Wart removal
Warts in visible places are not only an aesthetic problem. They often cause discomfort, are injured and can even develop into malignant tumors.
The K+31 clinic (Moscow) removes warts using modern methods painlessly, in one visit, which helps you forget about the problem once and for all.
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Warts are benign (non-cancerous) growths on the skin or mucous membranes. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It penetrates the skin through microcracks or scratches, infecting the upper layer of the epidermis. As a result, cell division accelerates and dense nodules of different colors appear on the skin.
They can be transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact (for example, shaking hands, hugging), through contaminated objects (towels, brushes), through warm and damp surfaces: swimming pools, locker rooms (plantar warts).
The main types of warts:
- Common (on the fingers, back of the hands). Round, slightly convex rough growths on the skin of a light shade (occurs in 75% of cases), can be rough, size from 1 to 10 mm
- Flat (youthful). Small (1-3 mm), smooth, often appear in groups on the face or shins
- Plantar (callus-like). Horny layer on the sole of the foot, similar to a callus, but with clearly visible thread-like processes inside the skin in a circle. Look like corns with black dots
- Pointed (genital). Appear in the genital area and anus, require special attention from a dermatologist
- Senile. They appear more often on the face (on the eyelids, near the nose) or on the hands of elderly people
- Thread-like. Thin, elongated seals on the skin that appear on the face around the nose, mouth or eyes
Simple warts can appear in adolescents and are associated with hormonal changes. Most often, they disappear over time.
Human papillomavirus is normally present in all people and does not reveal itself in any way. But with a sharp increase in its content in the blood, it begins to manifest itself in the appearance of warts or papillomas on the skin. This is facilitated by a drop in immune protection, which can be provoked by:
- Past illnesses that weaken the general immunity
- Hypothermia
- Hormonal disruptions
- Lack of vitamins
Despite the fact that warts rarely cause cancer, they sometimes pose a danger to human health. The fact is that mechanical damage to growths due to frequent contact with clothing or microtrauma can lead to infection of the wound, bleeding, suppuration, ulcers and dangerous consequences. In addition, if you try to remove them yourself, they can spread to the surrounding skin, increase in size, and even mutate.
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, which penetrates the skin through microcracks. A humid environment, tight shoes, and a weakened immune system create ideal conditions for its activation. You can become infected in public places or through close household contact.
If one person in the family already has warts, this means that he or she is a carrier of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is easily transmitted, so the risk of infection for other household members increases significantly. To prevent the spread of the virus, it is important to eliminate its source as soon as possible.
When is it necessary to remove warts
In most cases, the decision to remove a wart is made by the person himself, based on aesthetic considerations, as well as to get rid of discomfort. But there are also medical indications when the neoplasm poses a health risk.
Indications for removal
If the wart does not cause discomfort and is not in a visible place, does not grow and does not change in appearance, you can take your time with removal. However, in the event of accidental injury or the appearance of unpleasant sensations on the skin at the site of the neoplasm, you must consult a dermatologist for examination.
A doctor may recommend removing warts in the following cases:
- Rapid growth
- Changes in color or shape
- Frequent injury, irritation
- Pain, itching
- Location in high-risk areas (face, neck, genitals, feet, palms)
- Cosmetic defect
- Risk of transmission to other people (viral nature)
- Lack of effect from conservative treatment
Plantar warts must be removed immediately. The growth will not disappear on its own, but over time will cause pain when walking, can reduce the quality of life and affect the ability to work.
Symptoms and complications
A wart can appear unnoticed and asymptomatically, a person learns of its existence by accident when touching it. The area usually does not hurt, does not itch, and is almost indistinguishable in color from the rest of the skin.
But in some cases, complications are possible:
- Trauma and bleeding. Warts can be damaged by friction with clothing, shoes, or during shaving. Damage leads to bleeding, pain, and increases the risk of infection
- Spread to other areas of the skin. The human papillomavirus is easily transferred to neighboring areas, especially when scratching or damaging a wart. This can lead to the appearance of multiple foci
- Infection of others. These neoplasms are contagious, especially when in contact with damaged skin or through shared objects (towels, razors, shoes)
- Relapses after treatment. Even after the wart is removed, the virus can remain in the skin, which leads to the reappearance of rashes
- Malignant degeneration (squamous cell skin cancer). Extremely rare in severe immunodeficiency or long-standing, changing warts. This is especially true for anogenital forms associated with oncogenic strains of the human papillomavirus
A damaged wart tends to grow. In advanced cases, the damage spreads to the surrounding tissues and forms a tumor. In these cases, immediate hospitalization is required.
Methods of removing warts
There are several methods for getting rid of skin growths. The safest include contactless surgery, when a radio knife, laser, or removal of the growth using current or cold is used instead of a scalpel.
Important! Do not try to tear off, bandage, or cut off the wart yourself. This can cause bleeding and infection. For treatment, you should only contact specialists.
Electrocoagulation
The method involves treating the wart with electric current. The doctor uses an electrode (loop or needle) through which the current is supplied, burning the wart tissue. After completion, a bandage or antiseptic is applied. A crust forms, which falls off in 5-10 days.
