Removing warts with a laser: technology, consequences, recommendations

They are often confused with dry calluses due to their external similarity and localization features. Incorrect treatment or ignoring the problem leads to relapses, severe pain, and proliferation of tumors. Getting rid of plantar warts is recommended in clinical settings. Doing this at home is much more difficult.

What do plantar warts look like?

Plantar warts, or, colloquially, thorns, are benign manifestations of several strains of the human papillomavirus. Unlike their “brothers”, which usually occupy the more delicate skin of the hands, neck or face, these tend to go where the epidermis is rough and subject to constant friction.

They are discovered by accident. The main symptom is a sharp stabbing pain in the foot or between the toes, as if from a pebble or splinter caught inside. Upon examination, raised round keratinized plaques of white or yellowish color with depressions in the center become visible. Sometimes dark spots appear inside - damaged capillary vessels of the dermis. The surface of the skin in the affected areas is usually rough or glossy smooth. There is no characteristic papillary pattern on it. This is the main external difference between papillomas and ordinary corns. Dry calluses always retain their skin pattern.

When pressing on the spine, a sharp pain is felt. The keratinized cells grow deeper, irritating healthy tissue as they move. In advanced cases or when trying to pick off such a “callus,” blood appears. Damage to warts often provokes the development of secondary infections, which leads to suppuration. Such neoplasms do not pose an oncological danger, but cause severe physical discomfort.

Types of papillomas

• The following types of papillomas are distinguished:
• filamentous (acrochords);
• anogenital.

Anogenital (genital condylomas) - papillomas in the form of flesh-colored or pale pink growths of an acute shape, prone to fusion. When rubbed, they become crimson and begin to bleed. Such growths reach 1-1.5 cm and in appearance they resemble cauliflower or cockscomb due to their lobed structure. They are usually transmitted sexually and have a specific localization: on the genitals, in the perineum, on the walls of the vagina, on the foreskin, scrotum and around the anus. Although with less frequency, even in the absence of anal sexual intercourse, they can even grow in the anus and urethra, causing bleeding and discomfort during bowel movements. If the virus enters the body through oral sex, then warts appear on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, in the pharynx, on the vocal cords or trachea. Sometimes they can form in the armpits, under the mammary glands, and in children - in the nasolabial folds. Anogenital papillomas are quite dangerous for humans for many reasons, the main one of which is the high probability of degeneration into a malignant form. Being inside a woman's vagina, they cause itching and burning, pain in the lower abdomen, pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse, and after it - spotting. Therefore, regardless of position, shape and size, genital warts should always be removed. Filiform - neoplasms in the form of thin, long, racemose shoots. They are also called facial because they are usually localized on the face, especially the eyelids and nasolabial folds, and neck. Rarely they can occur on the legs, in the groin folds, under the mammary glands and in the armpits. Those. they appear in areas of delicate and thin skin, in folds characterized by high humidity. It mainly affects older people. The process of formation of a growth begins with the appearance of a small nodule; over time, the formation acquires an elongated oval shape or remains round on a thin stalk. Traditionally, thread-like growths are flesh-colored, which is why they often go unnoticed for a long time, but sometimes they become yellow, brown or pink. They grow about 0.5-1 cm, exceeding that is extremely rare. The risk of acrochords degenerating into a malignant form is minimal, but if they are injured, an inflammatory process may develop. This type of neoplasm does not self-destruct and is prone to spreading to other parts of the body and increasing in size and number. For most people, this causes psychological discomfort, emotional stress and decreased self-esteem. Therefore, a cosmetic defect is the main reason for removing filamentous growths.

Where do plantar warts come from?

HPV enters the body from the outside. Pathogens love moist environments. You can become infected by wearing someone else's shoes, neglecting the rules of hygiene in pedicure salons, baths, saunas or swimming pools. A virus suppressed by the immune system may not manifest itself for years. But in a weakened body, viral particles begin to divide very quickly. The propagation of plantar strains is facilitated by:

• increased sweating of the feet;
• uncomfortable tight shoes;
• microcracks in the skin;
• fungal infections of the feet;
• circulatory disorders due to joint deformation: arthritis, arthrosis, flat feet.

Within the epidermis, the virus first infects the basal layer. Then it provokes the proliferation of keratinized particles, forming characteristic hard plaques on the skin.

The main symptom of this form of HPV is severe pain while walking. The roots reaching the lower layer of the dermis constantly injure the nerve endings. Many patients have to give up their usual shoes and use thick, soft insoles to alleviate the pain.

