Different Types of Warts: Understanding HPV & Warts Variants

Warts are non-cancerous growth on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as bumps or growths on various body parts and can be skin-coloured or dark, rough or smooth, and flat or spiky. The appearance of these growths typically depends on the types of warts you have. Warts are contagious and, based on their location and type, can range from asymptomatic to uncomfortable or painful.

This article discusses the several HPV wart types, their characteristics, and potential homeopathic treatments.

 

 

What Causes Different Types of Warts?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) occurs in several strains, which lead to different types of warts in varied locations and with distinct features. One can develop warts if they come in direct contact with infected skin or any HPV-infected object.

How to Identify Various Types of Warts

Different types of warts have distinct identifying features. They vary in location, appearance, colour, and shape, such as the types of warts on the face, feet, genitals, and others. Close inspection of these growths' appearance and other symptoms can help identify them.

Common Warts

Common warts typically vary from grey to flesh-coloured; they are raised lesions, which vary in size from a pinhead to about 10 mm in diameter. They are generally covered with rough, horn-like projections, and are commonly seen on hands and feet, especially around the nails. As the names suggests, these are the most common variety of warts and can affect people belonging to all age groups.

These skin-coloured growths usually appear on the fingers and toes. In rare cases, common skin warts may occur on other body parts. These types of warts on fingers vary in size, ranging from pinpoints to larger growths of diameters 1 centimetre (cm) or above.

Characteristics of Common Warts

• These are relatively small bumps
• Growths can be hard, thick, rough, and grainy
• They appear like a cauliflower
• Usually skin-coloured
• May have seed-like black spots on top due to clotted blood vessels
• May have a greyish hue
• Can spread through direct skin contact

Common Warts on Hands and Fingers

Common warts mostly appear on the fingers, toes, nails, or the back of the hand. Warts on hands usually grow around broken skin. Therefore, they are common around pulled hangnails or bitten fingernails.

Early detection and treatment of these growths can save you from discomfort and any complications. So if you notice any common warts symptoms, consult a specialist. Book an appointment at Dr Batra’s® for a diagnosis and personalised treatment to eliminate warts.

Genital Warts

Warts that affect the genital region are called genital warts, and they are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Typical locations include the penis in males and the vulva, vagina, and cervix in women. Occasionally, warts may even spread to the anal as well as pubic regions in both sexes.

When it comes to their appearance, genital warts are flat, raised lesions or cauliflower-like bumps that are generally flesh-coloured. They may be small in size, making them difficult to spot; in other cases, they may be large and itchy. There may be tenderness or a burning sensation in the affected region. If there are genital warts on the cervix, women may experience bleeding after sexual intercourse.

Genital warts may occur as a single lesion or in clusters. They are highly contagious, and they spread easily through sexual contact (vaginal or anal) or oro-genital contact (oral sex). Genital warts do not spread through bodily fluids; direct physical contact is essential for transmission. After an initial exposure to the partner's genital warts, a person may develop warts within the same week or in the months or years to come. They tend to be recurrent in nature, and frequent outbreaks are seen in the affected person.

Genital warts are sexually transmitted through contact with HPV-infected skin or objects. In other cases, these growths may be internal, like along the vaginal canal and cervix in women and the urethra in men. Usually, genital warts exhibit no other symptoms.

Characteristics of Genital Warts

• These growths can be pink to dark brown
• May appear as bumps, stalks, or flat growths
• Usually accompany no other symptoms
• Occur in the genital areas

Genital Warts and HPV

The strain of human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes warts on the genital may also cause mucosal warts on the lips or in the oral cavity. These strains also have the potential to induce cancerous growth. Therefore, you must consult with a doctor if you notice the symptoms of genital warts, even if they cause no discomfort.

Genital Warts Treatment in Homeopathy

Due to differences in the locations and nature of the growths, homeopathy uses distinct medications to treat genital warts in men and women.

Genital Warts Treatment for Men

• Sepia: For warts around the glans (the head of the penis)
• Sarsaparilla: For warts on or around the scrotum
• Nitricum Acid: For large and jagged warts that are sensitive to touch

Genital Warts Treatment for Women

• Calendula: For warts on the cervix
• Merc Sol: For warts on the vagina
• Medorrhinum: For warts that lead to pungent vaginal discharge 

Flat Warts

As compared to common warts, these warts are small and minimally raised above the skin. They can be flesh-coloured or whitish and appear smooth (unlike common warts that appear rough). Flat warts are generally the size of a pinhead and can appear in clusters. Common locations of flat warts are the face and legs. When they occur on the face, they tend to spread rapidly, especially with activities like shaving. Flat warts are seen in both teenagers and adults.

Also called juvenile warts, flat warts commonly grow on the face, arms, and thighs. These types of warts are caused by HPV 3, 10, and 28 variants. Flat tops characterise these growths and may range from skin-coloured to pink, brownish, or yellowish.

