Warts

Warts are a very common skin growth. They are the result of an infection of the surface of the skin by a virus known as a human papilloma virus (HPV).

The infection causes a localized rapid growth of skin cells that results in a raised, thick, hard crusted nodule. Warts are most common in children, but they can develop at any age.Warts can develop over any area of the skin. Interestingly, different strains of HPV have very strong preferences as to where they will grow. Some strains cause warts on the palms and soles, while other strains cause warts on the tops of the hands and feet. Some strains are found almost exclusively in the genital area. Certain locations are a particular challenge. Warts on the palms and soles (“plantar warts”) are often very deep and painful, and difficult to treat. Genital warts can develop internally in women, infecting the cervix (mouth of the womb). Some of these genital HPV strains in addition can trigger the development of cervical cancer. Warts can also be extremely challenging in patients whose immune systems are weakened, such as organ transplant patients.

Treatment

There are dozens of treatments for warts, ranging from surgical removal to herbal remedies. The existence of so many treatments is a testimony to the fact that no existing treatment comes close to perfection. Common approaches include freezing, an attempt to destroy the wart by spraying it with liquid nitrogen. A number of topical medications are used to try and gradually peel away the infected area, or by stimulating the local skin immune system to try and fight the virus. Surgical approaches attempt to cut or scrape away the infected skin. None of these treatments is close to 100 percent effective, and many treatments are painful, especially for children. It is our hope that our research efforts will make life easier for future wart sufferers.