Diagnostics

It is extremely important to correctly determine the type of tumor, taking into account oncogenicity and external similarity. Initially, the doctor conducts a clinical examination of the growth, if located on the genital organs - gynecological in women, proctological and urological in men. This is not enough to make an accurate diagnosis. To establish a reliable clinical picture, it is recommended to conduct research at the cellular level using special diagnostic methods, namely:

• cytological examination of cell morphology - to identify DNA mutations;
• colposcopy - examination of the vulva, vagina and cervix using a special microscope - colposcope;
• biopsy - sampling of cells and tissues for the purpose of diagnosing the pathogen;
• histology - a type of biopsy - to determine a precancerous condition;
• polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques - to identify all types of virus;
• Digene test. It is the most reliable and informative diagnostic method: it accurately determines the presence and type of HPV, the level of oncogenicity, and the degree of concentration of the pathogen in the body.

Most often, the diagnosis is made based on the results of using several methods, since individually each of them is erroneous to a certain extent.

Doctors to contact regarding this issue

Denezhkina Natalya Nikolaevna

Reshanova Lyudmila Mikhailovna

Varfolomeeva Oksana Igorevna

Chaplitsky Evgeniy Aleksandrovich, urologist-andrologist, specialist

Medicines for plantar warts

The composition of drugs for removing papillomas includes antiviral compounds, immunomodulators or substances that loosen the stratum corneum of the skin. Pathogens that suppress the reproduction include:

• Fluorouracil: 5% cream for topical use, activates protective cells, slows the growth of warts;
• Imiquimod: promotes the production of interferons, prevents further damage to the skin;
• Viferon: gel for external application, has high antiviral activity.

These drugs have virtually no side effects, but at an advanced stage of papillomatosis they are ineffective. To destroy and remove large warts, keratolytics, necrotizing agents, and cryogenic agents are used. All of them require careful handling, as they contain acids, alkalis and other chemically active components. Dermatologist approval is required before use.

Popular remedies for warts:

• Salipod: a patch with salicylic acid, softens the affected layers of the skin, allowing you to remove the wart and get to its root;
• Super celandine: a solution that “burns out” the keratinized layers, promotes necrotization and death of papillomas;
• Cryopharma: a solution in aerosol form, contains a nitrogenous compound that freezes areas of affected tissue.

These medications must be applied pointwise to warts, strictly following the instructions so as not to damage healthy skin. The period of death of warts after their use: from 5 to 20 days. In advanced cases, you need to repeat the procedure. Remains of papillomas must be removed mechanically, and wounds must be treated with iodine solution.

What are the benefits of laser wart removal?

Removing warts with a laser is not the only way to get rid of tumors. There are radio waves, cryosurgery, electrocoagulation and other methods, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. But still, one of the most effective methods is laser, as it has the following advantages:

• There are no scars or rough scars left on the body.
• The doctor can control the depth of penetration of the laser beam.
• One session is enough to completely remove tumors.
• Fast healing after the procedure.
• Method sterility and safety.
• With the help of a laser, warts can be removed from any part of the body.

Causes of warts

You can become infected with warts through close contact with a carrier of the virus, or through contact with a damp surface that has germs on it. People may not be aware of an infection unless comfortable conditions are created for the development of infected cells:

• decreased immunity;
• lack of vitamins;
• hypothermia;
• colds.

The incubation period for warts ranges from 1 week to one and a half months.

Rice. 2. With reduced immunity, there are a lot of warts.

Antiviral agents

Considering the viral nature of the disease, the use of destructive and cytotoxic agents is not always effective. Even after successful removal of a wart, it may appear again. To prevent relapses, local antiviral drugs and immunomodulators are prescribed. Antiviral ointments can be combined with other medications. Review of local antiviral agents:

Oxolinic ointment belongs to the group of antiviral drugs

Antiviral agents should not be applied to damaged areas of the skin; there are no other contraindications for use. Side effects are rare (changes in skin color, burning, skin rashes).

Herbal remedies

At home, you can use pharmaceutical herbal remedies. They act gently and rarely cause side effects. At the same time, their effectiveness is lower than that of the use of cytotoxic or keratolytic agents.

Local remedies based on celandine are often used. How to apply:

1. Steam the skin, remove keratinized areas.
2. Squeeze a small amount of ointment onto a cotton swab.
3. Apply a thick layer to the wart.
4. Cover the top with a gauze bandage.
5. Leave for 4 hours.

The medicine should be used once a day for 5 days.

