Warts Treatment in Nairobi: Causes, Types, Diagnosis and Treatment
Warts treatment in Nairobi is available for people experiencing uncomfortable, painful, or recurring skin growths. The skin is constantly exposed to different objects and environmental conditions, some of which can be beneficial while others may be harmful. It is therefore no surprise that skin conditions are among the most common diseases affecting humans.
There are several types of skin conditions, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Although viral skin conditions are not as prevalent as bacterial and fungal infections, they still affect a significant population. One common virus-related skin condition is warts.
What Are Warts?
Warts are skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They occur when skin cells grow faster than normal due to an HPV infection.
There are about 150 strains of HPV, with approximately 10 known to cause cutaneous (skin) warts. Other strains cause anal and genital warts. HPV is also associated with other diseases, including cervical and certain genital cancers.
Warts are benign (noncancerous) bumps that usually enter the skin through wounds and cuts, causing an infection.
Warts are not generally dangerous. However, they can be uncomfortable, especially when itchy, flaky, or painful. Their appearance may also cause emotional distress and affect self-confidence.
Furthermore, warts are contagious and can spread from one person to another through physical contact. The virus usually enters the skin through cuts or open wounds. However, infection may also occur through contact with contaminated surfaces, even without a visible cut or wound.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Warts?
Warts can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. However, certain groups are more likely to develop them.
Children are at a higher risk because they are more likely to experience cuts, scratches, and wounds while playing. People with autoimmune conditions or weakened immune systems are also more susceptible to infections.
Everyone may come into contact with HPV through everyday activities, including handshakes and touching shared surfaces. Having open wounds or cuts further increases the chances of infection.
Some types of warts, such as genital warts, can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Types of Warts
There are several types of warts, each appearing on different areas of the body and associated with distinct HPV strains and symptoms. The common types include:
Common Warts
Common warts usually grow on the backs of fingers and toes, although they can appear anywhere on the body. They often have a rough, thick, grainy appearance with a rounded top, giving them a cauliflower-like look.
They are often greyer or lighter than the surrounding skin and may appear individually or in groups.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet. Unlike other types of warts, they tend to grow inward into the skin rather than outward.
They may begin as small holes in the skin surrounded by hardened skin. Plantar warts are classified into two types:
- Myrmecial-type plantar warts: Caused by HPV type 1, these are deep, tender warts that grow inward. They may be surrounded by yellowish, callus-like skin, contain small black dots, and cause significant pain.
- Mosaic-type plantar warts: Caused by HPV type 2, these appear in clusters that form a mosaic-like pattern. They are generally less painful than myrmecial-type plantar warts.
Flat Warts
Flat warts, also known as juvenile warts, usually appear on the face, thighs, or arms. They are caused by HPV types 3, 10, and 28.
These warts are small and may be difficult to notice. They typically have flat tops, a brownish or slightly yellow colour, and often grow in large groups.
Diagnosing Warts
An experienced dermatologist can often diagnose warts through a physical examination. At Avané Clinic, trained medical professionals examine the affected areas to identify the type of wart and determine the appropriate course of action.
In some cases, a biopsy may be recommended to help rule out other skin conditions or determine the nature of an unusual growth.
Accurate diagnosis is an important step before beginning warts treatment in Nairobi, as different types of warts may require different treatment approaches.
Warts Treatment in Nairobi
Warts may disappear on their own, sometimes within a year or two. Therefore, a watch-and-wait approach can be effective, although it may take a considerable amount of time.
However, warts can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and painful. You may therefore prefer to have them treated earlier to address their physical, aesthetic, and psychological effects.
Treatment may also help reduce the spread of the virus to nearby tissues and lower the risk of recurrence. Depending on the type and severity of the warts, several treatment options may be considered.
Common Warts Treatment Options
- Cantharidin: This treatment involves applying cantharidin directly to the wart. It softens the affected tissue and causes a blister to form underneath. After approximately seven days, the softened wart can be removed more easily by a dermatologist.
- Cryotherapy: This is a common treatment for warts in adults and older children. It involves freezing the affected area. Although generally manageable, it may cause dark spots, particularly in people with darker skin. Repeated sessions may be necessary to improve effectiveness.
- Duct Tape: This method involves covering the wart with silver duct tape for approximately six days. The area is then soaked in water, and dead tissue is gently removed using a pumice stone or disposable emery board. The wart is left uncovered for about 12 hours before the process is repeated.
- Electrosurgery and Curettage: Electrosurgery uses heat to destroy wart tissue, while curettage involves scraping the wart off using a sharp instrument or small spoon-shaped tool. These procedures may be used together, depending on the dermatologist’s assessment.
- Excision: This involves surgically cutting out the wart. The procedure may be considered for selected cases.
Advanced Warts Treatment in Nairobi Options
For warts that are difficult to treat or do not respond to common therapies, a dermatologist may recommend other approaches.
- Laser Treatment: Laser treatment uses a focused beam of light to destroy warts or slow their growth. It is mainly considered for warts that have not responded to other treatments. An anaesthetic injection may be used to numb the area before the procedure.
- Chemical Peels: Flat warts often appear in large numbers. Dermatologists may recommend peeling medications to help manage them. These may include salicylic acid, tretinoin, or glycolic acid, depending on the clinical assessment.
- Bleomycin: A dermatologist may inject the wart with bleomycin, a medication used in selected difficult-to-treat cases. The injections may be painful and can cause side effects, including nail loss when used on warts around the fingers.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment uses the body’s immune system to fight persistent warts. One approach involves applying a chemical such as diphencyprone (DCP) to the affected area, producing a mild allergic reaction that may help eliminate the warts.
At Avané Clinic, the choice of treatment depends on the type of wart, its location, severity, and response to previous therapies.
Prognosis of Warts
The results of wart treatments vary depending on the treatment method and the individual patient. Although treatment may successfully eliminate warts, there is no guarantee that they will not return.
Warts can reappear at any time, either in the same location or on another part of the body. It is therefore important to consult your dermatologist about appropriate follow-up care and ways to reduce recurrence.
Prevention of Warts
Although warts can be treated, preventive measures can help reduce the risk of infection and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body.
These measures include:
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after contact with someone who has warts.
- Avoid picking or scratching warts.
- Cover warts with a bandage where appropriate.
- Keep your hands and feet dry.
- Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in locker rooms and communal bathing facilities.
Takeaway
Warts may not be deadly, but that does not mean they are completely harmless. They can cause pain, discomfort, and emotional distress. Their appearance may also affect self-esteem and confidence, particularly in social settings.
Furthermore, warts are contagious and can easily spread from one person to another. Early assessment and appropriate treatment are therefore important in managing the condition effectively.
For patients seeking warts treatment in Nairobi, Avané Clinic offers dermatology consultations and treatment options tailored to individual needs. With experienced medical professionals and modern treatment technologies, the clinic is committed to helping patients manage different skin conditions.
Visit Avané Clinic at Yaya Centre for consultation and treatment, or contact us to book your appointment.