Warts are tiny lumps that appear on the surface of the skin around the feet and hands. They have different appearances and may come in clusters or single entities. They may appear in different parts of the body. For instance, those that affect the soles of the feet are known as verrucas. Warts are more common in teenagers and children than the adults.
Causes of Warts
Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus triggers the production of excess keratin, which is responsible for the rough texture of a wart.
Can Warts Be Contagious?
Generally, warts are not known to be contagious, but you can get them in case of a very close inter-skin contact. They can also be contracted indirectly if you share contaminated surfaces or objects. You will catch this infection if your skin is damaged or wet. After the initial infection, it takes some time, probably weeks or even months for the wart to show on your skin.
When to See a Doctor
You can identify warts easily because they have a distinctive and unique appearance. Whenever you spot a growth that you cannot identify, it is recommendable that you consult a doctor. The doctor should be able to tell whether it is a wart or not.
You should also seek wart treatment in Chicago if the wart is spreading, bleeding, changing its appearance or if it is painful.
Treatment of Warts
Most warts may not be harmful and will disappear even without treatment. They can take as long as 2 years to disappear. However, if they are causing some pain, then you should consider treatment.
The common wart treatments methods include:
Cryotherapy or freezing of the skin cells
Chemical treatments
Salicylic acid
Duct tape
The treatment for warts may not always be as effective because warts may recur. However, it is good to try them out.
If you are in need of wart treatment in Chicago, go to Chicago Foot Care Clinic.
