Dermatology Essentials<\/span><\/p> 2. Warts<\/span><\/h2> Betty Nguyen
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If you rotate through any dermatology clinic, you are almost certain to see at least a few patients with warts (also known as verrucae<\/b>). Although warts can be bothersome for some patients, the good news is that they usually resolve on their own with time.
But when do you treat them? And with what? Are there different types of warts? Does every patient get cryotherapy? And what about refractory warts? This guide will provide a high level overview.
Etiology & Risk Factors<\/b>
Warts are caused by infection with a type of human papillomavirus (HPV)<\/b>, which is thought to enter the body through damaged areas of the skin. Although warts occur more often in children and young adults, they can affect people of all ages. There are several risk factors for warts, including:
1. Handling meat, poultry, and fish
2. Using public showers and pools
3. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
4. Weakened immune system
Types of Warts
<\/b>Warts are classically divided into three types:
1. Common warts<\/b> (verruca vulgaris): usually located on the fingers or back of the hand, but can be anywhere on the body (often where there can be trauma)
2. Plantar\/palmar warts<\/b> (verruca plantaris\/palmaris): located on the palms of the hand or soles of the foot
3. Flat warts <\/b>(verruca plana): usually on the face, back of the hands and arms, or legs
The diagnosis of cutaneous warts is based on clinical appearance, so take a moment to remind yourself what each type looks like:
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