Warts are skin diseases that are infectious in nature.The causative agent is the human papillomavirus.They are small benign tumor-like skin formations that look like a papilla or nodule.As a rule, they are not inflammatory in nature.
You can become infected with the papillomavirus through contact with a sick person, including through sexual contact, through household items, bedding, towels, toys, dishes and skin injuries.The incubation period takes from 2 weeks to 2-3 months.
If the warts are small and not causing discomfort, they can be left alone.If they are subjected to mechanical friction against clothing, cause pain when touched or cause physical and psychological discomfort, doctors advise eliminating them.
Wart removal methods
Today, modern medicine offers several effective medical procedures for removing warts.These are the following methods:
- laser burning;
- cryodestruction;
- surgical excision;
- electrocoagulation.
Let's take a look at each method of removing skin lesions.
laser
The laser is currently considered one of the most effective methods for removing skin tags.The method is painless, highly effective and has a minimum of consequences and complications in the form of scars, scars and hyperpigmentation of the skin.
The main effect of the device is evaporation (erbium laser) or coagulation of skin cells (carbon dioxide laser).The working principle of the laser is the photomechanical destruction of the wart tissue and the sequential removal of its layers by a device.Light energy is converted into thermal energy, which contributes to the destruction of skin formations.
Indications for use
Any type of wart can be removed with a laser:
- plant;
- common growths on the body;
- flat.
Laser burning of warts is done layer by layer using local anesthesia.The procedure lasts several minutes.The laser penetration depth and exposure time depend on the depth and location of the buildup.A small depression remains at the site of growth;after a few weeks it stabilizes.
After removing growths with a laser beam, no special skin care is required.The resulting dimple will even out on its own after 2 to 5 weeks.If the growths were on the feet, the feet should be protected from excessive stress for 2 weeks.
Contraindications
Despite the advantages, the laser still has several contraindications.Cannot be used in the following cases:
- high temperature;
- colds (ARVI, acute respiratory infections, flu, sore throat);
- hypertension;
- the presence of herpes infection in the acute phase.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use the laser with extreme caution and only after consulting a doctor.
Cryodestruction
This method involves the use of liquid nitrogen.The skin tag is exposed to low nitrogen temperatures.As a result of deep freezing, tissue death occurs.That is, the altered skin cells are strongly cooled under the influence of nitrogen, as a result of which the water inside them freezes.When water freezes, it expands, causing the cell to rupture and die.Education simply stops “living”, collapses and dies.
Indications for use:
- the wart changes shape or color;
- the formation is constantly injured, it hurts, itches, scratches, bleeds;
- growth of formations throughout the body;
- has the appearance of a cosmetic defect;
- located on the lips;
- at the patient's request.
The procedure is carried out in different ways - hardware (cryoprobe) or manual (special applicator, 25-30 cm long).The manual method is used more often than the hardware method.
Anesthesia is done with novocaine or lidocaine.An applicator with rolled cotton is dipped into a container of nitrogen and touched to the affected area with light pressure.Manipulation time is 10 to 30 seconds, depending on the size of the wart.After the first manipulation, a pause is taken for 1-2 minutes to see how the nitrogen has affected the tissue.When frozen with nitrogen, the growth begins to turn pale, then becomes white and denser in structure.The procedure can be repeated 3-5 times with an interval of 3-5 days.
The next day, a bubble appears in this place.This is a normal phenomenon and should not be alarmed.It may be reddish or whitish.If the blister is small and not bothersome, there is no need to open it.It will open on its own after 5 to 6 days.New young skin is formed underneath.If the blister is large and begins to hurt due to the pressure of the liquid contained within, it can be opened carefully.It is best to have this done by a doctor to avoid infections.If you do not want to go to the doctor, you need to open it with a sterile needle, preheated over a fire.After puncture, the wound is treated with an antiseptic.A gauze bandage is placed over it and wrapped with a bandage.For pain, you can take painkillers.
A week after the procedure, the surface of the skin darkens, begins to peel and the growths disappear.During treatment and exfoliation, the skin should be wiped with a 2% salicylic alcohol solution.
Contraindications
This method has no contraindications.Nitrogen can be used by children and pregnant women.Complications may arise if the procedure is performed incorrectly or the rules for caring for the wound after manipulation are violated.
Surgical excision
Surgical removal of warts is performed if the growths are large, very deep and flat and occupy large areas of the body.The operation is performed under local anesthesia using a surgical scalpel.The skin formation is excised and intradermal cosmetic sutures are applied.They are removed after a week.After such an operation, a small, light, thin and flat scar 2-3 mm long remains.An absorbable silicone patch is applied for rapid healing.
After the operation, it is forbidden to visit solariums and baths, or tear off the resulting crust.In the first week, do not wet the wound, just treat it with antiseptics and maintain hygiene.
Contraindications:
- pregnancy and lactation period;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- inflammatory and infectious processes in the body.
Electrocoagulation
The method involves the use of an electrocoagulator.Electric shock can remove any type of wart except plantar warts because they are thicker in structure.
The procedure is performed using local anesthesia.A high frequency current is supplied to the metal circuit.It stops growth and clots the surrounding tissue.The surrounding tissues are heated, which prevents bleeding and further spread of the virus to healthy areas.
After exposure to current, a crust forms;it disappears on its own after 7 to 10 days.The wound should be treated with an antiseptic and not wetted with water.A light, flat scar may remain.
Contraindications:
- low blood clotting;
- intolerance to electrical procedures;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- oncological diseases;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Many people are interested in the question: which is better to remove warts, laser or nitrogen?Compared to other methods of removing growths, the laser has many advantages, including the following:
- procedure speed (2-3 minutes);
- absence of scars and scars;
- absence of pain;
- exclusion of infection during manipulations;
- no risk of damage to healthy areas;
- the likelihood of relapse is minimized;
- There are almost no contraindications.
Nitrogen can be used by children and pregnant women, has no contraindications, is affordable and the procedure is performed quickly.But if the technique is violated, scars may remain.The wound must be treated carefully.There may be relapses.
Removing warts with nitrogen today is also considered an effective method of treatment, but still the laser acts more accurately, painlessly and does not leave marks, which is very important.
It is advisable to combine the described methods for removing warts with general anti-relapse treatment.
The likelihood of re-formation of warts depends on the quality and timeliness of the procedures, as well as the state of the immune system.Well, to find out which removal methods are right for you, it's best to consult a doctor for advice.