Flat Warts on Face and Forehead

These types of warts on the face and forehead appear as small, flat, round, or oval spots on the skin. Flat warts are typically not painful and can be smooth or slightly raised. Due to this, they are usually not noticed immediately. However, they often occur in clusters of 20 to 200, which is a telltale sign.

Other Locations for Flat Warts

Flat warts can grow on areas of broken skin, such as in spots where injuries from shaving your face or legs are present. In some cases, these growths may appear on the hands, lower arms, and feet.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the painful variety of warts, which appear on the soles of feet. They are often called mosaic warts, owing to their mosaic-like appearance. They tend to grow into the skin of soles and, hence, are difficult to treat. Plantar warts often have a tiny dot at the centre, formed due to clogged blood vessels. Having a plantar wart makes walking painful.

Plantar warts grow on the feet or ankles and are most common on the soles of the feet. Due to their location, these types of warts on feet can be uncomfortable when walking.

Plantar Warts on Feet

Plantar warts are usually of two types:

Myrmecial-type

These types of warts on feet result from infection by HPV type 1. Myrmecial-type warts can be tender to the touch and grow inwards due to constant pressure during walking or standing. Therefore, they may feel like having pebbles beneath your feet. They may appear calloused and yellowish with tiny black dots. Direct pressure on these HPV wart types can cause pain.

Mosaic-type

These types of warts on feet result from infection by HPV type 2. They include small growths that appear in mosaic-like patterns, hence the name. Plantar warts grow on the surface in clusters and are less painful than the myrmecial types.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

• Plantar warts grow into the skin
• May appear as tiny holes in the soles, surrounded by hardened skin
• Have thick and calloused skin with tiny black dots

Treatment of Plantar Warts

Homeopathy uses the following medications for plantar warts treatment:

• Thuja Occidentalis: For warts with a brownish discoloration that bleeds easily and in dirty areasy.
• Causticum: For small and moist warts with yellowish skin.
•   Antimonium Crudum: For smooth warts that cause ulceration and ooze greenish pus-like fluid.
• Dulcamara: For crusted warts that itch or burn.
• Nitric Acidum: For warts that bleed easily through the slightest touch.
• Natrum Mur: For warts with hard and dry skin.

Filiform Warts

Filiform warts, as the name suggests, are long, narrow and filamentous warts. These flesh-coloured growths tend to affect the face and neck. They generally appear in clusters and have a tendency to grow rapidly. Filiform warts also spread easily, especially by sharing face towels or facial products. If they are accidentally rubbed or scratched, they may get irritated and may even bleed.

Filiform warts grow around the mouth or nose. They may sometimes appear along the neck or under the chin. Filiform warts are highly contagious and can spread to other body parts on contact.

Characteristics of Filiform Warts

• These are common types of warts on the face
• These growths occur in finger-like projections
• They may be small and resemble a skin tag
• Filiform warts around the eyes are usually long and spiky
• Usually skin-coloured
• Rarely painful
• Grow Rapidly

Treatment of Filiform Warts

In homeopathic medicine, doctors usually prescribe the following medications for filiform warts treatment:

• Causticum and Nitric Acid: For warts on the eyelids
• Dulcamara and Lycopodium Clavatum: For warts on the face
• Causticum: For warts resembling skin tags

Periungual Warts

These are HPV wart types commonly occurring around the fingernails and toenails. These warts initially appear as tiny, pinpoint-sized growths. Over time, they grow in size and can spread to other body parts through contact with the infected skin. They can also spread to areas under the infected nails.

Symptoms of Periungual Warts

• Appear like a cauliflower
• Have a rough surface
• Usually grows around and under the nail
• May appear on broken skin around the nails
• Can affect the appearance of the nail and the cuticle

Potential Complications

• The delicate location makes treatment difficult
• Due to their prime spot on the fingertips, these warts may spread easily
• Risk of nail dystrophy and permanent damage to the nail or the nail bed
• Risk of cuticle loss
• Increased risk of paronychia and other soft tissue infections

Consult a Warts Expert Now

Based on the types of warts, they can be painful or may accompany no symptoms. In either case, a proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to lead a healthy life and prevent any complications in the future. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with several diseases and thus should be addressed seriously.

If you have any of the HPV wart types or are noticing warts symptoms, consult with a warts expert. At Dr Batra’s®, we offer a holistic, effective, and patient-friendly treatment for warts. Our doctors' expertise and proficiency, combined with the natural goodness and efficacy of homeopathic medicine, allow us to treat all types of warts with great precision. Our professionals also advise on lifestyle and diet adjustments to prevent the spread of this condition and aid in proper and effective treatment.

Book an appointment today to avail a proper diagnosis and treatment for warts and avoid any potential complications in the future.

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