Warts are skin diseases that are contagious in nature.The causative agent is the human papilloma virus.These are small benign tumor-like skin formations that look like papillae or nodules.As a rule, they are not inflammatory in nature.
You can get infected with the papillomavirus through contact with a sick person, including sexual contact, through household items, bedding, towels, toys, dishes and skin injury.The incubation period lasts from 2 weeks to 2-3 months.
If the warts are small and do not cause discomfort, they can be left alone.If they are subjected to mechanical friction against clothes, cause pain when touched or bring physical and psychological discomfort, doctors advise to get rid of them.
Methods of removing warts
Today, modern medicine offers several effective medical procedures to remove warts.These are the following methods:
- laser burning;
- cryodestruction;
- surgical excision;
- electrocoagulation.
Let's take a closer look at each method of removing skin lesions.
Laser
Laser is currently considered one of the most effective methods for removing skin blemishes.The method is painless, very 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 vaporization (erbium laser) or coagulation of skin cells (carbon dioxide laser).The principle of operation of the laser is the photomechanical destruction of wart tissue and the sequential removal of its layers using the 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:
- plantar;
- common growths on the body;
- flat.
Laser burning of warts is performed layer by layer under local anesthesia.The procedure takes a few minutes.The laser penetration depth and exposure time depend on the depth and location of the deposit.A small indentation remains at the place of growth;after a few weeks it evens out.
After removal of growths with a laser beam, no special skin care is required.The resulting dimple evens out on its own after 2-5 weeks.If the growths were on the feet, the feet should be protected from excessive stress for 2 weeks.
Contraindications
Despite its advantages, the laser still has several contraindications.It 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 lactating 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 cells of the changed skin cool down a lot under the influence of nitrogen, which is why the water in them freezes.When water freezes, it expands, causing the cell to burst and die.Education simply stops "living", collapses and dies.
Indications for use:
- the wart changes shape or color;
- formation is constantly injured, hurts, itches, itches, 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 performed in several ways - hardware (cryoprobe) or manually (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 a cotton ball is dipped in a container of nitrogen and lightly pressed onto the affected area.The manipulation time is 10-30 seconds, which depends on the size of the wart.After the first manipulation, a break of 1-2 minutes is made to see how the nitrogen affected the tissue.When frozen with nitrogen, the growth begins to fade, 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 you should not be afraid.It can be reddish or whitish.If the balloon is small and does not bother you, there is no need to open it.It will open on its own after 5-6 days.A new young skin forms underneath.If the bladder is large and starts to hurt due to the pressure of the fluid in it, then it can be carefully opened.It is better to have it done by a doctor to avoid infection.If you don't want to go to the doctor, then you have to open it with a sterile needle, preheated on fire.After the puncture, the wound is treated with an antiseptic.A gauze bandage is placed on it and wrapped with a bandage.You can take painkillers for pain.
A week after the procedure, the surface of the skin becomes dark, begins to peel and the growths disappear.During treatment and peeling, the skin should be wiped with a 2% solution of salicylic alcohol.
Contraindications
This method has no contraindications.Nitrogen can be used by children and pregnant women.Complications can arise if the procedure is performed incorrectly or if the rules for wound care after manipulation are violated.
Surgical excision
Surgical removal of warts is performed if growths are large, too 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 cut out and intradermal cosmetic sutures are placed.They are removed after a week.After such an operation, a small, light, thin and flat scar with a length of 2-3 mm remains.An absorbent silicone patch is placed over it for quick healing.
After the operation, it is forbidden to visit solariums and baths, and to tear off the resulting crust.Do not wet the wound for the first week, just treat it with antiseptics and maintain hygiene.
Contraindications:
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- inflammatory, infectious processes in the body.
Electrocoagulation
The method involves the use of an electrocoagulator.An electric shock can remove any type of wart, except plantar warts, because they are thicker in structure.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.A high frequency current is supplied to the metal loop.It stops growth and coagulates the surrounding tissue.The surrounding tissues are heated, which avoids bleeding and further spread of the virus to healthy areas.
After exposure to electricity, a crust forms;it disappears on its own after 7-10 days.The wound should be treated with an antiseptic and not wet 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 numerous advantages, including the following:
- speed of the procedure (2-3 minutes);
- absence of scars and cicatrices;
- painlessness;
- exclusion of infection during manipulations;
- there is no danger of damaging healthy areas;
- the likelihood of relapse is minimized;
- There are almost no contraindications.
As for nitrogen, it can be used by children and pregnant women, there are no contraindications, it is affordable, and the procedure is performed quickly.But if the technique is violated, scars may remain.The wound must be carefully watched.Relapses may occur.
Removal of warts with nitrogen today is also considered an effective method of treatment, but still the laser works more accurately, painlessly and leaves no traces, which is very important.
It is recommended to combine the described methods for removing warts with general anti-relapse treatment.
The probability of re-formation of warts depends on the quality and timeliness of the intervention, as well as on the state of the immune system.Well, to find out which removal methods are suitable for you, it is better to consult a doctor for advice.