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WARTS, ugly by anybody's imagination Warts are considered unsightly in virtually all cultures. Misconceptions about warts abound, but the facts concerning warts are relatively simple.
Common warts are clusters of effected cells. Most are round and raise above the skins surface. Once a person has contacted warts, generally more are introduced to other sites on the body accidentally or unconsciously by scratching or abraising the wart then introducing it to another site on the body. This process is called 'autoinoculation'. Common warts posses little potential for health problems unless they bleed, change color or shape. Most are removed for cosmetic purposes or because location on the body cause irritation due to rubbing on clothing, etc.
common wart Plantar warts are confined to bottoms of the feet. They are generally flat due to being pushed upward into the foot by the body's weight. They are frequently very painful. Plantar warts are very contagious due to the cells being sloughed off at a rate higher than any other wart and the virus remains stable in a favorable environment such as; a warm, wet gym shower floor. Many athletes contact plantar warts in a similar fashion as they contact athletes foot ( a fungal disorder) Plantar warts are often confused with bunions. Diabetic patients have a high incidence of plantar warts and athletes have the highest incidence. Genital warts are confined to the genital area; vagina, anus, penis and scrotum. They are growths or bumps of the skin. They may be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large, They might be clumped together forming a cauliflower-like shape. Occasionally they are virtually invisible to the naked eye. The HPV virus can also live on the surface of the skin without causing a wart. This is known as a 'subclinical' HPV infection. HPV and genital warts are usually spread by skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone with the virus. Warts on the hands, etc that contact pubic areas DO NOT spread the genital virus. Warts appear from several weeks to several months after contact. The long incubation period makes it difficult to know when and from whom you get the virus. It may be difficult to know that you have the warts if they are inside the vagina, on the cervix or in the anus. Rarely do they cause itching or bleeding. An abnormal pap smear might be the first warning that genital warts are present. It is prudent to see your health care provider if;
Fortunately, warts might go away on their own, but it might take years and years. If you have decided to be rid of yours, here are some ways and the associated costs for you to consider. HERBAL. BIO-T is a natural herbal product that removes warts, moles and skin cancer when applied topically to the affected area. Generally takes 4 to 5 days depending on size of wart. Some pain is reported by some individuals, other report little or no discomfort, cost is $24.50 for enough product to treat 4 to 8 warts. Order now SALICYLIC ACID. A caustic preparation sold as a prescription and over-the-counter. Caution must be taken as products can destroy healthy surrounding tissue. Requires numerous applications over several weeks. Cost is $4 -$40 plus cost of office calls if applied by physician. CRYOTHERAPY. Warts are frozen with liquid nitrogen. This treatment is useful for common warts. Some discomfort is associated for up to 72 hours and usually requires 2 or more treatments at 2 or 3 week intervals. Carries a risk of hyopigmentation when used on dark skinned individuals. Cost $150-$250. PODOPHYLLUM. Destroys the keratin tissue in the warts. More caustic than salicylic acid mentioned above. Can destroy healthy tissue surrounding warts. Cannot be used by pregnant women. Takes several applications over 3 to 4 week period depending on strength of product. Can cause pain and discomfort. Cost up to $200.00 when treated by physician. Cost for prescription alone is unknown. BLEOMYCIN. Has the capability of inhibiting DNA synthesis. However it is very expensive and painful. Was developed for treatment of squamous cell carcinomas and is not labeled for treatment of warts. Cost up to $600.00. Success rates up to 75% are reported. INTERFERON. The approved hormone-like protein interferon is being used to treat warts. Involves injections every other day for three weeks. Causes flu-like symptoms in 50% of users. Cost $600.00 -$1500.00 per wart and has only moderate success. SURGERY. Physicians use scalpel to cut out wart and surrounding tissue. Wound is sutured when size of incision warrants. Pain associated with procedure is generally alleviated by prescription pain killers. Some scarring may occur. Cost $75.00 to $200.00. Virus is frequently located in surrounding tissue and may reoccur in time. LASER SURGERY. Destroys surface tissue and costs $300-$3000 with results similar to cryotheraphy which cost $150-$250. Some discomfort and pain associated with procedure. NOTE: The removal of warts is not a complicated procedure and there are numerous over the counter products, as well as BIO-T that will remove warts. However, whenever a wart changes shape, bleeds or become painful contact a health care provider IMMEDIATELY. The percentage of warts developing into cancerous lesions is rare, but caution should be exercised. Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies. |
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