Do you think it’s scary to have warts on your body? Don’t panic! Dermatologists will help you solve the problem of warts

Warts are a skin disease caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They usually appear as raised bumps on the skin and can appear anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, face, etc. Below, a dermatologist from the Hunan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine will share with you some knowledge about warts.

1. Types of Warts

1. Common warts: The most common type of warts, usually appearing on fingers, backs of hands, knees, etc. They appear as rough, hard protrusions that are similar in color to the surrounding skin or grayish yellow.

2. Flat warts : They usually appear on the face, back of the hands and forearms. They are usually small, flat and smooth, and may be light brown or close to the skin color. The course of the disease is long, which may affect the patient's daily life and work to a certain extent.

3. Plantar warts : They grow on the soles of the feet. Due to pressure, yellowish callus-like plaques often form on the surface, which are sometimes accompanied by pain, especially when walking. They are contagious, multiple, and have a long course of disease.

4. Filiform warts : usually appear on the eyelids, neck and other parts, appearing as long, thin, thread-like protrusions. There are generally no subjective symptoms, but occasionally toothache, and the course of the disease is chronic.

5. Genital warts: It is common in sexually active people aged 15 to 30 years old. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It manifests as nipple-like, cauliflower-like or cockscomb-like papules and nodules in moist areas such as the genitals or perianal area. The color is red, brown or skin color.

2. How warts are transmitted

1. Direct contact : Direct contact with the skin of an infected person is the most common way of transmission. For example, sharing personal items such as towels and razors, or touching the warts of an infected person can lead to infection.

2. Indirect contact transmission : There is also a risk of infection by touching objects contaminated by the virus, such as the floors of public bathrooms, swimming pool edges, etc.

3. Autoinoculation : When patients scratch their warts, the virus may spread to other parts of the body, causing new warts to appear.

3. Treatment of warts

1. Drug treatment : You can use topical drugs, such as retinoic acid drugs, salicylic acid, etc., which can help remove warts. For some stubborn warts, you can also consider using oral drugs such as immunomodulators.

2. Physical therapy : Common physical therapy methods include cryotherapy, laser therapy, electrocautery, etc. These methods can quickly remove warts, but may cause pain and local skin damage.

3. Surgical treatment : For larger warts or when other treatments are ineffective, surgical removal can be considered.

How to prevent warts

1. Pay attention to personal hygiene : keep your skin clean and avoid sharing personal items with infected people.

2. Enhance immunity : A balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep can help improve the body's immunity and reduce the risk of wart infection.

3. Avoid skin damage : Try to avoid skin trauma, because damaged skin is more susceptible to virus infection.

In short, although warts are a common skin problem, as long as we understand it correctly, go to the hospital for treatment in time, and take appropriate treatment and preventive measures, we can effectively control and prevent the occurrence of warts.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Tang Qian, Department of Dermatology, Hunan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

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(Edited by ZS)