Warts are non-inflammatory skin diseases. They resemble small tumor-like shapes 1 mm to 1 cm or more in size. The formation of warts has a viral etiology (they are caused by activation of human papillomavirus). This article explains how to get rid of warts.
Etiology
Why do warts appear on the body? It is noted that these structures are formed on the skin due to papillomavirus infection. Infection occurs when the skin is slightly damaged (through various cuts and scratches, as well as through direct contact with an infected person or sharing infected objects). The following factors are favorable for the activation of papillomavirus:
- decreased immunity;
- constant stress;
- frequent contact with virus carriers;
- lack of hygiene;
- going to the pool or sauna;
- narrow and poor quality shoes;
- Increased sweating of the feet and palms.
Warts appear on almost any part of the body (legs, arms, face, head). The incubation period is 2-5 months.
Types of warts
There are the following types:
- Normal - such warts appear on the hands (back), fingers, scalp, and face. They look like dense round knots with a rough surface.
- Flat (or juvenile) - small yellow nodules that are round in shape and have a flat surface and protrude slightly above the level of healthy skin. As a rule, they appear on the face and hands, they are most common in schoolchildren and young people.
- Acute - located in the intimate areas, cauliflower, black flesh or brown, sexually transmitted.
- Foot warts usually appear on the feet. They are made up of fibers that are painful, callus-like, and surrounded by significant horny layers.
How to get rid of warts on their own?
Various structures on the skin can be harmful, so you should consult a dermatologist before starting treatment, especially in such cases:
- warts, bleeding, change in shape or color;
- if the wart becomes large and obstructs;
- if the structure is located in visible parts of the body and is the cause of psychological discomfort;
- If new warts appear constantly.
It should be noted that improper treatment can lead to cancer (degeneration into malignant forms).
What can you do at home?
After consulting a doctor, it is recommended to use one of the special chemicals that are sold in pharmacies and help to get rid of warts quickly. Before using any pharmaceuticals, it is recommended to first steam the skin in hot water with soap and soda, and then remove the stratum corneum with nail clippers. Salicylic oil is often used to soften warts. To do this, it is applied to the formation and covered with adhesive plaster. For some time, the skin evaporates in water and keratinized areas are removed. Any chemicals specifically designed to fight warts should be used as directed.
What are the remedies for warts?
The following tools are very effective:
- A solution containing phenol and m-cresol. The drug promotes the coagulation of proteins and has a catering effect. It also leads to necrosis of pathological structures and exfoliation of areas of hyperkeratosis, promotes the death of viral cells and enhances epithelialization. The main indications for its use are the removal of warts on the palms and soles, getting rid of dry corn, genital warts, and general warts. This solution is used only externally. When using pathological devices, care must be taken to ensure that the drug does not enter the healthy skin. Failure to do so may result in burns. Depending on the type of wart, it should be used once or 5-10 times. Adverse effects include allergic reactions and swelling at the site of application. One of the peculiarities of the use of the solution is that it is not recommended to use other drugs in the form of ointments before and after its use.
- Cosmetic product containing potassium and sodium alkali. Rubbing on the warts leads to their necrosis. Before use, apply a cream to the healthy areas of the skin around the warts to prevent burns. It is very simple to remove warts with this tool. It is enough to apply a drop of it every day for pathological growth for a week. Then the treatment is stopped. In case of warts, reuse is carried out.
- Medication for Cryotherapy - This is one of the methods of cryotherapy to get rid of warts with a weapon. Generally, a single dose is sufficient. To get rid of the assembly, you need to press the drug applicator on its surface. This hardens the wart. During the procedure, there may be a slight burning or itching, pale skin.
- Clear gel is a tool that destroys growths on the skin due to its antiviral action. It comes in gel form and should be used twice a day for 20 days. The duration of treatment depends on the nature and size of the pathological structures.
- Patch. Its main active ingredient is salicylic acid, which helps to soften the accumulated mass and remove it easily mechanically. In addition, this patch contains sulfur, which penetrates deep into the skin and, along with salicylic acid, has a keratolytic effect. How to get rid of warts with a patch? First you need to take a warm bath for the feet, dry the skin with a towel and apply the required amount of plaster to the affected area. The plaster is left for two days, after which the sticky plaster is removed, the warts are soaked in warm water and the softened layers are removed (you can use pumice stone). Then the skin is dried and a new adhesive plaster is applied. This treatment regimen is repeated 3-4 times. In some cases, prolonged therapy is required.
Since warts are associated with decreased immunity, it is recommended to take immunomodulators, as well as antiviral drugs to destroy the main etiological factor - human papillomavirus. If the described methods of therapy are ineffective, they resort to laser removal of the device.