Dear Valued Client, We are thrilled to welcome you to the first edition of GlowMail - The Avané Edit, your go-to source for the latest in skincare, expert treatments, exclusive offers, and much more. At Avané Clinic, we seamlessly blend cutting-edge medical science with advanced aesthetics to help you look and feel your best. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Pranav Pancholi, a renowned cosmetic dermatologist, we are committed to providing personalized care that enhances your natural beauty and boosts your confidence.
The skin is often exposed to millions of objects and conditions, some of which are helpful and some of which are harmful. Our environment can directly affect the health of our skin. It is therefore no surprise that studies show that skin conditions are some of the most common diseases among humans. There are several different types of skin conditions, ranging from bacterial, fungal and even viral conditions. Unlike bacterial and fungal conditions, viral skin conditions are not as prevalent, though they do affect a huge population. One of the common virus-related skin conditions is warts.
Warts are skin growths that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It occurs when skin cells grow faster than normal because they are infected with HPV. There are about 150 strains of HPV. About 10 strains are known to cause cutaneous(skin) warts. There are other strains that cause anal and genital warts. Nonetheless, HPV is also known to cause other types of diseases such as cervical and other types of genital cancers. Warts are benign(noncancerous) bumps. They enter the skin usually through wounds and cuts and cause infections.
Warts are not generally dangerous. However, they can be uncomfortable, especially since they are itchy. They are also flaky and painful, which might make one feel distraught. Furthermore, warts are contagious. They can be spread from one person to another through physical contact. They usually access the skin through cuts or open wounds. However, one can also get infected with warts from being in contact with an infected surface even without a cut or wound. This might seem unnatural and it's still not known how this happens.
Warts can affect anyone, irrespective of their age, gender or ethnicity. However, there are certain groups of people who are at a higher likelihood of getting infected with warts. Children are at the highest risk. This is because they are more likely to get cuts and wounds, such as when playing or scratches on their skin. In addition, people with autoimmune conditions or weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk of getting infected. Everyone interacts with the HPV virus every day, through handshakes, and contact with surfaces among other actions. This means we are all at risk of getting warts infections. Having undressed or open wounds and cuts further increases one's chances of getting HPV into their body. Some types of warts, such as genital warts can be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Types of warts.
There are three types of warts. Each appears on a separate area, caused by a distinct strain of the HPV virus and has distinct symptoms. These types are:
Common warts- They commonly grow on the back of fingers and toes, but they can grow anywhere on the body. They can have a rough, thick, grainy appearance and a rounded top, which make them a cauliflower-like appearance. Common warts are often greyer or lighter than the surrounding skin. They can also occur alone or in groups.
Plantar warts- They grow into the soles of feet. Unlike other types of warts, plantar warts grow into the skin, not out of it. They start as small holes in the skin, that are usually surrounded by hardened skin. Plantar warts are of two types:
Flat warts- They are also called juvenile warts. They usually grow on the face, thighs or arms. They are caused by HPV types 3, 10 and 28. Flat warts are small, and not easily noticeable. They are characterized by flat tops, brownish or slightly yellow colour and often grow in large groups.
Diagnosing warts
An experienced dermatologist can diagnose warts just by looking at them. At Avané clinic, we have nothing less than highly trained and experienced medical personnel. We are the best dermatology clinic in East and central Africa. It is only right that we have the best medical experts in the field. The doctors will however examine warts, to try and identify the type and cause. In addition to the physical examination, the doctor will also conduct a biopsy test, to test if the warts are cancerous.
Treatment of warts.
Usually, warts go away on their own, maybe within a year or two. The watch-and-wait approach can therefore be effective, though it might take a long time. Additionally, the warts are uncomfortable, and unsightly and cause pain. You might hence want to have them treated as soon as possible for the aesthetical, physical and psychological implications they might have. Treatment also helps reduce the amount of the virus that is shed into nearby tissues. It also lowers the risk of possible recurrence of infections. There are several treatment options, which include:
If the warts are hard-to-treat, the dermatologist may use one of the following treatments:
Prognosis.
The effects of these treatments vary from one method to another. It also varies from one person to another. The treatments might manage to treat and eliminate warts, but there is no sure guarantee that warts will not reoccur again. Warts can reappear after treatment, at any point in time. They can reappear at the same location as before, or in a separate location. You must consult with your doctor on how to keep them at bay.
Prevention of warts.
Warts can be treated, but they can also be prevented. There are ways to prevent warts and keep them from spreading to other parts of the body. These measures include:
Take Away.
Warts may not be deadly, but that does not mean they are completely harmless. They cause pain, discomfort and trauma. Warts cause the appearance of unsightly overgrowth of skin cells, which affects one's self-esteem and confidence, especially in a social set-up. Furthermore, they are contagious and can easily be passed from one person to another. It is therefore important that warts be managed effectively and early. For patients seeking warts treatment, Avané clinic in Nairobi, Kenya offers what is perhaps the best warts treatment in the region. We have the best doctors, the latest technologies and an amazing staff that are all committed to helping you. Visit us at the Yaya centre for consultation and treatment, or contact us to book your appointment.
