Dealing with a pesky wart can be frustrating. These common skin growths, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are more prevalent than you might think. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed understanding of warts, including their causes, types, and how to effectively treat and prevent them.
Understanding Warts
Warts are skin growths caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are more likely to occur if the skin has been broken or damaged.
Different Types of Warts
- Common warts: These usually begin as tiny, smooth, flesh-colored eruptions and grow into rough growths, about 1/4 inch across, or in clusters. They often appear on hands and fingers.
- Flat warts: These are small flesh-colored or pink growths with flat tops. They tend to appear on the face, fingers, or the back of the hand.
- Plantar warts: These are rough, flattened, callus-like growths that often appear on the soles of the feet, often with tiny black dots in the center. They are frequently tender and can disrupt posture, potentially leading to leg or back pain.
- Genital warts: These are tiny eruptions that grow to resemble common warts and occur on the genital area.
How Warts Spread
- Warts are spread through direct contact with warts or the fluid within them. Genital warts are notably contagious, while common, flat, and plantar warts are less likely to spread from person to person.
- Plantar warts can spread from moist surfaces in communal swimming areas.
- Warts can spread from one part of the body to another through a process called auto-inoculation.
- The Role of the Immune System
- The immune system plays a vital role in fighting off the HPV virus. A weakened immune system makes it easier to contract the virus, and some treatments are designed to boost the immune response to help clear up the warts.
Diagnosis: When to See a Doctor
Most warts can be diagnosed by their location and appearance. However, it’s important to know when to seek professional medical advice.
- Self-Diagnosis: You may be able to identify a wart on your own, but a healthcare provider may want to cut into the wart to verify that it is not a corn, callus, or other growth.
- When to Seek Professional Help:
- If the warts bleed, are ulcerated, or look atypical.
- If the warts do not respond to over-the-counter treatments.
- If you have diabetes, poor sensation in your feet, or a weakened immune system.
- If you are unsure about the diagnosis of your growth.
- To confirm a diagnosis of plantar warts, which can be done through a sonogram.
Conventional Treatment Options
There are several conventional treatments available, both over-the-counter and prescription-based.
Over-the-Counter Treatments:
- Salicylic acid: This medication is used on the skin to treat common skin and foot (plantar) warts. It works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that causes skin cells to stick together, making it easier for the wart to peel off. It may take weeks to remove the wart using this method.
- Freezing medicines (cryotherapy): These medicines are available over-the-counter and work by freezing the wart to destroy the tissue.
- Duct tape method: This is a harmless but unproven method for removing warts. To try it, cover the wart with silver duct tape, changing it every few days. Between applications, soak the wart and gently remove dead tissue with a pumice stone or emery board. Then leave the wart open to the air to dry for a few hours before covering it with tape again.
Prescription Treatments:
- Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen): This is performed in a clinic where liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart, causing a blister to form around it. The dead tissue sloughs off within a week or so. It may also stimulate your immune system to fight viral warts. Repeat treatments every 2-3 weeks may be necessary. Side effects include pain, blisters, and changes in skin color.
- Stronger salicylic acid medications: These work by removing a wart a layer at a time, and also may boost your immune system. It may take weeks to remove a wart using this method.
- Surgical Removal: This may be suggested if other treatments are unsuccessful. A healthcare provider cuts away the wart or destroys it by using an electric needle. Surgery has a risk of scarring so is not often used to treat plantar warts unless other treatments have failed. A scar on the sole of the foot can be painful for years.
- Blistering medicine (cantharidin): This is applied by a healthcare provider to cause a blister under the wart. The dead wart is then clipped off during a follow-up visit.
- Immune therapy: This method uses medications or solutions to stimulate the immune system to fight viral warts. Your health care provider may inject your warts with a foreign substance (antigen) or apply a solution or cream to the warts.
- Laser treatment: This burns closed tiny blood vessels that feed the wart. The infected tissue dies and the wart falls off. This method often needs to be repeated every 2-4 weeks.
- HPV vaccine: Though not specifically targeted towards the viruses that cause plantar warts, it has been used with success to treat warts.
