INTRODUCTION: Warts are common, and are created by a viral infection, specifically by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and are contagious when in contact with the skin of other people. They grow very slowly and may take weeks or longer, in some cases, to develop and can be difficult to get rid of because the thick layers of skin makes it hard for drugs to reach the virus that causes them.

They come in various sizes, colors, and shapes and occur in humans of all ages, but most frequently in children and young adults. They can also bleed a little, but if bleeding is significant or not readily stopped by light pressure, see a physician. Warts are usually harmless growths that often leave on their own within two years.

HPV: As stated above viruses that cause these skin growths are called HPV (human papilloma virus). More than 100 types of HPV are known to exist. Even though treatments can remove the growths, they do not get rid of the virus, so they can recur after treatment. Genital warts are the most readily recognized sign of an human papilloma virus infection, However only a small percentage of people infected will develop these genital skin growths.

Kids can pick up the virus from touching something someone infected has used, like towels and surfaces. Once cells have been invaded by the virus, a latency (quiet) period of months to years may occur. The latency period simply means the virus is in an incubation period so if you do develop a wart, you may never know where you came into contact with the virus.

They can also be seen in infants who have been delivered vaginally to mothers with HPV in their genital tracts; therefore, alternative methods of delivery should be considered.

TREATMENTS: Include the use of salicylic acid plasters, applying other chemicals, or one of the surgical alternatives including laser surgery, electrosurgery, or cutting. One review of 52 clinical trials of various cutaneous applications concluded that topical applications containing salicylic acid were the best, with an average cure rate of 75 percent observed with salicylic acid compared with 48 percent for placebo in six placebo-controlled trials including a total of 376 participants. This method usually takes three to six daily applications to be effective.

Like prescription cures, over-the-counter treatments usually require multiple applications and are only necessary if the warts are problematic. Additionally, these are capable of destroying healthy skin as well as warts, so caution must be exercised by those attempting them without medical supervision.

As there have been no controlled studies for the majority of household remedies, it is impossible to be sure if warts that disappear after such applications do so because the treatment was effective, or because the growths often disappear due to the person’s own immune system regardless of treatment.

Dermatologists are trained to employ a variety of treatments, depending on the age of the person and the type of wart. However, repeat applications at 1 to 3 week intervals are often necessary. Since these skin growths are usually harmless, there may be times when these are inappropriate. Medical applications can always be used if needed.

CONCLUSION: Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. They are usually skin-colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can be dark, flat and smooth and are passed from person to person, sometimes indirectly. In adults they often do not disappear as easily or as quickly as they do in children and since they don’t generally cause any problems, it’s not always necessary to have them removed.