Warts are often considered a minor skin problem, but not all warts are safe. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are generally harmless, but there are some signs to watch out for. Changes in warts can be a sign of a more serious health condition.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of abnormal warts, such as changes in size, color, or pain. By understanding these signs, you can take the right steps to get treatment. This article will discuss three dangerous wart signs to watch out for and effective treatment methods.
Get to Know What Warts Are
Warts are small skin growths caused by the Human Papilloma virus or HPV. The virus usually enters through a small cut. Warts usually appear on the hands, feet, and other areas. Some types include:
- Common Warts
The most common warts are common warts, which usually appear on the hands, feet, fingers, elbows, and knees. These warts are generally round in shape with a rough surface.
- Plantar Warts
This type of wart that grows on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet will make the sufferer feel pain when doing activities. This wart is generally white with black spots in the middle.
- Flat Warts
The shape of this type of wart is more or less flat, and has a pink or brownish color. Flat warts generally appear on the thighs, arms, and face.
- Periungual Warts
Periungual warts are a type of wart that develops around the fingernails or toenails. These warts can cause changes in the shape and growth of abnormal nails.
- Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by HPV transmitted through sexual intercourse. These genital warts are brownish bumps in the genital area that can multiply or become one large wart.
Get to Know 3 Signs of Dangerous Warts That You Should Recognize
While most warts are not serious, there are some signs that indicate they may be dangerous and require medical attention. Here are three signs to watch out for:
1. Warts that grow quickly and spread
Warts that grow quickly and spread to other areas can be a sign of danger, such as a serious HPV infection or skin cancer. Normal warts tend to grow slowly, while those that grow rapidly are cause for concern.
Consult a dermatologist immediately if the warts are growing rapidly. The doctor can determine whether it is a dangerous infection or another condition that requires treatment. Some common treatment methods for rapidly spreading warts are:
- Cryotherapy: The process of freezing warts using liquid nitrogen to destroy infected tissue.
- Surgery: If the wart is large or stubborn, your doctor may recommend a wart removal procedure.
- Topical medications: Creams or ointments containing salicylic acid can be used to gradually remove warts.
2. Warts with Changed Color or Shape
Warts that change color or shape over time can be a sign that they are potentially dangerous. Normal warts tend to be brown or grayish, with a rough surface.
However, if the warts start to change color to darker, red, or even black, or if they become asymmetrical and bleed, then the condition should be checked immediately.
Changes in the color or shape of warts can indicate HPV infection or serious skin problems, such as skin cancer. Appropriate treatment is essential to avoid further complications. Some steps that can be taken are:
- Skin biopsy: If your doctor suspects a wart is turning into a sign of cancer, they may perform a biopsy to analyze the infected tissue.
- Laser treatment: For large or difficult-to-remove warts, laser treatment can be used to burn the wart cells and destroy them.
3. Painful or Bleeding Warts
Warts that are painful or bleed frequently can be a sign that the wart is not normal. Usually, warts are not painful, but if they start to hurt, bleed, or ooze pus, consult a doctor immediately.
Warts that bleed or are painful may indicate a secondary infection or a more serious condition. Antibiotic treatment may be given to prevent further infection. If conventional treatments are ineffective, cryotherapy or surgery may be needed. Avoid treating painful or bleeding warts yourself, as this can make the condition worse.
Wart Prevention
Although warts are generally harmless, prevention is still important to avoid transmission of the HPV virus that can cause warts. Here are some preventive steps you can take:
- Maintaining skin hygiene : Wash your hands and skin regularly to avoid the spread of HPV.
- Avoid sharing personal items : Do not share towels, shoes, or other personal items that can transmit the virus.
- HPV vaccination : HPV vaccination can help protect against infection with certain types of HPV that can cause genital warts and cancer.
Keep Your Skin Healthy: Beware of Dangerous Wart Signs and the Importance of Prevention
Although warts are often considered trivial, changes such as rapid growth, color changes, or pain need to be watched out for. Contact a doctor immediately to get treatment that suits your condition. Prevention by maintaining skin hygiene and HPV vaccination is also important to protect yourself from further infections and complications.
Article written by dr. Elin Herlina, Sp.DVE (Specialist Doctor of Dermatology and Venereology, EMC Cibitung Hospital).