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Wart Removal
Warts are small clusters of abnormal skin cell growth surrounded by dead cells. Several types of warts exist but each is caused by a specific strain of the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are roughly over 100 different strains of HPV, from the kind that causes genital warts (primarily types 6 and 11) to those that cause common warts (types 1, 2 and 3). All HPV strains (and thus warts) spread mainly through person-to-person contact, although it is possible to spread via floors, towels and other shared objects. While warts are not very contagious, the delicate skin of infants or adult skin damaged by razor nicks, dry weather or scrapes is susceptible to transmission.
There are two main types of warts that will normally appear on the face. The first is the Flat Wart and the second the Filiform Wart. Both are very different in appearance so identifying which type of facial warts you have should be relatively easy.
Flat Warts on The Face
Flat warts are given this name because they appear on the face as flat or only slightly raised areas of tissue growth. They are small in appearance but normally come in groups that can cover large areas of the face as it would be unusual to have just one flat wart. Flat warts can vary in colour from natural skin tone to yellow and brown tinges. These types of warts are not at all harmful to your health. The Flat Wart is very common in children and teenagers and for this reason is often referred to as the juvenile wart.
Filiform Warts
Filiform Warts are unusual in their appearance in that they grow out of the skin and have small like tentacles. They are often found on the lips or eyelids but can form anywhere on the face. These warts are very contagious and grow quickly which is why a person is more likely to have a group of them rather than just one. Due to the way filiform warts grow they can easily be knocked which may lead to bleeding of the wart or irritation.
As with all warts the human pap virus is responsible for their growth and depending on which strain of the virus you have caught will depend on which type of wart you can develop. The most likely cause of warts on face is contamination through small cuts or abrasion to the facial skin. The virus can be picked up on the hands and transferred to any broken or grazed skin on the body. Children tend to be more susceptible to warts as they are in close contact with other children in school.
Facial warts are very contagious and they are easily spread through touching the wart inadvertently, then touching other parts of the face. Shaving of the face is a classic way that these warts can spread. If you have facial warts and touch them you need to wash your hands so as not to spread the virus. Also do not let others use the same towel or items you use to clean your face.
Face warts will go away on their own accord and looking after the body is a good step in treating them from the inside. Warts are renowned for being linked to a low immune system which is why some people catch them and others don’t. Boost your immune system if you have warts with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit to help your natural defences fit the virus.
The best way to treat any type of wart is to leave it alone and let the body’s natural defensives take over and remove the HPV virus that has infected the body and caused the warts. However as this process can take years, people who are conscious of facial warts look for quicker removal methods. Because you are going to be treating the facial skin you need to be careful about what type of treatment you decide upon as the face tissue is very delicate and easily scarred.
Facial Warts are among the most difficult to treat purely because of the fact that they are on the face. Rubbing creams into them can cause the warts to spread to other parts on the face. Facial skin is thin and delicate so needs to be treated with care. Some products that contain strong ingredients may also irritate or scar the skin on the face but may be perfectly ok on other parts of the body that has thicker skin.
For stubborn warts, medical intervention may be required. Doctors use chemical peels to get rid of facial warts. The chemical frequently used is trichloroacetic acid. Doctors also use electrical current to remove warts. In electrocautery, the wart is burned off. Another option is laser surgery that uses a beam of light. The cryosurgery performed in a doctor’s office uses a stronger version of the liquid nitrogen found in at-home kits. For these medical treatments, you need to find a cosmetic surgeon or a dermatologist.
How can I identify a wart?
Warts usually appear on the hands or feet. They are usually round or irregular and have a bumpy surface. Warts on the feet usually have a black middle and hurts while walking or stepping.
How can I avoid having warts?
This is almost impossible because they appear due to viruses that enter the skin through tiny scars. It is vital to regularly and extensively examine your skin. If you notice any changes you can discuss them with a dermatologist.
How old do I have to be to have a wart removed?
This can be done basically at any age, but parental permission is needed for under 18s.
What are the contraindications of wart removal?
Wart removal cannot be performed if you are pregnant, have an active skin disease or inflamed skin.
How long is the wart removal procedure?
Wart removal is carried out by a dermatologist and the length of time the removal takes depends on the method used. Chemical peeling removal can take months, while freezing or using and electronic machine takes 10 minutes.
What results can I expect if I don’t have my wart treated by a dermatologist?
The virus can easily spread to other parts of the body, and makes our everyday life harder. It will also be harder to remove the wart permanently and the recovery period can take longer.