WARTS

INTRODUCTION

Warts are small solid growths of skin tissue with a rough surface arising from the surface of the skin.

They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), of which there are more than 60 strains identified. The virus causes the epidermal layer of the skin to suddenly grow upwards to form a horny textured eruption on the skin surface. They may take some time to grow, and in some cases, may take years. They may appear singly or in multiples and are unattractive to look at an can also be painful especially if occurring under the feet.

Appearance and size depend on the location and on the degree of irritation or trauma to which they are subjected. Children from ages 8 to 16 are the most common group affected and regression usually results after the body builds up antibodies to combat the virus. Complete regression after many months is usual, with or without treatment, but warts may persist for years and may recur at the same or a different site. They are very infectious, especially in moist conditions and when the skin is damaged. Some people have a natural immunity to the wart virus and will never suffer from this skin problem.

There are a number of types of warts. These include:

1.      Common warts: these are almost universal in the population. They are sharply demarcated, rough surfaced, round or irregular, firm, light grey, yellow, brown, or greyish-black, and are usually 2-10mm in diameter. They usually appear on sites subject to trauma e.g. fingers, elbows, knees, face, scalp, although they may spread elsewhere.

2.      Plantar warts: these are found on the sole of the foot. They are flattened by pressure and surrounded by thickened skin. They may be quite tender and can be distinguished from corns and calluses by their tendency to pinpoint bleed when the surface is pared away.

TREATMENT OF WARTS

The rationale for the treatment of warts is based on the prevention of spread to other areas of the body or to other people, the prevention of irritation, and other unwanted local effects of the wart.

Treatment choice depends upon the location, type, and duration of the lesion, the age of the patient, and the patients desire to have the lesion treated. It is possible to have the doctor freeze the growth or remove it by surgical means. There are however a number of topical preparations available that are quite effective.

If the growth has changed colour or shape recently, the patient should see their doctor to rule out the possibility of skin cancer.  Any growth near or on mucous membranes, eyes, mouth or fingernails should be referred to a doctor.

Pharmacy 777 “WART SOLUTION”

Common Warts:

1.      Clear Away wart remover system:

Directions:

·         Wash the affected area and remove loosened wart tissue with a wet wash cloth. Dry thoroughly.

·         Select the medicated disc which best fits the size of the wart and apply with the beige side away from the wart. Ensure the disc does not touch healthy skin.

·         Apply self adhesive cover-up disc directly over the medicated disc.

·         Repeat treatment procedure every 48 hours.

·         If necessary, continue treatment for up to 12 weeks.

2.      Bioglan Natural Vitamin E: Contains 500IU of vitamin E. It helps with the repair of the skin and is also believed to help the body fight the virus.

Directions:

Take one capsule daily with a meal.

3.      Diswart-(Glutaraldehyde 10%) Viricidal and Anhidrotic

Hard skin on the surface of the wart should be repeatedly warn away with either a pumice stone or emery board. This will allow the solution to penetrate the skin and wart tissue. Total eradication  the wart may involve treatment for up to 3 months. Avoid warts on the face, anal and perianal areas.

4.   Wartner (New product)  More information still to come.

Plantar Warts:

1.      Posalfilin ointment for plantar warts:

Directions:

·         Paint around the wart with nail varnish and allow it to dry. Alternatively apply a ring of waterproof tape around the wart, so as to cover the adjacent healthy skin.

·         Apply the ointment sparingly to the exposed wart only and cover with a plaster. Do not use a dressing with a gauze pad. Opsite would be appropriate.

·         The ointment may be used 2-3 times a week.

·         Between each application, carefully rub the surface of the wart with an emery board to remove any dead tissue.

·         Wash hands thoroughly after use.

2.      Bioglan Natural Vitamin E: use as above.

3.      Opsite dressing.

4.      Duofilm Gel – 27% salicylic acid

Soak wart in warm water for 5 minutes.

Rub surface gently with a file or pumice stone

Apply gel which will form a protective layer over the wart.

Cover with occlusive dressing if area is large or under the foot.

NOTE WELL

·         Posalfilin should not be used in pregnancy.

·         Salicylic acid use is not restricted in pregnancy or breast feeding.

·         With respect to all wart treatments, they should not be used if the patient is a diabetic, or if the patient suffers from poor circulation. A doctor should be consulted or the patient should be referred to a chiropodist.

·         These agents should not be used on moles, birthmarks, warts with hairs growing from them, genital warts, or warts on the face.

If pain develops, or if discomfort persists cease using the preparation and refer to a doctor.