Warts

Definition: viral infections of the skin causing raised lumps

Causes: caused by a papillomavirus, most warts are on the skin. Those on the bottom of the feet are called plantar warts and are flat due to the pressure of the body on them. However, some warts are sexually transmitted diseases, particularly those in the genital, cervical, and anal areas, and should be seen by a physician and treated. Genital warts are the most common sexually transmitted disease.

Signs and symptoms:

Usually there are no symptoms, although there may be tenderness with plantar warts due to the pressure, and with anal and genital warts there may be itching. They may be flat or raised, and are usually no longer than half a centimeter. It usually takes 2 to 18 months after an exposure for a wart to develop, and warts often recur.

Treatment:

Medically, treatment is aimed first of all at removing the warts, either with liquid nitrogen, acid, electrocauterization, or laser. Other the counter medications may also be used, but it may take time using these solutions.

Alternatively, zinc may help with warts by helping the immune system. One study showed acupoint injection with B12 was 100% effective in eliminating or greatly improving warts.

Prevention:

Use of condoms is the most important way to prevent the spread of genital and anal warts, but a person may be still infectious even if none are visibly present. Avoid contacts with warts, and wear protection on the feet in public showers to reduce the risk of developing plantar warts.