Warts
Introduction – A wart is a small, rough tumor that often appears on the hands and feet, and also on other locations. Caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), warts are highly infectious and can be found anywhere on the body. In the United States approximately 75% of the population is infected with some type of HPV infection.
Warts are second to acne when it comes to skin complaints. Studies show that three out of four people will develop warts at some point in their lives. Warts usually affect just one part of the body, but in some cases, they can spread to other parts of the body through skin to skin contact.
Without a fully developed immune system, children and young adults are more prone to wart infection. There is a very good possibility that a person can become infected with some type of wart at any stage of their life. The whole body is susceptible to becoming infected with HPV.
Types of Warts
There are different types of warts that occur at different parts of the body. They also vary in shape and the strain of HPV virus.
- Common warts are small, hard, rough bumps that are round and elevated. These are usually found on hands and knees.
- Seed warts are common warts that have tiny black dots that resemble a seed, but are actually capillary vessels.
- Digitate warts are long, fingerlike warts that are often found on the scalp or around the hairline.
- Filiform warts are thin, threadlike warts often found on the face and neck.
- Flat warts are flat, slightly raised skin growths found on the face, neck, chest, arms, forearms, hands, wrists, and usually appear in groups.
- Periungual warts are rough, irregular, and elevated warts often found around the fingernail and toenail region. They may extend their way under the nails, causing extreme pain.
- Genital warts are those that are found in the genitalia, and are a form of sexually transmitted disease (STD). These warts can also be transmitted through oral and anal sex, sexual foreplay, and skin to skin contact.
- Plantar warts are located on the soles of the feet. They start as a lesion that can form into clusters referred to as Mosaic warts. Plantar warts are caused by the pressure applied to the soles of the feet during walking and standing for long hours.
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
There are more than 100 types of HPV. Most are harmless, but about 30 types put you at risk for cancer. [1] There is no known cure for HPV. The virus will remain dormant inside the body and may recur at any point, especially when the immune system is weak. In genital infections and other persistent cases, it is important to seek treatment as early as possible to avoid further complications.
New studies indicate that about 70-90 percent of people infected with HPV virus may clear the virus within a two-year period, but re-infection is possible. Treatment may depend on the degree of infection, the areas infected, and other factors that influence which treatment option will be best in dealing with the virus.
References:
HPV in Men
Information about HPV is more focused on its effects on women because it puts them at more risk to cervical cancer. Most men who get HPV (of any type) never develop any symptoms or health problems. But some types of HPV can cause genital warts. The HPV strains that cause genital warts are not the same strains that cause penile or anal cancer. [1] Both of these cancers are very rare in men with healthy immune systems.
Infection with HPV does not usually cause any symptoms but it is very common in both men and women. When there are no visible symptoms, the doctor applies vinegar on the genital area in order to detect the warts. In women, Pap tests are available to detect infection from the said virus. This test is also applicable to men in the form of an anal Pap test.
HPV infection rarely develops to penile or anal cancer. Treatments are only applied when there are visible symptoms. The visible warts may be removed through different methods. It is necessary to seek the advice of a medical expert and discuss the available options.
HPV rarely causes health problems in men, but gay and bisexual men are 17 times more likely to develop anal cancer than heterosexual men. [2] And since they pose a higher risk for cancer, some doctors recommend yearly anal Pap tests to check cell abnormalities.
A healthy lifestyle is always an effective prevention from viral infections and other diseases. A healthy immune system can be achieved by maintaining proper nutrition, getting enough rest and sleep, avoiding stress, practicing safe sex, and staying away from vices such as smoking and alcohol.
References:
- http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-and-men.htm#what
- http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-and-men.htm#common
HPV Prevention and Treatment
The best way to prevent HPV infection is to abstain from sexual activities, though obviously that is not always desirable unless one has taken a vow of chastity. Engaging in safe sex and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will also protect the body against certain diseases.
