ones reach 6 cm). They have an uneven surface, so they are easily contaminated, which is why they can change color from almost fleshy to brown over time. Several units can group together when they are close. All warts can be removed. In some cases, the doctor may decide to observe without removal if the patient is comfortable.
When to see a doctor urgently:
- education is located in the genital area;
- itching, discharge is observed in the area of the neoplasm;
- there is a heterogeneous color, spots;
- changes shape and color;
- because of the location it is injured in everyday life;
- not sure if it's a wart.
Types of warts
There are 4 types:
- ordinary (simple) - formed on the hands (subgroup from the inside - plantar);
- flat - occur mainly in young people, so another name for flat warts is youthful warts;
- spiky - formed in the genital area, infection with the types of HPV that cause it;
- senile - the causes are unclear, they are not caused by HPV, they are formed in middle-aged and elderly people.
Common warts are 1-10 mm in size, thick, keratinized. The average life of such a formation is about 2 years, after which it spontaneously recedes. The most common place of localization are brushes.
Plantar warts are formations on the feet that initially look like a small callus, then a rough surface with black dots appears in its center, and a small roller along the edge. Inflamed formations cause discomfort, due to which the patient feels pain when walking. They can lead to loss of mobility and performance. Removal of plantar warts significantly improves the quality of life.
Flat warts have obvious borders, small size - up to 5 mm, slightly rise above the surface of the skin by 1-2 mm. Any shape - round or uneven. Skin irritation, scratches, cuts can cause the appearance. Favorite places for the localization of formations of this type are the face, hands and lower legs.
Genital warts are found on the genitals. They are treated by removal, and quite quickly, because they can get large sizes. Infection occurs sexually, its probability is higher in the presence of wounds in the groin. Condylomas are pink nodules that coalesce to form papillary growths attached to the body on a stalk.
Senile warts (seborrheic keratosis) are the only ones listed that are not related to HPV. We can talk about a genetic predisposition because of the frequent positive family history. Formations can reach quite large sizes - up to 4-6 cm (average size - 0. 2-3 cm). They spawn in groups of up to 20 units. The most common places of localization are chest, face, neck, forearms, hands.
At first, the elements are flat and small, the surface is uneven. They are covered with covers that are easy to remove. Then the crusts become thicker, drier, covered with cracks. Over time, their thickness can be 1-2 cm. Over the years, they take the shape of mushroom caps, they become dark, although they were originally light yellow or pink. They contain impurities. The formations never turn into a cancerous form.
Removal of warts
The treatment of warts is selected by the doctor on an individual basis, depending on the type, size, contraindications and other aspects. The clinic offers 4 ways to remove warts, papillomas and condylomas:
- using a radio wave scalpel;
- CO2 laser removal;
- cryodestruction;
- diathermocoagulation.
They are suitable for removing flat and raised warts. Unfortunately, none of the presented methods are able to eliminate HPV from the body, which leaves the probability of recurrence at 30%. Also, no method gives a 100% guarantee, an additional procedure may be required. Scars may remain after removal, and the right choice of clinic and technique will help to avoid this. Experienced dermatologists in a professional office and high-quality equipment manufactured according to modern standards are a combination that ensures high quality of service, painlessness and quick recovery. Infiltration and applied anesthesia are available.
laser removal
The laser produces a powerful energy light stream, causing a sudden increase in temperature in the tissues. The advantages of laser removal of papillomas and warts are the absence of bleeding, blisters, and large scars. The procedure takes 5-7 minutes. As a rule, formations are eliminated the first time.
Removal of warts is carried out according to the following plan:
- skin treatment with an antiseptic;
- anesthetic treatment (injection or lubrication);
- treatment of papillomas on the entire surface;
- treatment of resulting wounds and dressing.
Cryodestruction
The treatment is carried out with liquid nitrogen. This procedure is used in the removal of a wide range of neoplasms, and even in the treatment of tumors of internal organs, in diseases of the cervix, in liver surgery. Under the influence of low temperature, the water in the cells freezes, the cell bursts and dies.
Removal Procedure:
- anesthesia (if it is large, it is located in an area with thin skin);
- exposure with a cotton swab soaked in liquid nitrogen (5-30 seconds depending on the size);
- wait 2 minutes. Examination. If necessary, repeat the process.
The next day, a blister will appear on the skin, which will gradually pass. The patient's task is not to damage the bladder prematurely, to wash it gently, not to put a patch, to protect it from external influences.
Diathermocoagulation
This method of treatment includes tissue cauterization with high-frequency current, contact and non-contact methods. The procedure is performed with the help of EKhVCh (high-frequency electrosurgical device). Its difference from the radio wave scalpel "Surgitron" lies in the use of high frequency current - about 400 kHz (up to 4 MHz in the radio knife). The method enables bloodless coagulation of the skin and effectively copes with formations.
radio wave scalpel
As a radio wave scalpel, when removing warts, Surgitron is used, which works on radio waves with a frequency of 3. 8-4. 0 MHz. The wave evaporates the cells on which it is directed, and does not affect the neighboring ones. Often this method is used on the face, neck, genitals due to its delicacy. Advantages include high speed, bloodlessness, minimal swelling, and quick healing.
The operation is performed as follows:
- the skin is treated with an antiseptic;
- anesthesia is given (injections, cream);
- the doctor takes the waveguide of the desired shape and removes the neoplasm;
- antiseptic treatment.
Make an appointment with a dermatologist
The network of NEARMEDIC clinics offers several effective methods for removing flat, pointed, senile, ordinary, including plantar warts. An inexperienced person can confuse warts with other neoplasms that can turn into a malignant form - before resorting to treatment, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist.
In our clinic, treatment is provided by experienced dermatovenerologists, candidates and doctors of medical sciences, with whom you can consult even in difficult cases. On the website you will find the names, photos and biographies of all specialists with their place of admission. Here you can schedule an appointment with a specific doctor.
Eliminating the visible manifestations of the problem is not enough to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. General therapy with antiviral drugs that reduce the activity of the human papillomavirus is used for this. The doctor will carry out a complete diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, advise on all types of removal and recommend the most effective in a specific case. At the first signs of illness, consult a specialist.
The costs of the doctor's examination and removal are listed in the table. Note that removing 2 to 5 or more than 5 formations is cheaper. To schedule an appointment, call or use the form on the website.