Viral Warts: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Viral warts, also known as verrucas, are small growths on the skin caused by a viral infection. These warts can be unsightly and may cause discomfort. They are typically harmless but can be bothersome for some people.

The virus that causes warts is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or surface. It is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of warts and to seek appropriate treatment if needed.

Symptoms of Viral Warts

They can appear on hands, feet, or other areas. Symptoms include raised bumps with a rough surface, sometimes with tiny black dots. Warts may be flesh-colored, white, pink, or brown. They can be itchy or painful, especially when located on pressure points like the soles of the feet.

Small, rough bumps on the skin that may appear in clusters or individually.
Warts that have a grainy texture and can be pink, tan, or white in color.
Pain or tenderness when warts are pressed or rubbed, especially on the hands and feet.
Warts that may have tiny black dots or specks on the surface, which are actually clotted blood vessels.
Changes in skin texture or appearance around the affected area, such as thickened skin or calluses.

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Causes of Viral Warts

HPV thrives in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms and swimming pools, making it highly contagious through direct contact with infected surfaces or people. Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing viral warts due to their reduced ability to fight off the virus.

Viral warts are commonly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact.
Individuals with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, are at higher risk of developing viral warts.
Sharing personal items like towels, razors, or shoes with someone who has viral warts can also lead to the spread of the infection.
Certain environmental factors, such as walking barefoot in public areas like swimming pools or locker rooms, can increase the likelihood of contracting viral warts.

Types Of Viral Warts

Viral warts come in various types, including common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, and genital warts. Common warts usually appear on the hands, while plantar warts are found on the soles of the feet. Flat warts are smaller and smoother, often seen on the face, and genital warts are located in the genital and anal areas. Each type of wart is caused by different strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Common warts, also known as verruca vulgaris, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and typically appear on the hands and fingers. They are characterized by a rough, raised surface with tiny black dots.
Plantar warts are viral warts that develop on the soles of the feet and can be painful when walking or standing. These warts may appear flattened due to the pressure exerted on the feet.
Flat warts, or verruca plana, are small, smooth warts that often appear in clusters on the face, neck, or hands. They have a slightly raised, flesh-colored appearance and can be more prevalent in children and adolescents.

Risk Factors

Viral warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can affect anyone, but certain risk factors increase susceptibility. These include weakened immune system, skin injuries or cuts, close contact with infected individuals, and walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools or locker rooms. Individuals with a history of viral warts are also more prone to developing new warts.

Weakened immune system, such as in people with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, increases the risk of developing viral warts.
Direct contact with an individual who has viral warts, or sharing personal items like towels or razors, can heighten the likelihood of contracting the infection.
Skin trauma, like cuts or scratches, provides an entry point for the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes warts, increasing the risk of developing viral warts.
People who frequently walk barefoot in public places, such as pools or locker rooms, are at a higher risk of coming into contact with the HPV virus that causes warts.

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Diagnosis of Viral Warts

They will closely inspect the skin to identify any characteristic signs of warts, such as rough bumps or small, grainy growths. In some cases, they may need to perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. If you suspect you have warts, it's important to see a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

Visual Inspection: The primary method for diagnosing viral warts involves a physical examination of the skin to identify characteristic features such as rough texture and cauliflower-like appearance.
Dermoscopy: Dermatologists may use a dermoscope, a handheld device with magnification and light, to closely examine warts and differentiate them from other skin lesions.
Biopsy: In some cases, a sample of the wart tissue may be taken for further analysis under a microscope to confirm the presence of viral particles and rule out other skin conditions.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing: PCR testing can detect specific viral DNA or RNA sequences in the wart tissue, providing a definitive diagnosis of the viral infection.

Treatment for Viral Warts

Treatment options for viral warts include over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgical removal. These methods aim to destroy the wart or stimulate the immune system to fight the virus.

Consult a healthcare provider for the best treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. It is important to follow the treatment regimen consistently for effective results.

Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, is a common treatment option for viral warts that helps destroy the affected tissue.
Salicylic acid, available over-the-counter in various forms such as gels or patches, can be used to gradually dissolve the wart tissue and promote healing.
Laser therapy may be recommended for stubborn or large warts, as it targets the blood vessels that supply the wart, leading to its destruction.
Immunotherapy, a treatment that stimulates the body's immune response to fight the virus causing the wart, can be effective for persistent cases.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there specific signs that indicate viral warts?

Yes, viral warts typically appear as small, rough growths on the skin that are either flesh-colored or slightly darker. They may have black dots in them.

Are there specific things I should or shouldn't do when dealing with viral warts?

Do: Keep warts clean and dry, cover them with bandages, wash your hands often. Don't: Pick or scratch warts, share towels or razors.

How can viral warts affect the body in the long term?

Viral warts can persist long term, spread to other areas, and affect self-esteem. In rare cases, they may become cancerous if caused by certain HPV strains.

How is viral warts typically managed?

Viral warts are commonly managed with over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or prescription medications from a healthcare provider.