Understanding Warts & HPV: Causes, Symptoms

Little outgrowths on the skin that are embarrassing, annoying, and at times painful. Yes, we are talking about warts, also known as verruca vulgaris, that can be present on the skin surface of different body parts. Various strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are responsible for causing this skin condition. Though very common in children and young adults, there are many aspects of HPV and warts that we do not know. Let's discuss them here.

Warts (verruca) are small, non-cancerous, usually painless growths on the skin. They are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus. Though warts are harmless, they can be quite disfiguring, leading to low self-confidence.

Quick facts

• Warts are contagious in nature.
• They are common among children and frequently seen in ages between 12 and 16 years.

Certain types of warts are itchy or even painful. In some cases, warts may disappear spontaneously without any treatment, but in most cases, proper wart treatment is required. The response to treatment also varies significantly. Some warts recover readily, while others might require long-term treatment. The trouble with warts is that they are contagious, and therefore spread easily, thus warranting prompt treatment.

Conventional treatment does not target the root cause of warts; although they seem to disappear, they most often recur. With a homeopathic constitutional treatment, warts can be treated effectively from the roots, thereby preventing further recurrence. At Dr Batra’s® we have successfully treated a large number of patients with warts.

What are warts?

As described earlier, warts are small, non-cancerous growths on the skin that may vary in size, shape and colour. Warts are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus. This virus stimulates the top layer of the skin to grow rapidly, thereby giving rise to the formation of a wart.

Warts are generally skin-coloured, though they may be darker or lighter. The surface of warts may be smooth or rough. Even the shapes can vary significantly; some warts are flat, large and fleshy, and some may be thin, long and cylindrical.

Warts can occur on any part of the body, but commonly affected areas include the following:

• Hands
• Feet (especially soles)
• Genitals
• Face and neck

Warts may occur one at a time or in clusters. They are usually painless, but if the warts are on the soles (plantar warts), they may be painful.

Children and young adults are more prone to develop warts. Given their contagious nature, warts spread easily from one person to another. They also tend to spread easily from one part of the body to another.

One of the common reasons why warts spread so easily is because people try to get rid of them by shaving them off or by trying other means, which only removes a part of the wart. The residual part of the wart is more prone to spread the virus to other parts of the body and to other people.

Warts often disappear on their own within a few months or years, but this may not always be the case. Some warts are ‘stubborn’ and, despite the rigorous treatment, take a long time to disappear.

What is HPV?

HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, affects the skin and mucous membranes, resulting in the breakout of warts. This viral infection is caused when HPV is allowed entry into the body, which usually happens through cuts, injury, or abrasions on the skin. HPV can be transmitted primarily through skin-to-skin contact. Moreover, in the case of genital warts, it can be transferred through sexual contact, too.

Besides the relation of HPV and warts, some variants of this virus can even cause cancers; the most common one is cervical cancer in women. Also, people with weakened immunity are more likely to get an HPV infection.

How HPV Causes Warts?

HPV is usually introduced to the human body through skin contact, affecting the soft, moist, or injured skin. The genetic material of HPV resides in the outer layer of the skin, i.e., the epidermis, and multiplies there. For a few months, i.e. in the early stages of HPV warts, the virus remains dormant (incubation period). After six months, it begins to grow, making the outer layer of the skin hard, resulting in the formation of the raised wart. These warts caused by HPV then spread from one body part to another and also to another individual.

In about 70% of cases, human papillomavirus warts were found to disappear by themselves. However, if they spread rapidly and the intensity of pain or discomfort increases, homeopathic treatment is worth considering. Rely on Dr Batra's® and relieve this condition effectively.

Types of Warts

• Warts on feet Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet. They are generally painful as they tend to grow in the skin of the sole and can be troublesome while walking. They appear like a hard, thick bump with a tiny dot in the centre (due to the blood clot). Another form of warts on feet is the mosaic form. They appear in clusters or close associations.

• Warts on the face Flat warts are usually found on the face. Unlike plantar warts, these structures are flat and smooth with a mild lump. Areas near the lips and eyelids can show growth of filiform warts. This type of wart on the face is thin with a thread-like structure.

