Types Of Warts And How To Get Rid Of Them
Warts can be found on any area of your body and common warts are generally the most present warts although there are different types of warts that can be found in other parts of the body. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause for warts and other illnesses basically make your body more susceptible to this virus. HPV is a contagious disease but once it is in your body tends to stay in one area and not spread. There are over 100 different strains of HPV known currently. Common warts are generally found on the backs of your fingers, knees, and toes. These warts tend to be dome shaped.
Plantar warts, different from Planter’s warts, are found on the bottom of the foot. Flat, plane, warts can pop up on the face, legs and tend to be found in large numbers. The warts that are found under or around your nails are called periungual warts. Warts that tend to be a single long stalk that usually occur on the face are called filliform warts.
Humans catch HPV by having a break or crack in the skin where the virus can find access to the body. HPV prefers warm, moist places to grow so you need to be careful in public showers and locker rooms, always wear those shower shoes! You can have HPV for many months before warts form as it has a long incubation time. Many individuals’ bodies can naturally fight HPV and will kill the virus before any warts can form.
Certain illnesses will make you more susceptible to HPV then other. Immune system deficiencies mean your body cannot naturally fight the HPV. Dry skin increases the amount of cracks and breaks in your skin, allowing for more entry points of HPV. Hang nails and frequent nail biters are also more susceptible to warts as they are opening entry points around their nails.
Over the counter medication is the most common treatment for warts. Though warts that are painful, multiplying rapidly and do not naturally disappear should be inspected by a doctor. The dermatologist will be able to determine the exact cause of your warts and how the best treatment for you to use. Most warts are easily treated and will disappear fairly quickly. There are a few types like Plantar’s warts, which are more stubborn and require different treatment.
Warts are many times symptoms of other illnesses and you should determine whether your warts are just warts or signs of something more serious. Other medical conditions associated with warts are Molluscum Contagiosum (a virus mainly found in young children), WHIM syndrome (immunodeficiency disease), eczema, and tuberous sclerosis (hereditary disorder).