Ointment based on celandine can be used to get rid of skin growths

Therapeutic baths

If warts form in large numbers and cover different parts of the body, medicinal baths will come to the rescue. Such procedures can be carried out in the following ways:

1. Pour boiling water over chestnut leaves (½ bucket) and leave for 12 hours. Then strain the mixture, add the resulting liquid to a bathtub filled with warm water and completely immerse yourself in it. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes. You should take this bath at least 7 times with an interval of 1-2 days.
2. Take a full bath of warm water, dissolve 300 g of magnesia powder in it, and immerse yourself in the liquid. The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes. It is recommended to take magnesium baths 1-2 times a week until the skin condition improves.

Hot medicinal baths should not be taken if there is an elevated body temperature or diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Keratolytic agents

Salicylic ointment has a good exfoliating effect. The active ingredient is salicylic acid. To treat the disease, 10% ointment is prescribed. How to use the medicine:

1. Rinse and dry skin.
2. Apply ointment in a thick layer.
3. Cover the top with a gauze bandage.
4. Secure with a bandage or adhesive tape.
5. Remove after 6–8 hours (can be used at night).

The duration of the course is 14–21 days. The drug is used for flat and plantar warts. Keratolytic agents are also used in the form of solutions for external use (Ferezol, Solcoderm).

Salicylic ointment has a keratolytic effect

Why are traditional methods of treatment dangerous?

Many people remember cauterization with celandine, iodine and vinegar from childhood. Some people removed warts using a silk thread, while others applied hot metal objects to them to burn them out! All these methods are not only ineffective in the fight against warts and HPV, but also dangerous to human health.

As a result of such “home” treatment, a child or adult can receive multiple burns, scars and welts, and removal with a thread only provokes further growth and spread of papillomas on the skin.

We live in the 21st century, where there are modern methods of treatment and correction that are safe for health. If you find papillomas on the skin or mucous membranes, first make an appointment with a dermatovenerologist or gynecologist. The doctor will prescribe treatment and, if necessary, refer you to a surgeon for quick removal of the papilloma.

The MC “Health” network welcomes doctors - gynecologists, dermatovenereologists and surgeons with extensive experience. Hundreds of patients come to appointments with external manifestations of HPV, and our specialists consider each case individually - prescribe the necessary tests and studies, adjust treatment, and help quickly cope with the disease. You can make an appointment with any doctor on the clinic’s website.

Don’t delay the examination and get treatment from professionals!

Emollients

Emollient drugs are prescribed at the second stage of treatment of the disease, when the wart has fallen off and a defect has appeared in its place. What medications are most often prescribed:

• Zinc ointment;
• balsamic liniment (according to Vishnevsky).

The use of these agents accelerates healing and prevents secondary infection.

Zinc ointment promotes skin regeneration after wart removal

An integrated approach to therapy

For effective treatment, the use of medications alone is not enough. Even after getting rid of the growth, relapses often occur, which is due to the viral nature of the disease.

To prevent relapses, you must follow the following recommendations:

1. Use your own slippers in the pool, sauna, and gym; do not walk barefoot.
2. Choose comfortable shoes that do not squeeze the foot.
3. Wash your hands often, especially after visiting public places.
4. Use only personal hygiene products.
5. Use only sterilized manicure accessories.

Strengthening the immune system and treating concomitant diseases play an important role in preventing relapses. It is necessary to eat right, give up bad habits, and undergo regular medical examinations.

Cytotoxic drugs

To remove the growth at home, you can use cytotoxic drugs that block cell division. These medications include Vartek cream (podophyllotoxin) and 5-fluorouracil "Ebewe".

Vartek (podophyllotoxin)

Vartek is the drug of choice for the treatment of genital warts. The medicine is available in the form of a cream for external use. How to apply the cream:

1. Wash with soap and dry the affected area.
2. Apply the cream pointwise to the condyloma (for more convenient application, it is recommended to use a mirror).

You need to apply the cream 3 days a week, followed by a break of 4 days. The course of therapy lasts on average 4 weeks (a total of 12 days of active treatment).

It is contraindicated to use the cream if there is a violation of the integrity of the skin. Side effects may occur:

• erosive and ulcerative skin lesions;
• redness, swelling at the site of application of the cream;
• pain and bleeding;
• skin rashes;
• itchy skin.

If side effects occur, you should stop using the cream and consult a doctor.

Vartek cream is a drug with cytotoxic action.

Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil disrupts the synthesis of cellular and viral DNA. To treat the disease, a 5% cream is prescribed. There are 2 prescribing regimens:

1. 1 time at night for 7 days.
2. 1 time per week for 10 weeks.

The cream is applied in a thin layer to the affected area of ​​the skin. The advantage of using Fluorouracil is its high efficiency - in 90% of cases this treatment allows you to get rid of the disease.

The main disadvantage of the drug is the risk of developing serious side effects. Weeping erosions often occur, up to severe contact dermatitis.