Warts are small growths on the skin that are aesthetically unsightly. They appear as a result of infection with the human papillomavirus.
As for the appearance of warts on the legs, they are not only ugly, but can also bring a lot of discomfort when walking. Consider how to get rid of growths, their varieties, as well as all possible methods of treatment.
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Why and why do growths appear, the causes of occurrence?
The main cause of the formation of growths on the legs is the human papillomavirus. At the same time, it is activated under the influence of certain negative factors.
Causes associated with infection
HPV can be contracted in several ways:
- Direct contact with an infected person . The virus is transmitted through a handshake if there are at least microcracks on the hand.
- Sexual contact with an infected person without the use of barrier contraception.
- Household way . The infection is transmitted through common hygiene items, household items.
- Visiting public baths, swimming pools, saunas . Humid and warm environment contributes to the activation of the virus.
- Childbirth . An infected woman can infect her baby during natural childbirth.
Provoking factors
Papillomavirus is in a dormant state, it does not manifest itself for a long time in people with strong immunity. But under the influence of negative factors, it is activated – warts form on the body, including on the legs. They can be provoked by:
- Weakening of the immune system . With weak immunity, the virus begins to progress, “attack” healthy cells. Usually this condition is observed in the autumn-spring period or after an illness.
- Wrong nutrition . The abuse of harmful products that do not contain vitamins and other beneficial substances in their composition leads to beriberi. This condition hinders the improvement of health.
- Diseases of the liver . This organ is responsible for purifying the blood. Violation of the functioning of the liver leads to the fact that harmful substances accumulate in the blood, which provoke the appearance of warts.
- Diseases of the intestines . Malfunctions in the intestines prevent the absorption of nutrients, as a result of which the immune system weakens.
Types of formations
There are several types of warts that appear as a result of HPV activation.
Shipitsa
This is a neoplasm that is usually localized on the sole or fold of the big toe. It is a seal that grows into the deep layers of the skin with a small depression in the middle.
Dry
Formed in places where corns usually appear. But unlike the latter, they do not go away on their own – this requires treatment. They are seals on the surface of the skin, cause discomfort while walking.
flat
This is the most common type of papilloma on the legs. Such growths are small nodules that rise above the level of the skin, the same color as the epidermis itself. The surface of flat warts is slightly rough. They are most often seen in children and adolescents.
Plain or vulgar
The place of localization of vulgar warts is the feet. They are similar to flat papillomas, but rise more strongly above the surface of the skin. They have a rough texture and are firm to the touch.
Senile or seborrheic keratosis
They are dark brown or gray spots, many confuse them with age spots, although their structure is significantly different.
Signs and symptoms
In general, warts on the legs are noticed immediately after they appear. However, many at the initial stage confuse them with corns. Distinctive features of growths caused by HPV are:
- too dense structure;
- warts do not go away on their own, they can increase in size;
- cause discomfort when walking.
Are they dangerous to health?
Sometimes warts disappear on their own within a few months. But if the growths do not go away, their health hazard lies in:
- the spread of neoplasms throughout the body – a person becomes potentially dangerous to others, it is easy to get HPV from him;
- discomfort when walking – growths on the feet interfere with normal movement, can be injured, which will lead to infection in the wound;
- the possibility of transformation into a malignant tumor.
When is it necessary to contact a specialist?
It is necessary to contact the doctor for help with the problem of the appearance of warts on the feet in such cases:
- if the neoplasm is actively growing;
- causes pain, other discomfort when walking or at rest;
- when the prescribed treatment does not give positive dynamics to recovery.
In addition, many people have complexes about warts, they cannot take off their shoes in the presence of strangers. In such situations, it is also necessary to contact a specialist who will select the most effective treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.
Diagnosis of the disease
A dermatologist makes a diagnosis based on a visual examination of the patient. But for a complete clinical picture, it is required to donate blood for analysis in order to determine the type of HPV, its oncogenicity.
Ways to deal with neoplasms in the foot area
There are many ways to get rid of warts on the legs. Consider all possible options.
Getting rid of drugs
Modern pharmacology offers such remedies for removing growths on the legs:
- Ointments and solutions with acid that destroy pathological formations: Solcoderm, Vartek, Kondilin, Salicylic acid.
- Plasters . They cause stratification of pathological tissues, the advantage is ease of use. Patches against papilloma include Kollomak , Salipod .
- Sprays with a freezing effect. They work on the principle of liquid nitrogen. The following sprays are presented in pharmacies: Cryopharm , Wartner Cryo.
- Alkaline composition of Supercleaner . It will relatively quickly and painlessly remove warts at home .
In addition to these drugs, antiviral drugs are prescribed to suppress the activity of papillomavirus:
- Viferon.
- Isoprinosine.
- Groprinosin.
- Cytovir 3.
Removal of growths in a medical facility
The classic way to remove warts is to excise them with a surgical scalpel. This operation is painful and is done under local anesthesia. The recovery period takes several weeks.
Hardware treatment
In cosmetology salons and specialized clinics, modern hardware procedures are carried out to eliminate growths on the legs:
- Cryodestruction . This removal method consists in exposing the neoplasm to liquid nitrogen. The wart freezes, and after a while dries up. To eliminate small growths, one procedure is enough, larger ones require several sessions.
- laser removal . The removal of warts is carried out using a laser beam with different wavelengths. After the procedure, the patient is left with a small burn, in place of which, after complete healing, healthy skin appears.
- Electrocoagulation . Warts are removed with an electric current. This is one of the most budgetary procedures, but it can leave scars on the leg.
- Chemical removal . This procedure is characterized by applying a small amount of pyrogenal to the formation, after which it is, as it were, burned out. After a couple of days, the dry crust disappears, healthy skin is gradually restored.
Folk recipes
Alternative medicine has in its arsenal a large supply of recipes for removing warts on the legs. The most effective are:
- Celandine . For the treatment of growths, fresh stems should be taken before flowering. It is necessary to make a cut on the stem, lubricate the growth with the resulting juice 4-6 times a day. It will disappear in a few days.
- Garlic . Grind a clove on a grater or in a mortar. Put the finished gruel on a small piece of gauze, attach to the affected area, fix with a plaster. This compress should be left overnight. Repeat the procedure until the complete disappearance of the wart.
- Vinegar and glycerin . Mix the ingredients in the same amount, soak a piece of gauze with the finished solution, attach to the wart, fix with a band-aid. Keep the compress for several hours. The average duration of such treatment is 1 week.
- Onion . 1 onion cut in half, put in vinegar for a few hours. Then attach the cut to the growth. Fix with a plaster, leave overnight. Warts disappear according to this recipe in about a week.
Preventive actions
Prevention of the appearance of warts on the legs is to constantly maintain immunity. To do this, you should regularly take complex vitamins, adhere to a healthy diet, lead an active lifestyle.
To avoid HPV infection, you must use barrier contraception, avoid casual sexual intercourse, have only your own personal hygiene items (do not give them to anyone), and be careful when visiting public pools, saunas, baths and other potentially dangerous places.
