Warts are noncancerous growths that appear on the skin. Although benign, these growths are a significant concern since they are unsightly. Warts occur due to an infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. The formation of warts happens because the virus stimulates extracellular cell growth on a specific skin location, resulting in thick and hard skin development. Collaborating with a podiatrist Scottsdale can help patients find an ideal treatment for their warts to maintain smooth and healthy skin on their feet.
Who can get warts
Wart formation depends on a patient’s immune system. It is not uncommon for some patients to get on with a virus in the HPV family without necessarily developing small cell growths on the skin. Patients who are more vulnerable to developing warts have skin damage, promoting the skin condition.
Warts develop more in kids than adults because the former have a weaker immune system. Patients with underlying skin conditions like HIV are also susceptible to the skin condition because their immune system is not strong enough to play defense.
How do warts spread?
The fastest way to develop these small, noncancerous skin growths on the skin is through physical contact with an infected person. It would be best not to pick at your warts because you risk spreading them to other body areas. The skin where warts develop is usually soft and moist. Patients should avoid sharing things like towels or razors that have touched warts to minimize spreading the condition.
What are the different types of warts?
An accurate diagnosis of the type of warts you have is the first step toward developing an ideal approach to eliminate this skin concern. The most common types of warts include:
- Common warts
These warts have a color that resembles a patient’s flesh. Many patients with common warts have them developing on the skin in the back of their hands. The skin around the nails and feet is also prevalent to find common warts.
- Plantar warts
Plantar warts usually develop on the soles of patients’ feet. Most warts grow on the skin, but plantar warts develop on the skin. Because of pressure from walking and standing, these warts grow into the skin over time. Black dots on your skins growths differentiate plantar warts from calluses.
- Flat warts
Although flat warts are relatively more minor than other warts, their occurrence is in large numbers. Men’s beards and women’s legs are the most common location of flat warts. Children usually get flat warts on their faces.
- Filiform warts
These warts are not painful but can pose aesthetic concerns to patients. A patient should find a treatment for these warts to grow faster than other warts. Filiform warts develop on facial structures, especially the nose, mouth, and eyes.
- Genital warts
A person that has sex with an HPV infected person is likely to develop genital warts. These warts appear on a patient’s private organs. However, you can get them on other parts of your body because anal and oral sex can also spread the infection.
It is essential to seek medical intervention to eliminate your warts effectively. Contact Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists to learn about the treatment options available to remove warts for smooth and healthy skin.
