Viral warts are caused by virus infection, the first thing first is to get to know these cutie lil virus more, clinical manifestation, and the rest. So, let’s get started!
DID YOU KNOW?
- In 1907 Giuseppe Ciuffo (MD) was the first to demonstrate that warts were caused by a virus infection.
- In 1976 Harald zur Hausen (virologist) was the first to discover that warts were caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
TRANSMISSION OF THE VIRUS
- How they spread is called “autoinoculation”.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
- Common Warts
Papules (cauliflower-like) with a rough, papillomatous and hyperkeratotic surface (1 mm to >1 cm).
Predilection: knees, backs of fingers or toes, and around the nails (periungual).
- Plantar Warts
Typically tender with lateral and direct pressure, surrounded by yellow hyperkeratotic callus-like skin showing accentuated skin markings. Mosaic warts is a group of small adjacent but relatively flat warts on the sole.
- Plane Warts
Papules that are multiple, small, flat-topped skin-coloured. Most common on the face, hands, and shins. On the shins and beard-area of the face the virus is often spread by unsterile shaving.
- Filliform warts
Usually found on the face area. Manifested as narrow, small growths fine fronds emerging from a narrow pedicle base and also described as digitate or finger-like.
- Butcher’s Warts
Butcher’s warts are happening on the hands of butchers and others whose occupation involves chronic exposure to a cold moist environment. Manifested as common warts.
TREATMENTS OF CUTANEOUS WARTS
- TOPICAL
- PHYSICAL
- OTHER TREATMENTS
“So, the last one about these cutaneous viral warts is, we are not recommended to do a self-diagnose. We suggest you to go to a dermatovenereologist to be treated properly.”
REFERENCES
- Sterling JC. Human Papillomavirus Infection. In: Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS. Editors. Fitzpatfick Dermatology in General Medicine. 9th Edition. New York: McGraw Hill; 2019: 3095-9.
- Magalhães GM, Vieira EC, Garcia LC, De Carvalho-Leite MLR, Guedes ACM, Araújo MG. Update on human papilloma virus – part I: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical spectrum. An Bras Dermatol. 2021;96:1-6
- Ringin SA. The Effectiveness of Cutaneous Wart Resolution with Current Treatment Modalities. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2020 Jan-Mar;13(1):24-30.