• Warts on hands are mostly the common warts, which are pinpoint, small, and grainy in appearance. These warts are tiny dots of up to 10 mm in diameter, rough in texture, and often found on hands, fingers, and feet. Flat warts can also grow on the skin of the hand.

• Warts on Genitals Genital warts are cauliflower-like bumps of grey or off-white colour. They are most likely to be found on the vulva, penis and anus.

Causes of Warts

HPV infection causes different types of warts on the skin. HPV results in excess keratin, a hard protein, which develops in the top layer of the skin. Hence, hard and rough warts are formed.

Risk factors for developing warts

Some people are prone to developing the warts given below are the associated risk factors:

• Skin injury or an infection that breaks through the skin's surface.
• Peeling or scratching own warts and touching other surfaces of the body. Also, making direct contact with the warts of the other person. This habit can potentially cause common warts on face.
• Using a common swimming pool and using other's towels, razors, or any belonging that makes contact with the skin can result in warts.
• Making sexual contact with the person who is showing genital warts symptoms.
• People who are low in immunity or immunocompromised have higher chances of getting warts, i.e. the ones suffering from HIV infection/ AIDs or the ones who are put on immunosuppressant drugs.

Symptoms of Warts

Warts on different locations of the body show different characteristics. Below are some of the general wart symptoms that can help one understand this condition better.

• Though it can happen anywhere, the most affected skin areas are on the face, knees, hands and feet.
• In some cases, the warts causes itching, pain, and even bleeding.
• The average size of the small bumps can be up to 10 mm, and they can be either rough or smooth in texture.
• They can either be present in clusters or singly on different skin areas.
• In the case of genital warts, symptoms can range from skin color to different-coloured warts present in close association, giving the area a cauliflower-shaped appearance.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Depending on the type of warts and the region where they are present, it is important to seek appropriate treatment from a healthcare provider. Homeopathic treatment for warts will always remain the gold standard as it offers a personalised treatment plan after assessing the patient's lifestyle and medical history.

Homeopathic Treatment for Warts

Homeopathy adequately and safely cures all types of warts. Targeting the root of HPV and warts in the body, this alternative to conventional practice allows an individual to heal naturally with zero side effects. Contrary to invasive procedures or heavy medicines, homeopathic treatments slowly, steadily, and effectively work on the core. They help remove the existing warts and prevent the formation of new ones.

Benefits of Homeopathic Treatment For Warts

• All natural Homeopathic treatment works on warts symptoms most naturally, initiating the healing that begins within the individual.

• Non-invasive procedure: Homeopathy is a holistic approach that aims to treat the patient gently. Unlike conventional methods, which suggest treating some warts with surgery, homeopathy does not involve invasion at all.

• Long term relief: Unlike conventional methods such as laser surgery, ointments, or creams, homeopathy targets the root cause and cures warts while preventing recurrence.

Common Remedies for Warts

• Salicylic acid: Up to 40% concentrated salicylic acid applied topically can help remove the warts over time, taking up to a few weeks.

• Duct tape: Duct tape is one of the lowest-risk methods for relieving warts. It sticks to the affected area of skin (warts), blocking its contact with the outside environment. An individual might need to apply this tape for a few weeks to a few months to eliminate the warts.

These are a few effective home remedies that can help relieve warts. It's vital to know that before commencing any remedy, one must consult a doctor, as the treatment differs depending on the site of the warts. For example, the remedies mentioned above are not at all safe for genital warts.

Our Approach to Warts Treatment

Today, homeopathy is a prevalent choice for many people worldwide for the cure and prevention of numerous chronic or acute conditions. At Dr Batra's®, we take immense pride in being part of this holistic journey to help our patients find permanent relief from any kind of pain or discomfort, such as warts.

Dr Batra's® clinic assures you the most suitable personalised treatment plan for treating warts, as we believe each person has a different tolerance and healing power. For over 35 years, we have been treating patients with warts at an 89% success rate. Our experienced and qualified homeopaths provide utter comfort and convenience to each patient, awakening their natural healing process. Get in touch with us to experience it all!

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