Warts

What is Warts

Warts are contaneous neoplasms that are caused by by papillorma viruses. Over 50 different human papilloma viruses have been described, and this number will almost certainly continue to grow.

Typical verruca vulgaris lesions are sessile, dome-shaped, usually about a centimeter in diameter, and their surface is made of ruca vulgaris also cause typical plantar Warts, flat Warts and filiform Warts in intertriginous areas.

Planter Warts - Planter Warts are endophytic and are covered by thick keratin. Paring of the Wart will generally demonstrate a central core of kertinized debris and punctuate bleeding points.

Filiform Warts - Filiform Warts are most commonly seen on the face, neck and skin folds and present as papillomatous lesions on a narrow base.

Flat Warts - Flat Warts are only slightly elevated and have a velvety, non verrucous surface. They have a propensity for the face, arms, and legs and are often spread by shaving.

Treatment of Warts

There are many modalities available to treat warts, but no single therapy is universally effective. Factors that influence the choice of therapy include the location of the wart, extent of disease the age and immunologic status of the patient, and the patients desire for therapy. Perhaps the most useful and convenient liquid nitrogen. Equally effective, but requiring much more patient compliance, is the use of lactic acid and salicylic acid.

For genital Warts, application of purified podophyllin permit physician directed by patient applied use, facilitating treatment of mucous warts.