Warts are caused by a viral infection of the cells present in the uppermost layer of skin; the presence of the virus causes the infected cells to multiply very rapidly, resulting in the formation of a small bump on the skin at the site of infection. They are skin colored and feel rough on the surface when touched.

Several varieties of wants exist. These include those on the hand, foot and genitals. Hand warts most commonly occur around the nails, fingers and back of the hand. Foot wars occur almost entirely on the Soles, mostly in a group occupying an area the size of a quarter. Warts on the feet are pushed back in to the skin. Foot warts are most likely to occur in those who sweat heavily and in those who, through extensive walking or exercising, tend to irritate the soles of the feet.

Shaving with resultant skin imlation probably accounts for warts in the beard area in men and on the legs in women.

Genital warts have become an increasingly common problem in young adults. They may occur as small flat bumps or they may be thin and tall. In all cases they are quite soft and lack roughness. These warts can occur on their genitalia, around the anus and within the rectum, in women they may also occur within the vagina and on the cervix.

Causes:

Warts probably are passed from person to person, but because the time from initial contact to the time the warts have grown large enough to be recognized is generally several months, it is often not possible to identify the person from whom they are caught.

It is not known whether one can also catch warts from contaminated towels, school desks and other similar sources. The level of contagion for genital warts is quite high, and considerable care should be taken such that they are not spread to one’s sexual partner.

In the otherwise normal population, those who are allergy prone seem {0 be particularly predisposed toward the development of warts. Patients who are immunosuppressed by certain medical conditions and those who have to take medications such as steroids also are more susceptible to wart Virus infection.

 

Article extracted from this publication >>  October 8, 1993

 

Article extracted from this publication >>