The most common wart removal methods include freezing the warts or cryotherapy, burning, laser therapy, surgery and application of chemical agents. That is not to say that these are the safest, the best, least expensive or most effective methods for wart removal. Natural medications made from plant extracts with powerful antiviral properties are also effective in fighting HPV and eliminating the warts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Warts
1. How would I know if I have internal warts?
Internal warts are transmitted through sexual intercourse with an HPV infected person. They are not visible to the naked eye and many people may not know they suffer from the condition. Although there are no visible symptoms, itching and pain during sexual intercourse may indicate the presence of internal genital warts.
If you think you are infected with internal warts, seek medical help immediately. Doctors perform an internal diagnosis such as a Pap smear to detect internal warts.
Treatment for internal warts has to be supervised by your doc tor. Internal warts are usually removed through cryotherapy or freezing, or laser treatment. Natural medications are also a good alternative. Discuss the best treatment options with your doctor.
2. I have a few warts that are hidden and not noticeable and they do not seem to grow in number, is it okay to leave them untreated?
HPV or human papillomavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes warts. In majority of the cases, warts do not present any adverse effects and some people may choose to ignore them. However, it is best to remove the warts in order to prevent transmission of the virus to other parts of the body, or to other people.
There are certain types of low-risk HPV that are known to cause genital warts, and certain high-risk HPVs that are associated with cervical cancer. If you suffer from HPV infections of these types, it is recommended that you see a doctor and seek treatment at the earliest possible time. The use of over-the-counter wart medications is not ideal for genital warts. You can discuss the most effective treatment with your doctor.
3. After I applied Warts No More my warts seemed to appear red but I didn’t feel any irritation, is this normal?
Skin test by applying a drop to your inner arm to see if you have any negative reaction. Discontinue use if severe redness or irritation occurs. Wash hands after use.
4. Is Warts No More a better alternative to synthetic ointments and laser treatments?
Warts No More is a homeopathic medication made from plant extracts that contain natural antiviral properties that are able to fight off the wart-causing virus known as HPV. It is a safe alternative to chemical medications because it does not cause any adverse side effects.
5. I have tried other wart treatments that were not effective; is it possible that Warts No More would not work for me also?
Warts No More is a breakthrough topical treatment for warts. It is composed of 100% certified organic plant extracts and homeopathic medications and has been proven to eliminate warts without scarring or surgery. It is safe and is recommended by doctors. All our products are backed by our unconditional 1 year money back satisfaction guarantee.
6. Is there a cure for HPV?
There is no known cure for HPV. Once infected, the virus will remain in the body throughout your lifetime. The physical symptoms caused by HPV can be removed through over-the-counter medications, natural remedies, or other doctor recommended procedures. FDA-approved vaccines have also been developed to help prevent certain strains of HPV that are highly associated with genital warts and cervical cancer.
7. How are warts transmitted?
All forms of warts are spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area. In majority of the cases, HPV does not cause any visible symptoms and remains in a latent state inside the body. This means that a large number of people, young and old, may have HPV without ever knowing it. Even in asymptomatic cases, the virus still remains highly contagious and may be unknowingly transmitted to other people. Any opening in the skin such as cuts or scrapes cause by shaving, biting fingernails and cuticles, cracked skin, eczema, or skin that is exposed to excessive moisture, such as sweaty feet is at more risk of HPV infection. If you are prone to getting scrapes and cuts, you may be more likely to contract HPV.
8. What types of HPV are health risks?
HPV types 16 and 18 which are responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancers, and types 6 and 11 which are responsible for genital warts infection. HPV types 6 and 11 are considered low-risk and are not associated with cervical cancer, but they can cause emotional stress and discomfort and are extremely contagious.
9. How do I prevent HPV infection?
The best way to prevent HPV is to abstain from sexual activities. It is also recommended to avoid unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners. In addition, maintaining a healthy immune system contributes to the prevention of viral infections and other diseases. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as these are also considered to be risk factors for cervical cancer. Women are advised to have regular Pap tests to detect early symptoms of HPV and help prevent the development of the virus.
HPV vaccines that protect women from certain strains that cause genital warts and cervical cancer are available. It should be noted that there have been adverse reactions in some women. Consult your doctor about the possible harms of the vaccine.
Find Warts No More in our new online store.
Recent Comments