Advantages of electrocoagulation:
- High efficiency for single warts
- Fast procedure (5-10 minutes)
- Possibility to send the material for histology
- Controlled depth of action
- Availability of the method
Disadvantages include pain and discomfort (even with anesthesia), the possibility of scars at the site of removal, the likelihood of relapse.
The method is only suitable for small superficial neoplasms located on areas of the body that are usually covered by clothing.
Cryodestruction
The wart is treated with liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C, which causes the death of affected cells. First, the skin is cleaned and, if necessary, anesthetized, then an applicator or cotton swab with liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart for 10-30 seconds. Healing lasts from 7 to 14 days.
Pros of the method:
- Affordable price
- Fast process (less than 5 minutes)
- Low risk of bleeding or infection
- Non-invasive and relatively painless
Among the disadvantages: the risk of scarring, longer recovery compared to other methods.
It is used as an alternative to electrocoagulation and is suitable for small flat neoplasms. For the treatment of large areas or warts deeply embedded in the skin, several sessions are required with breaks of 2-3 weeks.
Radio wave destruction
A modern, highly effective method for removing skin lesions. It is performed using high-frequency radio waves that heat the tissue and cause it to evaporate without direct contact. A small wound remains, which heals in 5-7 days.
Pros of the method:
- Minimal trauma and contactlessness
- Fast healing, almost no swelling or pain
- Low risk of scarring and pigmentation
- You can send the tissue for histology
- Suitable for sensitive areas (face, neck, genitals)
Cons: high cost, possible relapses, contraindicated in case of a pacemaker.
Suitable for lesions of different sizes and thicknesses. The procedure is performed in one visit.
Laser removal
Tissue is targeted by evaporation with a laser beam (most often, a CO₂ or erbium laser is used). The laser causes coagulation of blood vessels and destruction of viral cells. The crust falls off in 7-10 days.
Pros of the laser technique:
- High precision and minimal trauma to surrounding tissues
- Almost bloodless — blood vessels coagulate
- Reduces the risk of relapse (viral cells are cauterized)
- Fast procedure and healing
- Suitable for sensitive areas and children
Disadvantages include: high cost, may require a repeat procedure, risk of hypo- or hyperpigmentation.
Surgical removal
The classic method of removing skin lesions with a scalpel is rarely used. This is due to the high trauma, subsequent scarring, the need for general anesthesia and a high risk of relapse. This method is used only in the event of complications with purulent abscesses and damage to surrounding soft tissues.
General information
Preparation for the procedure
At the initial appointment, the dermatologist conducts a visual examination of the neoplasm. A special device, a dermatoscope, is used for diagnostics. Under a magnifying glass, the doctor examines the structure of the neoplasm and the shape of the surface. If malignant processes are suspected, additional tests may be prescribed. You will also need to take a urine and blood test.
Effect of the wart removal procedure
After the wound has healed and the skin has regenerated, you can see the results of the procedure. If the surgical procedure is performed correctly, the effect will be noticeable in the first week.
Speed and efficiency of the procedure
When using a laser or radio wave destruction, wart removal is the fastest, it takes up to 15 minutes. Minimally invasive techniques eliminate postoperative bleeding and the appearance of scars.
When using cryodestruction or electrocoagulation, the procedure takes a little longer, and a second session may also be required (if the neoplasm is large or deeply ingrowth). During the rehabilitation process, a scab forms at the site of the growth removal, and ichor may be released for several days. The final effect after the procedure will be visible after the crust falls off in 2-3 weeks.
Surgical removal of the neoplasm is one of the most difficult, so it requires careful attention during the rehabilitation period. Complete healing occurs within 1-2 months. A small scar remains at the site of the operation.
Short rehabilitation period
The advantage of laser wart removal is quick rehabilitation and minimal risk of complications. This is the most preferred method for neoplasms on the face, thin skin around the lips, on the eyelids. After 1-2 weeks, a small pink spot remains, which becomes invisible over time. In rare cases, two sessions are required, then a little more time may be needed for complete recovery.
Results of the procedure
After removing warts using modern methods, there are no scars, marks or spots on the skin, the patient is completely freed from the neoplasm.
The result of the procedure directly depends on the quality of the doctor's work and his skill. The medical center "K + 31" employs top-category dermatologists, all procedures are performed on modern equipment in conditions of complete sterility. This eliminates the risk of complications and an unaesthetic result.
To make an appointment with a dermatologist, call the reception by phone or ask questions online in the WhatsАpp chat. You can also make an appointment for a consultation at one of our branches at any convenient time without queues. The website provides information about each doctor, the cost of procedures, photos of work and patient reviews. We offer high-quality services at an affordable price.
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What are warts
Externally, the neoplasm looks like a rough seal on the skin, has a round or oblong shape on a flat sole or leg. The color varies from yellowish to pink. Such skin growths can appear at any age and in most cases do not disappear on their own.
Warts, unlike moles or papillomas, most often appear on dry areas of the skin - hands (hands, between fingers), face, head, feet.