Warts are skin diseases of an infectious nature.The causative agent is the human papilloma virus.These are small, benign, tumor-like skin formations that resemble a papilla or nodule.As a rule, they are not inflammatory in nature.
You can become infected with papillomavirus through contact with a sick person, including sexual contact, through household items, bedding, towels, toys, dishes, and through skin wounds.The incubation period lasts from 2 weeks to 2-3 months.
If the warts are small and do not cause discomfort, they can be left alone.If they are subject to mechanical friction against clothing, cause pain when touched or lead to physical and psychological discomfort, doctors advise getting rid of them.
Wart removal methods
Today, modern medicine offers several effective medical procedures for removing warts.These are the following methods:
- laser engraving;
- 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, very effective and carries a minimum of consequences and complications in the form of scarring, scarring and skin hyperpigmentation.
The main effect of the device is evaporation (erbium laser) or coagulation of skin cells (carbon dioxide laser).The principle of operation of the laser is the photomechanical destruction of 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.
Indications for use
Any type of wart can be removed with a laser:
- plantar;
- ordinary growths on the body;
- flat.
Laser engraving of warts is done layer by layer under local anesthesia.The procedure lasts several minutes.Laser penetration depth and exposure time depend on the depth and location of the buildup.A small depression remains at the site of the growth;After a few weeks, it stabilizes.
After removing the growths with a laser beam, no special skin care is required.The resulting dimple will flatten itself after 2 to 5 weeks.If the growths were on the feet, they should be protected from excessive stress for 2 weeks.
Contraindications
Despite its advantages, the laser still has several 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 stage.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers 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.Freezing causes tissue death.That is, the cells of the modified skin are significantly cooled under the influence of nitrogen, as a result of which the water in them freezes.When water freezes, it expands, causing the cell to rupture and die.Education simply ceases to “live”, collapses and dies.
Directions for use:
- the wart changes shape or color;
- the formation is constantly injured, hurts, itch, itch, bleed;
- 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 carried out in several ways - hardware (cryoprobe) or manual (special applicator 25-30 cm long).The manual method is more often used than the hardware method.
Anesthesia is done with novocaine or lidocaine.An applicator with a rolled-up cotton pad is dipped into a container with nitrogen and applied to the affected area with light pressure.Handling time is 10 to 30 seconds, depending on the size of the wart.After the first manipulation, a break of 1-2 minutes is made to see how the nitrogen has affected the tissues.When frozen with nitrogen, the growth begins to turn pale, then becomes white and denser in structure.The procedure can be repeated 3-5 times with an interval of 3-5 days.
The next day a bubble appears at this location.This is a normal phenomenon and you should not worry.It can be reddish or whitish.If the bubble is small and does not bother you, there is no need to open it.It will open on its own after 5 to 6 days.New, young skin forms underneath.If the bubble is large and begins to hurt from the pressure of the fluid inside it, it can be opened carefully.It is best to have it done by a doctor to avoid any infection.If you do not want to go to the doctor, you need to open it with a sterile needle, preheated over a fire.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 off, and the growths disappear.During treatment and exfoliation, the skin should be wiped 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 the rules of wound care after manipulation are violated.
Surgical excision
Surgical removal of warts is carried out 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 excised and intradermal cosmetic sutures are applied.They are removed after a week.After such an operation, a small, light, thin and flat scar 2 to 3 mm long remains.An absorbable silicone patch is applied for rapid healing.
After the operation, it is forbidden to visit solariums and baths, or to tear off the resulting crust.During the first week, do not wet the wound, treat it only with antiseptics and maintain hygiene.
Contraindications:
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- exacerbation of herpes;
- inflammatory and infectious processes in the body.
Electrocoagulation
The method involves the use of an electrocoagulator.An electric shock can remove any type of wart, except plantar warts, because their structure is thicker.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.A high frequency current is supplied to the metal loop.It cuts off growth and coagulates surrounding tissues.The surrounding tissues are heated, which prevents bleeding and the spread of the virus to healthy areas.
After exposure to current, a crust forms;it disappears on its own after 7 to 10 days.The wound should be treated with an antiseptic and not wetted 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: which is better to remove warts, laser or nitrogen?Compared to other methods of removing growths, laser has many advantages, including:
- speed of the procedure (2-3 minutes);
- absence of scars and scars;
- painless;
- exclusion of infection during manipulations;
- no risk of degradation of healthy areas;
- the probability of relapse is minimized;
- There are almost no contraindications.
As for nitrogen, it can be used by children and pregnant women, it has no contraindications, is affordable, and the procedure is carried out quickly.But if the technique is not followed, scars may remain.The wound must be carefully treated.There may be relapses.
Today, nitrogen wart removal is also considered an effective treatment method, but the laser still acts more accurately, painlessly and does not leave marks, which is very important.
It is advisable to combine the methods described for removing warts with general anti-relapse 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 know which withdrawal methods are right for you, it is best to consult a doctor for advice.