What is a Wart?

Warts are benign infectious growths seen on the skin and mucous membranes, caused by the virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).HPV enters through small cracks in the skin, infects cells, and multiplies, creating raised, rough lesions on the skin..

  • Although it can be seen at any age, it is more common in people with weak immune systems.
  • There are more than 100 types of HPV.
  • While some types cause classic warts on the hands, face or feet, others cause infection in the genital area (condyloma).

Since the type, location and appearance of warts vary, treatment must be planned with a dermatologist's evaluation..


 

Wart Types and Areas of Appearance

  • Banal warts (Common verruca):It is the most common type and usually appears on the hands, fingers, and around the nails.
  • Flat warts (Flat wart):They are multiple, small, flat-surfaced lesions on the face, back of the hands, or legs.
  • Plantar warts (Verruca plantaris):It is deep-seated. It can cause pain when walking and can sometimes be confused with a callus.
  • Genital warts (Condyloma acuminata):Warts are caused by sexually transmitted HPV types. They appear as slightly raised, pink-brown growths on the penis, vulva, groin, and anus.

 

How Are Warts Transmitted?

Warts can be transmitted through direct skin contact or through shared objects..

  • Humid environments (e.g., poolside, shower areas, gyms) increase the risk of transmission.
  • Genital warts are transmitted through sexual contact.
  • In individuals with weakened immune systems, the virus becomes easily activated and the risk of recurrence is high.

 

How to Treat Warts?

The aim of wart treatment is to eliminate infected tissue, prevent transmission and reduce recurrence.The treatment method is determined by the type, number, location and depth of the wart..

  1. Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment)Wart tissue is frozen using liquid nitrogen. This method is frequently used for warts on the hands and feet. After application, the wart tissue dries and falls off.
  2. Electrocauterization (Burning Treatment)Wart tissue is burned using electrical energy. It's a fast, effective, and bleeding-free method. Results can be achieved in a single session for small warts.
  3. Chemical TreatmentsMedications containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, podophyllin, trichloroacetic acid, or imiquimod can be applied directly to the wart. These medications should be used with a dermatologist's advice, as otherwise skin irritation or scarring may occur.
  4. Laser Wart Treatment Warts can be removed with a CO₂ or Er:YAG laser, especially in sensitive areas like the face and genital area, without bleeding, leaving a sterile, and scarring effect. The laser targets only the wart tissue and leaves surrounding healthy tissue unharmed.
    • Advantages:It offers single-session treatment, rapid recovery, low risk of infection, and aesthetically smooth results.
  5. Surgical ExcisionSurgical removal is preferred for warts that are resistant to other methods or are very large. This method is rarely necessary.

 

Preventing Warts with the HPV Vaccine

There are different types of HPVThe most common types that cause genital warts are HPV 6 and HPV 11..

  • The 9-valent HPV vaccine provides the broadest protection against both genital warts and cancers of the cervix, anus, and penis caused by HPV.
  • The vaccine prevents more than 90% of genital warts.
  • However, since the classic warts seen on the hands, face or feet are caused by different types of HPV, these vaccines do not provide complete protection against them.
  • Thanks to the HPV vaccine, immunity is gained before the virus is transmitted.
  • The most appropriate time to administer the vaccine is between the ages of 9 and 14, before the onset of sexual activity. It can also be administered to adults and is completed in 2 or 3 doses, depending on age.

 

Wart Prevention Tips

  • Personal items (towels, nail clippers, razors) should not be shared.
  • You should not walk in public areas without slippers.
  • Cuts and cracks in the skin should be kept clean.
  • A healthy diet and sleep pattern that strengthens the immune system should be maintained.
  • In case of genital warts, protection methods should be used during sexual intercourse.

 

Early Intervention is Important in Wart Treatment

Wart treatment is a process that should not be delayed for both aesthetic and health reasons.Warts can be removed quickly and without leaving any scars with cryotherapy, laser or topical treatments applied at an early stage.Personalized treatment, planned under the supervision of Dermatologist Specialist Dr. Merve Mercan, prevents recurrence and reduces the risk of infection..