Warts are skin diseases of an infectious nature.The etiological agent is human papillomavirus.They are small, benign, tumor-like skin growths that look like a papilla or nodule.As a rule, they are not inflammatory in nature.
You can contract the papillomavirus through contact with a sick person, including through sexual contact, through household items, bedding, towels, toys, dishes and skin injuries.The incubation period lasts from 2 weeks to 2-3 months.
If the warts are small and not causing discomfort, they can be left alone.If they are subjected to mechanical friction against clothing, cause pain when touched or cause physical and psychological discomfort, doctors recommend getting rid of them.
Wart removal methods
Today, modern medicine offers several effective medical procedures for removing warts.These are the following methods:
- laser combustion;
- cryodestruction;
- surgical excision;
- electrocoagulation.
Let's take a closer look at each method of removing skin lesions.
Laser
Laser is currently considered one of the most effective methods for removing skin tags.The method is painless, highly effective and has a minimum of consequences and complications in the form of scars, scars and skin hyperpigmentation.
The main effect of the device is the evaporation (erbium laser) or coagulation of skin cells (carbon dioxide laser).The principle of operation of the laser is the photomechanical destruction of the wart tissue and the sequential removal of its layers by a device.Light energy is converted into thermal energy, which contributes to the destruction of skin formations.
Directions for use
Any type of wart can be removed with a laser:
- plantar;
- ordinary growths on the body;
- Dish.
Laser burning of warts is performed layer by layer using local anesthesia.The procedure takes several minutes.The laser penetration depth and exposure time depend on the depth and location of the build-up.At the place of growth a small depression remains;after a few weeks it stabilizes.
After removing growths with a laser beam, no special skin care is needed.The resulting dimple evens out on its own after 2-5 weeks.If the growths were on the feet, the feet should be protected from excessive stress for 2 weeks.
Contraindications
Despite its advantages, the laser still has numerous contraindications.It cannot be used in the following cases:
- high temperature;
- colds (ARVI, acute respiratory infections, flu, sore throat);
- hypertension;
- the presence of herpes infection in the acute phase.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use the laser with extreme caution and only after consulting a doctor.
Cryodestruction
This method involves the use of liquid nitrogen.The skin tag is exposed to low nitrogen temperatures.Following deep freezing, tissue death occurs.That is, the cells of the modified skin are significantly cooled under the influence of nitrogen, as a result of which the water inside them freezes.When water freezes, it expands, causing the cell to rupture and die.Education simply stops “living”, collapses and dies.
Directions for use:
- the wart changes shape or color;
- the formation is constantly hurt, hurts, itches, itches, bleeds;
- growth of formations throughout the body;
- has the appearance of a cosmetic defect;
- located on the lips;
- at the patient's request.
The procedure is performed in different ways: hardware (cryoprobe) or manual (special applicator, 25-30 cm long).The manual method is used more often than the hardware method.
Anesthesia is performed with novocaine or lidocaine.An applicator with a wrapped cotton ball is immersed in a vessel with nitrogen and touched with light pressure to the affected area.The manipulation time is 10-30 seconds, depending on the size of the wart.After the first manipulation, a 1-2 minute break is made to see how the nitrogen has affected the tissue.When frozen with nitrogen, the growth begins to pale, then turns white and has a denser structure.The procedure can be repeated 3-5 times with an interval of 3-5 days.
The next day a bubble appears in this place.This is a normal phenomenon and should not be alarmed.It can be reddish or whitish.If the bubble is small and does not bother you, it is not necessary to open it.It will open on its own after 5-6 days.New, youthful skin forms underneath.If the bubble is large and begins to hurt due to the pressure of the liquid inside it, it can be carefully opened.It is best to have it done by a doctor to avoid infection.If you do not want to go to the doctor, you need to open it with a sterile needle, preheated on the stove.After the puncture, the wound is treated with an antiseptic.A gauze bandage is placed on top and wrapped with a bandage.For pain, you can take painkillers.
A week after the procedure, the surface of the skin becomes dark, begins to peel, and the growths disappear.During treatment and exfoliation, the skin should be cleansed with a 2% solution of salicylic alcohol.
Contraindications
This method has no contraindications.Nitrogen can be used by children and pregnant women.Complications may arise if the procedure is performed incorrectly or if the rules for wound care after manipulation are violated.
Surgical excision
Surgical removal of warts is performed if the growths are large, too deep and flat, and occupy large areas of the body.The operation is performed under local anesthesia using a surgical scalpel.The skin formation is removed and intradermal cosmetic sutures are applied.They are removed after a week.After such an operation, a small, light, thin and flat scar 2-3 mm long remains.An absorbable silicone patch is applied over it for quick healing.
After the operation it is forbidden to visit solariums and baths or tear off the resulting crust.For the first week do not wet the wound, treat it only with antiseptics and maintain hygiene.
Contraindications:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding period;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- inflammatory and infectious processes in the body.
Electrocoagulation
The method involves the use of an electrocoagulator.Electric shock can remove any type of wart, except plantar warts, because they have a thicker structure.
The procedure is performed using local anesthesia.A high frequency current is supplied to the metal circuit.It stops growth and coagulates surrounding tissue.The surrounding tissues are warmed, thus preventing bleeding and further spread of the virus to healthy areas.
After exposure to the current, a crust forms;disappears on its own after 7-10 days.The wound should be treated with an antiseptic and not soaked with water.A light, flat scar may remain.
Contraindications:
- low blood clotting;
- intolerance to electrical procedures;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- oncological diseases;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases.
Many people are interested in the question: what is better to remove warts, laser or nitrogen?Compared to other growth removal methods, laser has numerous advantages, including the following:
- speed of the procedure (2-3 minutes);
- absence of scars and scars;
- painless;
- exclusion of infection during manipulations;
- no risk of damage to healthy areas;
- the probability of relapse is reduced to a minimum;
- There are almost no contraindications.
As for nitrogen, it can be used by children and pregnant women, has no contraindications, is convenient and the intervention is performed quickly.But if the technique is violated, scars may remain.The wound must be carefully treated.There could be repercussions.
Removal of warts with nitrogen today is also considered an effective treatment method, but the laser still acts more accurately, painlessly and leaves no marks, which is very important.
It is recommended to combine the described methods for removing warts with a general anti-recurrence treatment.
The likelihood of warts reforming depends on the quality and timeliness of the procedures, as well as the state of the immune system.Well, to find out which removal methods are right for you, it is best to consult a doctor for advice.