Showing posts with label warts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label warts. Show all posts

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

What are the most common types of warts?


Common types of warts that YOU might have

In western countries, a fairly large number of men, women, and children have warts. Despite being harmless and common, most people wish they didn't have and start to research ways to get rid of them. Before doing this however, not many people actually take the time to learn about the types of warts and which ones they may have. While finding out this information may not change your decision, it is still a good idea to become familiar with some of the most common types of warts. Most likely, one of these is the type of wart you have, so now you can go about researching the best method for it's eventual demise.

As previously mentioned warts are common among individuals of all ages. Perhaps that is why a number of warts are referred to as common warts. Common warts are warts that typically appear on the hands, fingers and wrists. They are not often found singly; common warts tend to be in groups or clusters. Like many other types of warts, these warts are often hard or have a rough or scratchy surface.  One of the reasons why they are commonly found on the hands is because these warts tend to appear where there is broken skin. This broken skin is often common on the fingers of course, due the nature of how we use our hands, and especially when nail biting is a habit.

Plain warts or flat warts are another common type of wart.  They, like many other types, can be found on individuals of all ages,  including men, women, children, and the elderly.  Plain or flat warts tend to grow in large groups; however, unlike many other warts, they are not rough or hard to the touch. Instead, many appear soft and are flesh colored or white. It is not uncommon for shaving to be associated with flat or plain warts.

Plantar warts are another common type of wart. These too are found on people of all different ages. While warts can appear on just about any part of the body, plantar warts are more common on the soles of the feet. Their location is what causes some of these warts to be unpleasant and painful.  A plantar wart can appear as a single wart, but it is not uncommon to also find them in groups on the sole of the foot. What is unique about these warts is how they grow.  Most warts grow outwards; however, plantar warts, most likely because of their location, tend to grow inwards. The weight of the body is what causes this to happen.


This is a plantar wart, the black dots in the center are clotted blood vessels.

Photo credited to shderuiter

Although the above mentioned warts are the most common “traditional,” types of warts, there is another type that is spreading across the modern world. These warts are known as genital warts. In addition to being known as an annoying and unsightly skin condition, genital warts are also known as a sexually transmitted disease (STD).  This is because these warts are most commonly spread through intercourse, even protected intercourse.  In some cases, genital warts are more difficult to have removed, but, like most other warts, it is possible. Though I wouldn't advise any home removal methods with these, definitely see your GP.

Once you have determined which type of wart or warts you have, you can check out any available treatments, natural or otherwise. Almost all warts can be removed at home, apart from the above mentioned example, but you may want you seek professional advice just to find out your range of options.

I'll delve into some of the natural methods soon, stay tuned.


Saturday, 4 May 2013

What you may not know about warts


What on earth IS a wart?

Millions of people all over the world develop problems with their skin. Sometimes these are chronic, ongoing issues, but other times they are only minor problems. One problem that many individuals experience is warts. To medical experts, warts are not only considered a minor skin problem, but they are considered a common skin problem also. That is because so many develop warts at least once in their lifetime.

Definition of a wart
Warts are defined as small growths that appear on the skin. These growths are considered benign; meaning they are non-cancerous.  In most cases, warts are considered completely harmless. Despite being harmless, there are many people who don't like the appearance of warts and want to have them removed. This is understandable, because warts are generally considered unattractive. Remember the cartoon witch with the big wart on her nose? Warts can appear on just about any place of the body; however, they commonly occur on the feet, knees, hands, neck, and face.

The Human Papilloma Virus - HPV
One thing to be aware of is that warts are typically caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HVP). Another lovely 'warty' fact is that warts can spread from person to person. But despite having direct contact with someone who has warts, you may not develop them yourself.  Not everyone is susceptible to warts, it depends on the state of your immune system and whether you may have developed any sort of natural immunity to them. This means that one person may develop warts after being in contact with them, but another individual might not.

Who gets warts?
Who can get warts? Warts are common in children, adults, and even the elderly. Not so much in babies, mostly because they have not had the exposure to them that becomes more common as you grow up. But really, anyone can develop a wart, no matter what their age, sex, or race, and most often, you will not know where you have it from.  As mentioned previously, most warts are harmless. The only problem is that some can be painful, depending on where they are located. This is another reason you may consider having your wart removed.

Wart removal
If you are interested in having a wart or warts removed, you may try some home remedies to get rid of them. Or you may want to visit your local GP, who can give you information on effective treatment options. They will also examine your wart to be sure it is indeed, benign. Depending on what country you live in, you may find that a visit to your Dr as well as the wart removal are covered by insurance.

If you do not have a health insurance or you cannot find the time to make a doctor’s appoint, you will happy to know that there are a number of over-the-counter treatment options. These wart removal treatments are generally fairly inexpensive and can be purchased at your local chemist. Take care to read and follow the instructions carefully.

Home remedies
There are many natural, home remedies that some folks will swear by. Some seem to have more in common with witchery than science, but no matter the remedy, you will find at least one person that is convinced their particular remedy is what cured their warts.

More on natural remedies to come...