WARTS CAUSED BY VERSATILE HPV VIRUS

Question: I frequently have warts on my fingers that come and go. My mom says I will outgrow them, but in the meantime, they’re very ugly. Why do I get them? Is there anything I can do about them? Should I see a doctor?

Answer: It sounds like you have common warts, called verruca vulgaris by physicians. These occur mainly on the hands, fingers and knees; and your mother’s right that they are most common in children.

Common warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). An infection of the skin with this virus causes the outer layer of the skin to grow rapidly, which forms a wart. Warts are contagious. They can be passed from person to person through direct contact, which is partially why they are more common in children.

There are more than 100 types of human papilloma viruses. Many are harmless, and others can cause serious problems like cervical cancer. Different types of HPV cause different types of warts. For example, HPV can cause genital warts, which stem from a sexually transmitted infection. HPV also causes plantar warts, which occur on the soles of the feet and can be spread in public showers and other places where people walk around barefooted.

Because wart viruses can live on surfaces for a while, they can be spread by indirect contact, like wearing someone else’s shoes. Also, it may take several months for a wart to develop after exposure, so it’s often difficult to determine the source of the infection.

People with compromised immune systems, such as people with cancer or AIDS, are at increased risk for contracting any viral illness, including warts. Also at increased risk are children and young adults.

Many common warts will go away on their own, but people often treat them for cosmetic reasons or to help prevent their spreading. One recently confirmed home remedy involves duct tape. Simply adhere a small piece of duct tape directly to the wart to progressively kill the abnormal skin cells. Change the duct tape weekly, and file down the dead skin before reapplying. Continue until the wart is gone. Several-over-the-counter wart treatments are effective as well.

If warts are resistant to both the duct tape and over-the-counter-treatments, then a visit to your primary care physician or a dermatologist may be in order. Warts can be frozen off with liquid nitrogen, or treated with an acid or chemical. Both of these procedures may need to be repeated several times before the wart is fully removed. Sometimes the wart needs to be cut away. This can usually be done in the doctor’s office under a local anesthetic. Laser treatment can also be used, but is considered a last-resort option due to scarring.

As with anything, prevention is always best. If you have a wart, be sure to cover it to prevent spreading it to others. Finally, wash your hands frequently and always wear shower shoes in public showers.