- A detailed, side-by-side comparison of effectiveness, cost, side effects, and convenience of the different conventional treatments.
| Treatment | Effectiveness | Cost | Side Effects | Convenience |
| :———————— | :————————————————————————— | :———————– | :————————————————————————————————————————————————————————- | :———————————————- |
| Salicylic Acid (OTC) | Moderate, requires consistent application over weeks | Low | Slight burning, skin redness, peeling | High (at home) |
| Cryotherapy (OTC) | Moderate | Low | May cause mild pain, blisters | High (at home) |
| Duct Tape | Unproven | Very Low | None | High (at home) |
| Cryotherapy (Clinic) | Effective | Moderate | Pain, blisters, permanent changes in skin color (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation) | Moderate (clinic visits every 2-3 weeks) |
| Strong Salicylic Acid (Rx) | Effective, consistent application over weeks | Moderate | Skin irritation | Moderate (at home application with clinic visits) |
| Surgical Removal | Effective, quick removal | High | Pain, scarring | Low (clinic procedure) |
| Blistering Medicine | Effective with follow-up | Moderate | Blistering | Moderate (clinic procedure and follow-up) |
| Immune Therapy | Effective | High | Varies based on substance used; may cause localized reactions | Moderate (clinic procedure) |
| Laser Treatment | Effective, may require several sessions | High | Pain, potential scarring | Moderate (clinic procedure) |
| HPV Vaccine | Effective in some cases, not specifically for plantar warts | High | Mild pain and swelling at the injection site | Moderate (clinic procedure) |
Homeopathic Treatment for Warts
Homeopathy offers an alternative approach to treating warts. It is based on the principle of individualized treatment based on a person’s constitutional type, which includes their physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup.
- Introduction to Homeopathy for Warts:
- Homeopathic treatments aim to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms.
- An experienced homeopath considers all factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for an individual.
- It is important to note that some sources suggest that homeopathic treatments have been shown to be no more effective than a placebo.
- Common Homeopathic Remedies for Warts:
- Antimonium crudum: Recommended for either rough and hardened or smooth warts, as well as plantar warts in otherwise healthy people.
- Causticum: Used for fleshy warts anywhere on the body, but particularly those near the fingernails, lips, or on the face.
- Dulcamara: Recommended for large, smooth, and flat warts on the face, fingers, or back of the hand.
- Nitricum acidum: Used for soft warts on the genitals, anus, or lips. These warts are often irregularly shaped and may bleed and produce excessive pain.
- Ruta: Recommended for plantar warts, particularly if they are sore and have a smooth surface.
- Thuja: For warts of any location, except plantar. This remedy may be particularly useful for warts that are on the chin, anus, or genitals, and are generally soft and bloody or painful.
- Other remedies: Rhus tox and Petroleum are used when there is severe burning, Lycopodium is used when there are cracks and fissures in the wart, Cinnabaris and Hepar sulph for genital warts.
- The importance of consulting a qualified homeopath:
- A qualified homeopath will assess a number of factors including your unique symptoms and constitutional type in order to recommend the most effective treatment for you.
- Differing perspectives on efficacy:
- While some homeopathic doctors believe that homeopathy is very effective at removing warts from the roots, it is important to note that some studies have found that homeopathic remedies are no more effective than a placebo.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CAM)
Complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) can enhance immune function and minimize recurrence of HPV.
- Nutritional support:
- Eliminate suspected food allergens such as dairy, wheat, soy, corn, preservatives and chemical food additives.
- Eat foods high in B-vitamins and calcium, such as almonds, beans, whole grains, dark leafy greens and sea vegetables.
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods including fruits such as blueberries, cherries and tomatoes, and vegetables such as squash and bell peppers.
- Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas and sugar, and reduce red meats, and trans fatty acids which are found in commercially baked goods and processed foods.
- Supplements:
- Take a daily multivitamin that contains antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, B-complex vitamins and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
- Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil to boost immunity.
- Take a probiotic supplement such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health.
- Take grapefruit seed extract for antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity and for immunity.
- Herbal Support:
- Green tea: For antioxidant effects, can be taken as a tea and used in topical ointments.
- Cat’s claw: For antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity and for immune support.
