Warts are skin diseases of an infectious nature.The causative agent is the human papilloma virus.They are small tumor-like benign skin formations that resemble a papilla or nodule.As a rule, they do not have an inflammatory nature.
You can get infected with the papilloma virus through contact with a sick person, including through sexual contact, through household items, bedding, towels, toys, utensils and through injury to the skin.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 subjected to mechanical friction in clothes, cause pain when touched or bring physical and psychological discomfort, doctors advise to get rid of them.
Wart removal methods
Today, modern medicine offers several effective medical procedures to remove warts.These are the following methods:
- laser burning;
- cryodestruction;
- surgical excision;
- electrocoagulation.
Let's take a closer look at each method of removing skin lesions.
A laser
Currently, the laser is considered one of the most effective methods for removing skin spots.The method is painless, highly effective and has minimal consequences and complications in the form of scars, scars and hyperpigmentation of the skin.
The main effect of the device is vaporization (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 successive removal of its layers with a device.Light energy is converted into heat, which contributes to the destruction of skin formations.
Indications for use
Any type of wart can be removed with a laser:
- plantar;
- simple growths on the body;
- flat.
Laser burning of warts is performed layer by layer using local anesthesia.The procedure lasts a few minutes.Laser penetration depth and exposure time depend on the depth and location of the build-up.A small depression remains at the site of the growth;after a few weeks it evens out.
After removal of growths with a laser beam, no special skin care is required.The resulting dimple evens out on its own after 2-5 weeks.If the growths were on the legs, then the legs 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.As a result of deep freezing, tissue death occurs.That is, the cells of the changed skin are strongly 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 stops "living", collapses and dies.
Indications for use:
- the wart changes shape or color;
- the formation constantly hurts, hurts, itches, itches, bleeds;
- growth of formations throughout the body;
- has the appearance of a cosmetic defect;
- located on the labia;
- at the patient's request.
The procedure is performed in several ways - apparatus (cryoprobe) or manually (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 rolled cotton wool is immersed in a container of nitrogen and touched with light pressure to the affected area.The manipulation time is 10-30 seconds, which depends on the size of the wart.After the first manipulation, a pause of 1-2 minutes is made to see how the nitrogen has affected the tissue.When frozen with nitrogen, the growth begins to fade, 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 in that place.This is normal and nothing to worry about.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 in 5-6 days.New young skin forms underneath.If the balloon is large and starts to hurt due to the pressure of the fluid in it, then it can be carefully opened.It is better to have this done by a doctor to avoid infection.If you do not want to go to the doctor, then you need to open it with a sterile needle preheated on fire.After the puncture, the wound is treated with an antiseptic.Gauze is placed on it and wrapped with a bandage.For pain, you can take painkillers.
A week after the procedure, the surface of the skin darkens, begins to peel 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 can occur if the procedure is performed incorrectly or if the rules of post-manipulation wound care 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 mass is excised and intradermal cosmetic sutures are placed.They are removed after a week.After such an operation, a small, light, thin and flat scar with a length of 2-3 mm remains.A resorbable silicone patch is placed over it for quick 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, 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, as they are thicker in structure.
The procedure is performed using local anesthesia.A high frequency current is applied to the metal loop.It cuts off the growth and coagulates the surrounding tissue.The surrounding tissues are heated, which avoids bleeding and further spread of the virus to healthy areas.
After exposure to current, a crust forms;disappears by itself after 7-10 days.The wound should be treated with an antiseptic and not wet 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 methods of removing growths, the laser has many advantages, among which are the following:
- speed of the procedure (2-3 minutes);
- lack of scars and scars;
- painlessness;
- exclusion of infection during manipulations;
- no risk of damage to healthy areas;
- the likelihood of relapse is minimized;
- There are almost no contraindications.
As for nitrogen, it can be used by children and pregnant women, there are no contraindications, it is affordable and the procedure is performed quickly.But if the technique is broken, scars may remain.The wound should be carefully cared for.Relapses are possible.
Removal of warts with nitrogen today is also considered an effective method of treatment, however, the laser works more precisely, painlessly and does not leave traces, which is very important.
It is recommended to combine the described wart removal methods with general anti-recurrence treatment.
The probability of re-formation of warts depends on the quality and timeliness of the procedures, as well as on the state of the immune system.Well, to find out which removal methods are suitable for you, it is better to consult a doctor for advice.