Skin Diseases

Wart

Warts may have different appearances in different areas; they may be seen as white-gray coloured irregular surface bumps in the mouth and genital areas, as slightly raised spots on the face, as callus-like hardness on the soles of the feet, and as cauliflower-like skin-coloured hard bumps in other areas.

Why does wart occur?

Warts (verrucas) are caused by viruses called HPV (human papilloma virus), is one of the infectious skin diseases.

This type of contagious infection, which is seen in mammals, birds, reptiles and humans, is not transmitted from frogs, contrary to popular belief. It can be transmitted through direct contact, usually from person to person, or through wet-warm-humid surfaces, door handles and shared objects.

It differs from person to person and often takes a long time After a long incubation period, the skin is raised, They appear as skin-coloured or white , cauliflower-like hardness. Sometimes small black spots can be observed due to haemorrhages into the wart.Warts on areas under high pressure , such as the soles of the feet Since it cannot grow outwards , it tends to grow inwards. For this reason, it is often black due to small haemorrhages inside the wart . It can also be thought that a foreign body has sunk into the sole of the foot due to the spots. Cauliflower appearance in areas where the skin is very thick It can also be confused with calluses when it cannot be evaluated very clearly.

How are warts seen?

Warts can have different appearances in different areas, white to grey rashes with an irregular surface in the mouth and genitals, in the form of slightly raised spots on the skin of the face, in the form of callus-like hardness on the soles of the feet, in other areas it may appear as cauliflower-like hard skin-coloured blisters

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What are the types of warts?

Common warts (Verruka vulgaris): This type , which constitutes approximately 70% of all warts, has indentations and protrusions on its surface, Cauliflower-like protrusions that are single or multiple, scattered or together. It can be seen in up to 20% of school-age children. It isusually observed on the hand, fingers and nail edges.

Warts of the foot (plantar verruca): As a solitary wart alone or as commonly seen It may have a "mosaic" appearance formed by the juxtaposition of many warts. It can be very painful in pressure areas. It may feel like pebbles have entered the shoe. It may have a callus-like appearance with small black dots inside.

Flat warts (Verru plana): They appear as skin-coloured or light-coloured, flat, mild swellings. It isusually observed in the beard area, face, back of the hand or legs.

Filiform warts (Filiform verruca): It is observed in the form of small, thin filiform extensions extending over a narrow ground. They areusually located around the mouth, nose and eyes.

Genital Warts (Condyloma acuminata / Condyloma): Warts located in the genital area are usually called condyloma or condyloma acuminata. Genital warts may be single warts or a combination of several warts. It can also be monitored in clusters by coming together.

How is wart treatment done?

Consultation and Evaluation

Before starting wart treatment, the type, number, prevalence and general health status of the patient should be evaluated by a dermatologist. The treatment process should be planned individually and the immune status of the patient should be taken into consideration. Since incorrect treatments applied without a physician's control can cause permanent skin damage, a professional evaluation is essential.

Treatment Options

Wart treatment is divided into two categories: home treatments that the patient can apply herself, and professional treatments to be applied by a dermatologist in a clinical setting: Home treatments: Solutions containing high concentration salicylic acid, medications such as 5-FU and imiquimod cream can be used with the advice of a doctor. In office treatments: Cryotherapy (freeze burning): It destroys the wart with liquid nitrogen and can be repeated at certain intervals. Electrocauterization (burning with electricity): It is performed under local anesthesia and usually only one session is sufficient. Wound care is required after the procedure. Carbon dioxide laser treatment: It is a method used especially for stubborn warts. Immune system supporting treatments: Vitamin complexes containing beta glucan may be recommended to support the treatment. In very resistant cases, the doctor may plan different treatment combinations.

Follow-up and Preventive Measures

Regular follow-up is important for successful wart treatment. Keeping the immune system strong to reduce the risk of recurrence, observe the rules of personal hygiene to prevent the spread of warts. It is necessary to avoid contact with areas with warts. Wart treatment must be planned together with a dermatologist,.Uncontrolled and incorrect applications should be avoided. You can contact us for detailed information and to make an examination appointment.

How are genital warts transmitted?

Genital warts are transmitted after contact with a person infected with the HPV virus. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is also possible to be infected or transmitted during the stages when the wart is not visible. Only some of the more than 150 identified HPV types cause the development of genital warts.

What is the relationship between HPV and cancer?

Some HPV types cause cervical cancer (cervical cancer), anal cancer, penile cancer, can cause the development of cancer in the mouth and throat area.

Does HPV Vaccine Prevent Cancer Development?

HPV vaccination against HPV types most commonly associated with genital warts and cancer by providing protection against HPV, it reduces the risk of HPV-related cancer development. The vaccine called Gardasil 9 , which is currently in use in Turkey, provides protection against HPV Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. The protection rate may vary depending on personal factors. It can be applied from 9 years of age. It is applied in 3 doses.

Can I be vaccinated after being infected with genital warts?

The recommended practice is to provide immunity with vaccination before starting sexual life. However, it has been shown that vaccination can provide cancer protection even after HPV infection. In some cases, it has also been shown that vaccination can accelerate wart treatment.