INTRODUCTION: Warts are common, and are produced by a viral infection, specifically by the HPV (human papilloma virus) and are contagious when in contact with the skin of another. They grow very slowly and can take weeks or longer, in some cases, to develop and can be hard to get rid of because the thick layers of skin makes it difficult for medicine to reach the virus that produces 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 previously viruses that cause these skin growths are called human papilloma virus (HPV). More than 100 types of HPV are known to exist. Although treatments can remove the growths, they do not remove the virus, so they can recur after treatment. Genital warts are the most easily recognized sign of an HPV infection, However only a small percentage of people infected will develop these genital skin growths.

Kids can pick up the virus from touching anything someone infected has used, like towels and surfaces. Once cells are 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 get 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 application of salicylic acid plasters, applying other chemicals, or one of the surgical treatments including laser surgery, electrosurgery, or cutting. A review of 52 clinical trials of various cutaneous applications concluded that topical treatments containing salicylic acid were the most effective, with an average cure rate of 75% observed with salicylic acid compared with 48% for placebo in 6 placebo-controlled trials including a total of 376 persons. This method generally takes three to six daily applications to be effective.

Like prescription cures, over-the-counter treatments normally require a number of applications and are only needed if the warts are problematic. Additionally, these are capable of destroying healthy skin as well as warts, so caution must be used by those attempting them without professional supervision.

Since there have been no controlled studies for most household treatments, it is impossible to know if warts that go away after such applications do so because the treatment was effective, or because the growths often go away due to the individual’s own immune system regardless of treatment.

Dermatologists are trained to use a variety of treatments, depending on the age of the patient and the type of wart. However, repeat applications at one to three week intervals are often necessary. Since these skin growths are generally harmless, there may be times when these are inappropriate. Medical applications can always be used if necessary.

CONCLUSION: Warts are non-cancerous skin growths produced by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. They are normally 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 frequently do not disappear as easily or as quickly as they do in children and since they don’t normally create any problems, it’s not always necessary to have them removed.