Common Wart
(Verruca vulgaris)
Common Wart (Verruca vulgaris) is a benign, skin growth caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Here are the key features of this condition:
Appearance: Common warts are typically small, rough, and raised growths on the skin, often with a cauliflower-like appearance. They are usually flesh-colored, gray, or brown, and can have a hard, thickened surface. The top of the wart may have tiny black dots, which are blood vessels that have clotted.
Location: They commonly appear on the hands, fingers, and around the nails, but can develop anywhere on the body. They can sometimes be found on the face, feet (as plantar warts), or genitals (as genital warts), though this is less common.
Size: Warts can range in size from very small (about the size of a pinhead) to larger, more noticeable growths.
Cause: The virus that causes common warts is a strain of HPV, which is spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. The virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions.
Symptoms: Although often painless, warts can sometimes cause discomfort,
especially when they are located on pressure points (like the soles of the feet)
or near joints. They are generally harmless but can be bothersome due to their
appearance or location.
Treatment: Many warts disappear on their own over time, but treatment can
speed up the process or help in persistent cases. Common treatments include
over-the-counter topical medications like salicylic acid, cryotherapy
(freezing), or minor surgical procedures such as laser therapy or excision. In
some cases, warts may not respond to treatment and can persist.
Contagion: Warts are contagious, and close contact with infected areas
can spread the virus. However, not everyone who is exposed to HPV will develop
warts.
Prevention: Proper hygiene, avoiding direct contact with warts, and wearing
footwear in communal areas like swimming pools or gyms can help reduce the risk
of contracting or spreading the virus.
Plasma Pen Treatment
The Plasma Pen uses a technology that generates a small electric arc to create a
plasma (ionized gas). This plasma is then applied to the wart to target and
break down the abnormal skin cells. Here's how it works for warts:
Mechanism: The plasma energy creates a small burn on the skin, which
triggers the body's natural healing process. This process causes the wart to
gradually shrink and eventually fall off.
Procedure: The treatment is typically done by a trained professional. The
area around the wart is cleaned, and the plasma pen is used to treat the wart
with a quick, precise application of plasma.
Duration: The procedure usually takes just a few minutes per wart,
depending on its size and location.
Recovery: After the treatment, there might be mild swelling, redness, or
scabbing around the treated area, but this usually resolves within a few days.
Full healing may take a couple of weeks.
Advantages: The Plasma Pen offers precise and controlled treatment with
minimal damage to surrounding skin. It can be effective for stubborn or
difficult-to-treat warts, even in sensitive areas like the face.
Risks: Although rare, risks include scarring, infection, or pigmentation
changes in the treated area.
Cryo Pen Treatment
The Cryo Pen (or Cryotherapy Pen) uses extreme cold (usually liquid nitrogen) to
freeze and destroy abnormal tissue, including warts.
Mechanism: Liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the wart using the Cryo
Pen. The extreme cold freezes the wart, causing the cells to die. This leads to
the wart falling off over time, as the body absorbs the dead tissue.
Procedure: The professional applies the Cryo Pen directly to the wart for
a few seconds. Depending on the size and location of the wart, multiple
treatments might be necessary.
Duration: The freezing process typically lasts around 10-30 seconds per
wart.
Recovery: After treatment, there may be some discomfort, blistering, and
redness in the treated area. The wart may darken, fall off, or scab over within
1-2 weeks.
Advantages: Cryo Pen treatment is relatively quick, and many patients
experience effective results in a short period. It's commonly used for warts in
hard-to-reach areas.
Risks: Side effects are generally mild but may include temporary skin
discoloration, blisters, or scarring. Rarely, there can be nerve damage or
infection.
Summary of Plasma Pen and Cryo Pen for Warts
Both treatments offer a non-invasive, relatively fast solution for removing
warts.
The Plasma Pen uses heat and electrical energy, while the Cryo Pen uses freezing
temperatures.
They are effective for warts that are difficult to treat with topical treatments
or cryotherapy.
Both treatments are performed by professionals and carry a risk of mild side
effects, like swelling or blistering, but are generally well-tolerated.
These treatments are particularly useful for persistent warts or warts located
in sensitive or hard-to-reach areas. If you're considering either method, it's
important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most
appropriate treatment based on the size, location, and number of warts.
