Sophia Delgado
Warts are typically harmless and benign small growths on the skin caused by the highly contagious human papillomavirus (HPV). Subungual warts are a type of wart that occurs under and around the fingernails and can be challenging to treat due to their location. Doctors may have to remove parts of the nail to access and treat the wart, which can cause permanent deformation. Various treatments are available, including salicylic acid, cryotherapy, laser treatment, and topical medicines such as cantharidin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of wart | Periungual warts, Subungual warts |
| Location | Under and around the fingernails or toenails |
| Appearance | Small, rough bumps; can resemble a cauliflower |
| Size | Can grow to the size of a pea |
| Colour | Brown, grey, or black |
| Cause | Human papillomavirus (HPV) |
| Treatment | Salicylic acid, Cryotherapy, Laser treatment, Cantharidin |
| Prevention | Wash hands regularly, avoid biting nails, wear protective gloves |
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What You'll Learn
Salicylic acid application
Salicylic acid is a common over-the-counter treatment for wart removal. It is a mild, topical treatment that can be used to treat warts on the hands or feet. Salicylic acid peels away the skin in layers, removing the wart over time. It also irritates the wart area, encouraging the immune system to respond to the virus.
Before applying salicylic acid, it is recommended to soak the wart in warm water for about five minutes and file the wart down with a clean emery board. This helps remove dead skin cells from the wart and may make the salicylic acid treatment more effective. Salicylic acid should then be applied to the wart, and it is important to ensure that it only comes into contact with the wart itself. It should be left to dry before covering it with duct tape or a bandage. This process can be repeated once or twice a day for up to 3 months or as instructed on the treatment packaging.
Salicylic acid is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as skin irritation, discoloured skin, and discomfort at the site of the wart. It should not be used by individuals with diabetes, circulation issues, or immunity conditions. If the wart does not respond to salicylic acid treatment after consistent use, it is recommended to consult a doctor about other treatment options, such as cryotherapy, medication, or laser therapy.
It is important to note that periungual warts, which form around the nails, can be challenging to treat due to their location. They are caused by the highly contagious human papillomavirus (HPV) and can lead to permanent nail damage and disfigurement. Prompt treatment is crucial, and good hygiene practices are essential to prevent the spread of warts to other parts of the body or other people.
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Laser treatment
Periungual warts are warts that appear around the finger and toenails. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are common in children and young adults, especially those who bite their nails. These warts can be challenging to treat due to their location, and they have a high recurrence rate. Laser therapy is one of the possible treatments for periungual warts.
Laser therapy is often recommended by doctors if other treatments, such as salicylic acid or cryotherapy, have not worked. Salicylic acid is a popular over-the-counter treatment for wart removal, but it may take up to 3 months of regular applications to eliminate the wart. Cryotherapy, on the other hand, is a quicker treatment, but it may still require multiple sessions spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart.
The decision to use laser therapy for wart removal should be made in consultation with a doctor. The doctor will consider the location, size, and severity of the wart, as well as the patient's medical history and preferences. It is important to note that there is no cure for warts, and treatments focus on eliminating symptoms and clearing the appearance of the warts.
In addition to laser therapy, other combination therapies with topical drugs have been reported to be successful for some people. These include carbon dioxide laser therapy and pulsed-dye laser therapy, which can be used in conjunction with topical medications. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to determine the best treatment method for periungual warts.
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Topical medicine
Periungual warts are a common skin condition that appears around the nails. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be challenging to treat due to their location. While there is no cure for warts, various treatment options aim to eliminate symptoms and improve their appearance. Topical medications are often used to treat periungual warts, but their effectiveness depends on the wart's location. For example, it may be difficult to apply a topical treatment if the wart is growing under the nail.
One popular topical medication for wart removal is salicylic acid. This treatment can take time, and regular applications are needed for up to three months to eliminate the wart. Salicylic acid can destroy the HPV virus and is available over the counter. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using this treatment.
Another topical treatment option is cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart using liquid nitrogen. This procedure can be performed by a doctor and may be quicker than other topical treatments, such as salicylic acid. However, multiple treatments spaced a few weeks apart may still be necessary.
In addition to these targeted treatments, some natural remedies can be used topically to treat periungual warts. For example, apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy, and some sources recommend soaking a cotton ball in a mixture of vinegar and water and affixing it to the affected area overnight. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar is based on anecdotal evidence, and there is limited research to support it as a superior treatment option.
Overall, while topical medications can be effective in treating periungual warts, they may not work for all cases, especially if the warts are located under the nail. It is always recommended to consult a doctor for personalized medical advice and to determine the most suitable treatment option.
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Preventative measures
To prevent periungual warts, one must avoid contracting HPV. This can be challenging as the virus is highly contagious and can spread through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing personal items. Here are some preventative measures to reduce the risk of contracting HPV and developing periungual warts:
- Wash your hands regularly: Good hygiene and frequent handwashing are essential to prevent the spread of HPV and reduce the risk of periungual warts.
- Avoid nail-biting and cuticle picking: Nail-biting and cuticle picking can create entry points for HPV to enter your body.
- Wear protective gloves: When your hands are in water for extended periods, such as when washing dishes, wear gloves to protect your skin from prolonged water exposure and potential HPV exposure.
- Disinfect nail equipment: Always disinfect nail-cutting equipment, such as clippers, files, and cuticle sticks, after each use.
- Avoid sharing personal items: Do not share towels, nail polish, nail files, or other personal care items that could be contaminated with HPV.
- Be cautious at nail salons: When visiting a nail salon, ensure proper hygiene practices are followed, including the use of new or properly disinfected tools, and avoid shaving your legs before a salon visit to prevent creating entry points for HPV.
- Get vaccinated: Vaccinations are available to protect against HPV-related issues, including genital warts and certain cancers.
By following these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing periungual warts and protect yourself from the challenges associated with their treatment and recurrence.
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Cryotherapy
During the procedure, the doctor may first shave off dead skin on the wart area with a blade and apply a numbing cream. They will then use either a cotton swab or a spray "cryogun" to apply the liquid nitrogen to the wart and some of the surrounding skin. The liquid nitrogen is pressed on or sprayed onto the wart for a few seconds, freezing the wart. This may cause a temporary headache, redness, blistering, or a burning sensation.
While cryotherapy is a popular treatment for common warts, it may not be as effective for nail unit verrucae or subungual warts, which are warts that occur under the nail. These types of warts are often resistant to commonly used treatments, including cryotherapy, and they can cause damage to the nail matrix and lead to nail deformity. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment option for warts, especially those located under the nail.
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Frequently asked questions
Periungual warts start as small as a pinhead and slowly grow into rough, dirty-looking bumps that resemble cauliflower. They are found around or under the fingernails or toenails. They can cause pain and discomfort and interrupt regular nail growth, causing disfigurement.
Periungual warts are challenging to treat due to their location. Doctors may need to make an incision or remove parts of the nail to access the wart. Treatments include salicylic acid application, cryotherapy, laser treatment, and cantharidin.
Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy, but evidence is anecdotal. The method involves soaking a cotton ball in a mixture of vinegar and water, affixing it to the wart with tape, and leaving it overnight.
Periungual warts are caused by the highly contagious human papillomavirus (HPV). To prevent contracting HPV, wash your hands regularly, avoid nail-biting and picking cuticles, wear protective gloves when washing dishes, and do not share personal items like towels and nail clippers.
