Warts are small neoplasms localized in different parts of the skin. This is a widespread pathology, according to various sources, about every 3rd adult and every 2nd child gets sick. The cause of its appearance is a viral infection (human papillomavirus). Warts on the hands are one of the most common localizations. Not all formations can be removed; in some cases, growth passes on its own. To eliminate pathology, minimally invasive methods of treatment are used.
What's that
Warts are benign neoplasms that are not prone to malignancy. They can appear on any part of the skin: face, palms, fingers, soles of feet, genitals. 2 types of neoplasms appear on the hands - ordinary and flat.
Warts on the hands can be single or multiple. They are characterized by the following features:
- the color may be fleshy, brown or grayish;
- sizes vary from 3 mm to 1. 5 cm;
- it usually looks like a small nodule (seen in the photo).
Usually, their appearance is not accompanied by any symptoms. Its formation is painless, sometimes itching of the skin may appear.
This disease can develop in anyone, but children get sick more often. People with weakened immune systems are also more susceptible to infection.
Causes of warts on hands
The cause of pathology on the hands is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are several ways the infection can spread:
- direct contact with a handshake, touch;
- indirect infection through common objects: doorknobs, handrails, elevator buttons;
- domestic infection, when several people use the same towel or other personal hygiene item.
From infection to the first manifestations of pathology, it usually takes several months, during which time the wart grows to 0. 5-1 cm.
Not everyone who comes into contact with a source of infection develops warts. In many ways, the probability of infection depends on the immune status. Predisposing factors include:
- any somatic disease that affects the state of the immune system;
- diabetes;
- dermatological diseases;
- very dry skin of the hands;
- increased sweating of the palms.
The occurrence of pathology is also facilitated by frequent trauma to the skin of the hands: the habit of biting nails, biting fingers and tearing burrs. An important role is played by non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
Varieties
2 types of neoplasms appear on the hands: ordinary (vulgar) and flat. The differences lie in localization, shape, size and treatment approach.
Ordinary (vulgar)
Common warts are the most common form of the disease. They occur mainly in adults, but children can get sick too. Localized on the fingers, the back surface of the hand, in the interdigital spaces.
What they look like:
- size 0. 5-1, 5 cm;
- rise above the skin;
- more often single;
- have an uneven and rough surface.
flat (young)
This is a relatively rare form of the disease, occurring in 4-5% of cases. Flat warts occur mainly at a young age, hence their other name - ageless. They are localized on the back surface of the hand. The formations are usually numerous, appearing in groups. They are small nodules up to 0. 5 cm in size, which barely rise above the surface of the skin.
Diagnostic method
Clinical evidence is usually sufficient for a diagnosis. The shape and size of the formation, as well as the absence of discomfort in the affected area, are taken into account. The doctor may prescribe additional tests to rule out malignant tumors and other dermatological diseases. What studies can be assigned:
| Diagnostic method | Indications for study, explanation |
|---|---|
| Dermatoscopy | Allows you to examine skin formation under 10x magnification. With the help of dermatoscopy, you can evaluate the edges of the neoplasm, its symmetry or asymmetry, color, surface and other parameters. Studies are carried out for all patients to determine whether the formation needs to be removed or not. |
| Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) | To determine HPV infection. With the help of a study, a person can not only confirm or deny the presence of infection, but also determine the type of HPV (carcinogenic, non-carcinogenic). |
| Histological examination | Main diagnostic method. Postoperative histological examination makes it possible to make a diagnosis with 100% probability. |
What to do for the patient?
Not all warts need to be removed. In children, such formations in most cases occur on their own, without requiring medical intervention. In adults, they are also rarely dangerous.
In what cases surgical intervention is necessary:
- education began to develop rapidly;
- the number is increasing;
- frequent trauma;
- pain;
- there are signs of malignancy (asymmetry, rapid growth, etc. ).
In any case, the decision to remove should be made by the doctor after a complete examination of the patient.
hand wart treatment
There are many ways to get rid of pathology. The choice depends on several factors: the general condition of the body, the number of formations, their size and variety. The essence of the treatment is to remove the wart with the help of special preparations, lasers, liquid nitrogen, electric current. Given the viral nature of the disease, antiviral treatment is also prescribed, aimed at preventing relapse.
Krio Destruction
Cryodestruction is a treatment method based on exposure to liquid nitrogen. Exposure to low temperatures causes freezing and death of tissue.
Freezing is carried out using a special applicator. How to treat:
- warts are treated with antiseptic solutions;
- the applicator is applied perpendicular to its surface with a small amount of pressure;
- exposure time depends on the size of the formation and is 5-30 seconds.
Education under the action of liquid nitrogen becomes paler, becomes denser. After 1-2 minutes, the freezing zone becomes red and swollen, then small bubbles appear, which last up to 1 week, gradually decreasing. Instead, a crust appears, which is rejected after 1-2 weeks, leaving no noticeable cicatricial changes on the skin.
Cryosurgery for the treatment of warts is most often used, which is attributed to a number of advantages of this method:
- ease of use and accessibility;
- painless;
- no postoperative scars.
The disadvantages of cryodestruction include the need to repeat the procedure, since complete destruction of the formation is rarely achieved in 1 session.
Electrotherapy
Electrocoagulation is a treatment method in which a surgical coagulator is used to remove the formations. Electrocoagulation is based on the effect of an electric current. This method of treatment is used to remove vulgar warts.
How to treat:
- local anesthesia is performed;
- with the help of a metal loop, through which a high-frequency current is supplied, the wart is removed;
- the removed formations are sent for histological examination.
The advantages of coagulation include a low risk of postoperative complications, because tissue heating stops bleeding and spread of infection.
Whether the scar remains after such treatment depends on the depth of the lesion.
laser therapy
Laser removal of warts is one of the most modern methods of treatment. Depending on the type of laser, this treatment is based on coagulation or evaporation.
Treatment is carried out under local anesthesia. Warts are removed by laser in layers, the duration of the procedure is 2-3 minutes.
Postoperative complications are extremely rare, a small depression remains at the site of removal of the formation.
Lifting operation
The traditional method of eliminating this disease is surgical excision of the formation. Treatment consists of minor surgery under local anesthesia. Surgical excision is usually prescribed for large lesions, when other methods are ineffective.
A scalpel or other surgical instrument may be used to remove the wart. After excision of the formation, cosmetic sutures are applied to the skin, which are removed on the 5-7th day. After removing the stitches, a small scar remains on the skin.
Antiviral therapy
Unfortunately, there is no specific drug that will get rid of a papillomavirus infection. You can use local preparations in the form of creams and ointments.
Traditional medicine: helps or not
For home treatment, folk remedies are often used: celandine juice, linseed oil, onions, mountain ash, thuja. Traditional recipes are based on treating the affected area with herbal remedies that have a burning or damaging effect.
Treatment with folk remedies does not lead to a complete cure. Even if it goes out to burn the wart, after a while it will grow back. Such treatment often leads to the development of complications.
Prognosis and complications
The prognosis is almost always favorable. In some cases, warts go away on their own, more often they last a long time, but do not bring any significant discomfort. An unfavorable prognosis is usually associated with the development of complications:
- ulceration;
- accession of bacterial flora;
- damage to surrounding tissues;
- overgrowth.
Complications are relatively rare, usually related to frequent trauma or inappropriate disease treatment.
The biggest problem in the treatment of pathology is frequent relapses. Given the viral nature of the disease, surgical removal of the formation also does not guarantee a complete cure.