Removing Warts on Hands

Warts on hands are typically called common warts.  They are warts that grow on any part of the hand which includes the fingers.  Similar to other types of warts, warts on hands are quite benign growths.  They will usually go away on their own within two years.  But, since most people find warts on hands quite unsightly and embarrassing, they prefer to get them treated to remove them and prevent the spread.  However, until the immune system of the person with the hand warts beats the HPV virus that causes them, the warts will continue to recur.

Cause of Warts on Hands

Warts on hands are caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus or HPV.  The virus can spread rather quickly by direct contact, like shaking hands.  The virus can enter the body through any small breaks on the skin.  It can also spread to other parts of the body through scratching, sharing towels, or even nail biting.  Warts on hands are also more common in children than on adults.  The reason is most probably due to children’s immune system being weaker than in grownups.

Because warts on hands are contagious, their spread must be controlled.  Should you decide to allow the warts to naturally go away, it is best to avoid shaking hands, nail biting, sharing toys, sharing towels, picking at the warts, and sharing grooming products like combs and nail clippers.  It is also best to try and keep the skin on the hands, as well as other parts of the body, as healthy as possible.

Most hand warts vanish with the use of home remedies.  However, the timely cure by a doctor or a dermatologist will definitely reduce the possibility of the spreading of the warts to different areas of the body and also to other people.  Warts are also not so nice to look at and can cause some self-confidence issues, thus many people would rather have them treated than wait for them to disappear on their own.

Types of Hand Warts

There are three types of warts that may appear on hands. One type is the periungual warts which normally grow on the skin around the finger nails.  Another type of warts on hands is the subungual warts which grow underneath the nails and are said to be the most difficult to treat.  The third type is the flat wart which has a smooth and flat surface, having a tan or fleshy color and grow in rather large numbers.

Removing Warts on Hands

Warts on hands can be treated in many ways.  There are many over-the-counter (OTC) options that can be applied on the warts at home.  Such treatments can come in the form of patches, liquids, creams, and gels.  The most common OTC item for getting rid of warts is salicylic acid.  There are also home cryotherapy treatments that work by freezing the warts off though the use of such preparations can be rather painful.

However, if home treatments are not able to do the job, a doctor may suggest treatments that can include:

• Cantharidin – This is a chemical that is applied on the warts and then covered with a bandage.  Although the application of cantharidin is not painful, it can cause blisters which can be uncomfortable.  The blisters effectively lift the warts off the skin so they can be easily removed.
• Cryotherapy – This is a procedure that effectively freezes the warts using liquid nitrogen and then scraping them off.  The process may be painful though effective.  There may be several treatment sessions required in order to remove all the warts.
• Minor surgery – Warts on hands may also be removed through the use of minor surgery.  The warts are either cut off or killed off via an electric needle.  The procedure usually involves the use of local anesthesia.  Minor surgery can cause scarring and is normally not an option unless all treatments have failed.
• Laser surgery – This is typically considered as a last resort treatment.  This is because the treatment can be expensive and can cause scarring.