Information AboutWart |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT WART | |
| viruses | |
| skin diseases | |
| SHOPPER'S DELIGHT | |
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A wart is a generally small, rough, Cauliflower -like growth, typically on hands and feet. Warts are common, and are caused by a Viral infection, specifically by the '' Human Papilloma Virus '' (HPV). Some scientists believe they are also caused by stress. They typically disappear after a few months but can last for years and can recur. A few Papilloma viruses are known to cause Cancer . Certain types of warts, depending on location and cause, can be contagious from region to region, but are not transferrable between different species. TREATMENT Prescription Treatments that may be prescribed by a medical professional include:
None of these treatments are very effective on single uses; the wart often returns after the skin has healed from the treatment, but repeated treatment should get rid of the wart permanently. As they disappear after a few months and maximally a few years, treatment is necessary only if the lesions are painful or are a cosmetic problem. Over-the-counter There are also several , or a bottle of concentrated salicylic acid. Removing a wart with this method requires a strict regimen of cleaning the area, applying the salicylic acid, and removing the dead skin with a Pumice stone or Emery Board . It may take up to 12 weeks to remove a stubborn wart. Another over-the-counter product that can aid in wart removal is Silver Nitrate in the form of a Caustic Pencil, which is also available at drug stores. This method generally takes three to six daily treatments to be effective. The instructions must be followed to minimize staining of skin and clothing. Over-the-counter cryosurgery kits are also available, however often costing 3 times as much as previosly named products. Like prescription treatments, over-the-counter treatments usually require multiple applications, and are only necessary if the warts are problematic. Additionally, these treatments are capable of destroying healthy skin as well as warts, so caution must be exercised by those attempting them without medical supervision. Household remedies The Duct Tape method involves placing a piece of Duct Tape (or medical tape) over the affected area for a week at a time. The procedure is otherwise identical to that of using salicylic acid adhesive pads. A study found that the duct tape method was 85% effective, compared to a 60% success rate in the study's cryotherapy group. Other household remedies include taping the inside of a square of Banana skin over the warts every night for three to four weeks. Proponents of this method hypothesize that an enzyme in the banana skin helps to destroy the virus. Another household remedy is to soak the affected area in hot water and washing liquid for three consecutive days. Without controlled studies for most household remedies, it is difficult to know whether the warts disappear because the remedies work, or if they disappear due to the individual's own immune system response to the virus (possibly augmented by a Placebo Effect ). The success of Hypnosis in curing warts {Link without Title} at least suggests that the condition may be cured by belief in a remedy, the placebo effect or other psychological means. Some household remedies are potentially dangerous. These include attempts to cut or burn away the warts. Incense is sometimes used in Asian countries to burn warts. These methods are very Pain ful, and can lead to Infection and/or permanent Scar ring. REFERENCES |