- Reishi mushroom: For antiviral and immunity activity, can be taken as a tincture.
- Olive leaf: For antiviral and immune activity, can be taken as a tea.
- Topical applications:
- Banana peel patch: Cut a piece of banana peel and place it over the wart before bed, securing it with tape.
- Raw garlic patch: Cover the wart and surrounding skin with castor or olive oil, then apply a thin slice of fresh garlic and secure with tape.
- Tincture of thuja or tea tree oil application: Place 2 to 4 drops of tincture of thuja or tea tree oil on the wart before covering with a banana peel or garlic patch.
- Vitamin A or beta-carotene can be applied to external genital warts.
Special Considerations for Plantar Warts
Plantar warts can be particularly challenging to treat because they are located on the soles of the feet.
- Challenges:
- They can be painful because of the pressure placed on them when walking.
- They can disrupt posture, resulting in leg or back pain.
- Specific treatment approaches:
- In addition to conventional and alternative therapies, specialized self-care strategies can help to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Using cushions to relieve pressure and pain is helpful.
Warts in Specific Populations
Warts can affect different populations in unique ways.
- Genital Warts:
- Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically types 6 and 11. HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 are also sometimes identified in anogenital warts, and these types can be associated with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), particularly in people who have HIV infection.
- Treatment options include patient-applied therapies like Imiquimod 3.75% or 5% cream, Podofilox 0.5% solution or gel, and Sinecatechins 15% ointment. Provider-administered treatments include cryotherapy, surgical removal, and Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or bichloroacetic acid (BCA) solution.
- It’s important to inform sexual partners of a genital wart diagnosis since HPV can be passed on to partners, and testing for other sexually transmitted infections is recommended.
- There can be considerable psychosocial impact related to a diagnosis of genital warts.
- Warts during pregnancy:
- Certain treatments such as Podofilox, podophyllin and sinecatechins should be avoided during pregnancy. Imiquimod appears to pose low risk, but should be avoided until more data are available.
- Warts can proliferate and become friable during pregnancy.
- There is a low risk for respiratory papillomatosis among infants and children, although the route of transmission is not fully understood.
- Warts in immunocompromised individuals:
- Those with HIV or other immunosuppressive conditions are more likely to develop anogenital warts.
- They may have larger or more numerous lesions and might not respond to therapy as well as those who are immunocompetent.
- Biopsy is required to rule out cancer.
- Warts in children:
- Most warts will disappear without treatment, though it may take a year or two.
- Treatments should be chosen with consideration of the child’s age and level of discomfort, and should avoid treatments that could cause scarring.
Preventing Warts
Prevention is a key part of managing warts.
- General Prevention Tips:
- Avoid direct contact with warts.
- Wear footwear in communal areas.
- Keep skin clean and dry.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as razors and towels.
- Address any skin trauma.
- Maintain a healthy immune system.
- Specific tips for preventing genital warts:
- Vaccination is available and is highly effective at preventing against contracting the HPV virus.
- Consistent and correct use of condoms can reduce the risk of transmission.
The Psychological and Social Impact
Having visible warts can take a toll on a person’s emotional and social well-being.
- Warts can cause feelings of self-consciousness and affect body image and self-esteem.
- They can impact relationships due to concerns about transmission and visibility.
- Coping strategies include seeking support from therapists or counselors specializing in dermatological conditions.
Long-Term Management and Recurrence
Warts can often recur and long-term management is often needed.
- Strategies to minimize recurrence:
- Support your immune system through lifestyle, nutrition and supplements.
- Manage stress.
- Get regular check-ups with a healthcare provider.
Emerging and Novel Treatments
Researchers are continually looking for new treatment methods.
- Newer treatments include intralesional Vitamin D3, bleomycin, and advanced laser techniques.
- Ongoing studies and clinical trials may offer additional treatment options in the future.
Conclusion
Warts are a common condition caused by HPV. They can appear in a variety of locations and forms, but they can be managed effectively. Whether you opt for conventional treatments, homeopathic approaches or complementary and alternative therapies, it is important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. Remember that warts, while sometimes persistent, are a manageable condition with many options for treatment.
