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For the Nintendo character, see Wart (Nintendo). For toad warts, see parotoid gland. A wart is generally a small, rough tumour, typically on hands and feet, that resembles a cauliflower. Warts are common, and are caused by a viral infection, specifically by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They typically disappear after a few months but can last for years and can recur. A few papillomaviruses are known to cause cancer. Certain types of warts, depending on location and cause, can be contagious from region to region, but are not transferable between species.
Types of wart A range of different types of wart have been identified, which differ in shape and site affected, as well as the type of human papillomavirus involved. These include: Prescription Treatments that may be prescribed by a medical professional include: Over-the-counter There are also several over-the-counter options. The most common ones involve salicylic acid. These products are readily available at most drugstores and supermarkets. There are typically two types of products: adhesive pads treated with salicylic acid, or a bottle of concentrated salicylic acid. Removing a wart with this method requires a strict regimen of cleaning the area, applying the salicylic acid, and removing the dead skin with a pumice stone or emery board. It may take up to 12 weeks to remove a stubborn wart. Another over-the-counter product that can aid in wart removal is silver nitrate in the form of a caustic pencil, which is also available at drug stores. This method generally takes three to six daily treatments to be effective. The instructions must be followed to minimize staining of skin and clothing. Over-the-counter cryosurgery kits are also available, however they can often cost 3 times as much as the previously named products. Like prescription treatments, over-the-counter treatments usually require multiple applications, and are only necessary if the warts are problematic. Additionally, these treatments are capable of destroying healthy skin as well as warts, so caution must be exercised by those attempting them without medical supervision. Household remedies Duct tape occlusion therapy involves placing a piece of duct tape (or medical tape) over the affected area for a week at a time. The procedure is otherwise identical to that of using salicylic acid adhesive pads. One study found that the duct tape method was 85% effective, compared to a 60% success rate in the study's cryotherapy group. Other household remedies include the application of common household items, such as banana skin, vinegar, hot water and washing liquid, aerosol sprays, tea tree oil and other natural oils, unskinned potatoes, potato or cauliflower juice, salt, or vegemite to the affected area. Milkweed or dandelion sap is also used. Accounts vary in regards to how long they must be applied in each session and how long they take to work. Without controlled studies for most household remedies, it is difficult to know whether the warts disappear because the remedies work, or if they disappear due to the individual's own immune system response to the virus (possibly augmented by a placebo effect). The success of hypnosis in curing warts at least suggests that the condition may be cured by belief in a remedy, the placebo effect or other psychological means. Some household remedies are potentially dangerous. These include attempts to cut or burn away the warts. Incense is sometimes used in Asian countries to burn warts. These methods are very painful, and can lead to infection and/or permanent scarring. Some people have used successfully the following medication: ShopRite's Antifungal Cream (Tolnaftate 1%). This is actually used to cure athlete's foot, but for some reason it works very well also against warts, possibly by creating an environment in which the verruca vulgaris virus cannot live. See also | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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