Subungual Wart: Causes, Signs, and Treatment

Subungual wart is a type of wart that develops beneath the fingernails or toenails. It can cause discomfort and affect the appearance of the nails. The primary impact of subungual warts on health is that they can lead to pain and difficulty in performing everyday activities that involve using the affected fingers or toes. In some cases, subungual warts may also cause emotional distress due to the visible changes they cause to the nails.

What are the Symptoms of Subungual Wart

Subungual warts are a type of wart that affects the skin beneath the nails. They can cause various symptoms that may impact the affected area. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and affect the appearance and function of the nails. It is important to be aware of the general nature of subungual wart symptoms to seek appropriate treatment and management.

Pain or tenderness around the nail
Yellow or brown discoloration of the nail
Thickening or distortion of the nail
Rough, raised skin around the nail
Bleeding under the nail

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Causes of Subungual Wart

Subungual warts are caused by a viral infection that affects the skin under the nails. These warts commonly occur due to direct contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Additionally, factors such as skin damage, moist environments, and weakened immune systems can increase the risk of developing subungual warts.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Direct contact with an infected person or surface
Breaks or cuts in the skin near the nail
Weakened immune system
Warm and moist environments
Nailbiting or finger sucking

Types of Subungual Wart

Subungual warts are a type of wart that develops underneath or around the fingernails or toenails. These warts can vary in appearance and may present differently based on their location and severity. Identifying the type of subungual wart is crucial for appropriate treatment and management.

Common Subungual Wart: Common type of wart that appears under the fingernails or toenails, often causing pain or discomfort.
Verruca Vulgaris: A subungual wart caused by the human papillomavirus, typically presenting as a rough, raised bump under the nail.
Periungual Wart: A wart that forms around the nail bed, potentially leading to nail deformities if untreated.
Filiform Wart: A type of wart that can occur under the nail, characterized by long, narrow projections that may resemble threads or filaments.
Mosaic Wart: Clusters of small warts that can develop under the nail, often merging together to form a larger, irregularly shaped growth.

Risk Factors

Subungual warts are caused by a virus that thrives in warm, moist environments. These warts are more common in certain individuals due to various risk factors. Understanding these risk factors can help in prevention and early detection of subungual warts.

Constant exposure to moist environments
Weakened immune system
Skin abrasions or injuries
Walking barefoot in public places
Close contact with someone who has warts

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Diagnosis of Subungual Wart

Subungual warts are diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare provider who specializes in skin conditions. The diagnosis involves observing the wart's characteristics and location under the nail. In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. If you suspect you have a subungual wart, it's essential to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.

Dermatological examination
Skin scraping for microscopic examination
Biopsy
Dermoscopy
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing

Treatment for Subungual Wart

Treatment for subungual warts typically involves methods to remove the wart and prevent it from recurring. Common treatment options include topical medications, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgical removal. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment guidance tailored to your specific condition.

Cryotherapy: This treatment involves freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen to destroy the infected tissue.
Topical Medications: Applying over the counter or prescription strength medications can help break down the wart over time.
Laser Therapy: Laser treatment can be used to target and eliminate the wart by destroying the blood vessels that feed it.
Surgical Removal: In some cases, surgical excision may be necessary to completely remove the wart from underneath the nail.
Immunotherapy: This treatment option stimulates the body's immune system to recognize and attack the wart, aiding in its elimination.