Warts And Wart Removal Methods By Susan Fielding At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Warts are small, usually harmless and painless growths on the skin caused by a virus. The virus is called human papillomavirus (HPV) that resides in the bottom layer of the skin. Different sub-types of HPV cause different kinds of warts.

People of all ages, but most commonly children and young adults, are prone to getting warts. They are spread by direct contact, simply by touching the wart. Warts can sometimes be contagious, but transmission from person to person is uncommon. However, warts can be embarrassing and disfiguring, and sometimes itch and hurt.

There are different types of warts. Common warts usually appear on the hands, and flat warts are found on the face and forehead. Genital warts are found on the genitals; plantar warts on the soles of the feet, and subungual warts and periungual warts appear under and around the finger nails or toe nails.

While some warts cause no discomfort, some are difficult to treat, some disappear without treatment and others do require treatment.

In some cases, over-the-counter medication can remove warts. The medication is applied to the warts daily for several weeks. For plantar warts that are found on the soles of the feet, special cushions are available at drugstores. These are pads that help relieve any pressure and pain from the warts. For the removal of persistent warts, prescription medication may be required such as surgical removal or removal by freezing, burning or laser treatment.

Freezing, which is also known as Cryotherapy, is a method by which liquid nitrogen is applied either as a spray or on a cotton swab to the wart which freezes and kills the effected cells. Although the lesion heals without significant scarring, a blister does form on the area. If the wart is on the foot, this kind of treatment is not the first choice, because it becomes very painful to walk. Another option is Immunotherapy which triggers the immune system to destroy the virus that causes the wart. However, since the substances used are expensive, sometimes dangerous and require special handling, they are used as a last resort when all other options fail.

Most wart treatments are successful and the warts disappear for good. The body's immune system also gets rid of any tiny bits of wart that might be left behind. In some cases, should the warts come back, it is best to seek medical advice on other ways of treating them.

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