The appearance of warts has been dreaded by people since early historical times. Folklore speaks of contracting warts from touching frog or toads, though it has never been proven. Warts seldom lead to serious complications but can cause quite a nuisance and be cosmetically unappealing. According to a report published in "Clinical Medicine and Research," 51.7 percent of patients with warts experienced discomfort while 38.8 percent claimed that warts interfered with social and leisure activities.
Warts
Warts are defined as abnormal skin lesions that can appear on various locations on the body. Although warts may look similar to corns and calluses, their defining characteristic is that they contain blood capillaries. All warts are caused by strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are more than a hundred different strains of HPV. A physician should always be consulted prior to treatment to discuss suitable treatment options and to verify that the lesions are not from other skin abnormalities.
Risk Factors
Unfortunately, warts are easily transmitted to different body areas, and from person to person. HPV can be spread through contact with an infected individual or through contact with inanimate objects contaminated with the virus. Patients with health conditions or medications that suppress the immune system are at increased risk of developing warts.
Facial Warts
There are many types of warts appearing on specific areas of the body and caused by different strains of the human papilloma virus. Facial warts are commonly of the flat wart type and associated with HPV strains 1, 2, 4, 27, and 29. Although warts can resolve on their own, medical intervention may be required. Since many of the more invasive procedures cause damage to the skin, facial warts can be difficult to treat due to the possibility of scarring. Even over-the-counter products contain strong chemicals that can damage the skin and cause scarring. Always consult a physician to discuss treatment options for facial warts.
Retinoids
Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and interfere with wart skin cell growth. Retinoids are available as both topical and oral formulations. Retinoids can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight and be harmful to fetuses during pregnancy.
Other Topicals
Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) has been studied in the treatment of facial warts. DPCP works as an immunomodulator to stimulate the immune system and combat the HPV infection. Salicylic acid, 5-fluorouracil, and other caustic topical agents may also be used cautiously in certain cases.
Invasive Treatments
In highly resistant cases of facial warts, invasive interventions including cryotherapy, laser therapy, chemotherapy injections, and minor surgery may be required for wart removal. Consult a physician to discuss the best available options in treating warts.
References
- Warts Information Center: Facial warts
- Mayo Clinic: Warts
- Aghaei S. Treatment of disseminated facial warts through contact immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP). Dermatol Online J 2006; 12(2):10.
- Lipke, M. "An Armamentarium of Wart Treatments." Clinical Medicine & Research 4.4. Dec. 1, 2006: 273-293.
