Warts on the hands: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

1. Reasons for appearance
2. What do warts on hands look like?
3. Treatment methods
   1. Medicines
   2. Removing warts on hands
   3. Folk remedies
4. Real patient reviews

Warts on the hands are neoplasms that are predominantly benign in nature. The appearance of such growths is associated with increased activity of the human papillomavirus. The disease is highly contagious and requires special complex therapy.

Causes of warts on hands

Warts are an unpleasant external manifestation of an infectious skin disease. The culprit of their appearance is the human papillomavirus.

How does HPV infection occur, causing the growth of warts on the hands:

1. Contact method. Most often, infection with this pathogen occurs through direct contact between the skin of a healthy person and an infected person. So a simple handshake may be enough. Because of this, the most common phenomenon is the occurrence of warts on the hands, because the hands are the most contact part of the body. In addition to this option, we can also note the possibility of transmitting the pathogen through the use of things and objects touched by the carrier of the disease. Therefore, you can also become infected from relatives at home. Sometimes the virus survives for some time on various wet surfaces, for example, in bathhouses, locker rooms, public transport, etc.
2. Autoinfection. If such a neoplasm appears on one part of the body, then there is a possible risk of self-infection. More precisely, the spread of the virus to healthy tissue. This occurs when the growths are traumatized by nails or various objects. If you do not carry out wound and hand hygiene in a timely manner, you can easily provoke an increase in the lesion.
3. From mother to child. According to this option, the child is infected from the mother during childbirth.

HPV is highly contagious. Avoiding infection is quite difficult. The disease affects both men and women, both adults and children. Most often, warts on the hands appear in children and adolescents.

From the moment the virus enters the body until the first external manifestations appear, it can take from 1 to 6 months. Although in some cases only carriage is observed, in which warts never begin to grow. This is possible if the person’s immunity is strong enough and does not allow the virus to multiply and become active.

Thus, HPV can wait for a long time for the right moment - a significant weakening of the immune system.

Various types of mental trauma, improper work and rest schedules, drug abuse, unbalanced diet, adherence to bad habits and unfavorable environmental conditions can affect the immune status in the direction of its reduction.

Predisposing factors to the appearance of these formations are numerous; let’s consider the most obvious reasons why warts appear on the hands:

1. Acute and chronic diseases. Any illness and lack of timely and competent treatment can significantly weaken the immune system. There is an increased risk of getting HPV with the development of warts on the hands with HIV, eczema, psoriasis, etc. The risk of virus penetration into the epidermis increases with the presence of even the smallest cracks in the skin.
2. Individual characteristics. Hyperhidrosis, i.e. increased sweating on the palms is a provoking factor, because promotes the formation of special pathological microflora and high humidity, which are favorable conditions for the proliferation of HPV.
3. Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules. It is quite simple to explain why warts appear on the hands in the absence of skin care. For example, dry skin can cause the formation of small cracks and irritation, through which the virus can safely penetrate inside. It is noteworthy that you can prevent infection even after shaking hands with an infected person, if you simply wash your hands in a timely manner.

With strong protective functions, the body can cope with the infection on its own. In the best case, recovery occurs in 2-3 months. According to statistics, this is about 20% of all cases. Sometimes the recovery process takes place within 2 years using one’s own efforts.

What do warts on hands look like?

Photo of warts on hands

Many people, having discovered skin growths on themselves, wonder how to cure warts on their hands. However, before starting treatment, you should make sure that you have warts, and for this you need to be able to distinguish these benign growths from others - calluses, keratosis, lichen planus and molluscum contagiosum.

The most important difference is that warts on the hands and other parts of the body have small blood vessels. This can be understood by accidentally injuring the growth or when trying to remove it yourself - bleeding of varying intensity occurs.

The color range of benign and safe warts is varied. The growths can be flesh-colored, light yellow, light brown, or gray-brown. Sometimes black dots may be observed on their surface - places of thrombosed vessels. At the same time, the coloring of neoplasms caused by the human papillomavirus in a bright brown or black color is not typical. Any color changes should alert a person and prompt an urgent trip to the hospital to determine how to treat warts on the hands. Concerns should also arise from those growths that become inflamed, fester and begin to grow rapidly.

The sizes of warts vary from 1 to 10 mm. They can be single or formed in groups of several pieces. With a very weak immune response, neoplasm tissues grow rapidly. Individual growths can grow together.

Any type of wart provokes hyperkeratosis - excessive compaction of the upper layer of the epidermis. That is why such growths can be easily felt; they clearly stand out against the background of healthy cells with a rougher and harder structure.

Most often, two types of warts appear on the hands:

1. Common warts. They are also called vulgar. The favorite place for this type of neoplasm is the hands. They can easily spread to the skin of the face. Color - flesh-colored, yellow-brown or grayish. It is on such warts that you can often see black dots. Growths are keratinized elevations above the skin. The shape of such warts on the hands resembles a nodule or dome-shaped papule. Their structure is dense, the surface is uneven with small villi, and is characterized by increased tissue dryness. The size is usually from 2 to 7 mm in diameter. Most often they do not cause pain.
2. Flat warts are superficial. Another name is youthful. The dorsum of the hands is often affected. Color - from pale yellow to brown. In appearance they resemble flat nodules of round or irregular shape. Size - 3-4 mm. They practically do not protrude over the skin.
3. Flat warts are deep. The second type of flat warts. Representatives of this species grow inside. They are very specific formations. They also have an irregular shape and color from pale yellow to brown. They do not protrude particularly above the skin, but within the outer surface of the growth there is a slight depression towards the middle. The size of a single neoplasm is 3-4 mm. Most often, it is deep warts on the hands that require treatment, because... They usually cause quite strong painful sensations.

1. Read also what warts on a finger look like

Methods for treating warts on hands

Determining the causes of warts on the hands and treating them should be carried out by a qualified physician, who has at his disposal not only knowledge and experience, but also all kinds of tools for making a diagnosis. Thus, with the help of laboratory tests, the type of human papillomavirus and viral load are determined, and the risks of developing adverse consequences are assessed. Based on the results, complex therapy is prescribed, including not only taking medications, but also instrumental removal of tumors that are dangerous. Self-medication can very often lead to a lack of therapeutic effect or the development of complications.

Treatment of warts on hands with medications

In the photo there are preparations for warts on the hands

A dermatologist treats warts on the hands. Its main task is to suppress the activity of the virus and prevent the spread of infection. For this purpose, antiviral drugs are used both for external use and for oral administration.

The most popular remedies used to treat warts on the hands are:

1. Ointments for disinfection and combating the virus. Local treatment can reduce the spread of infection through the skin, thereby reducing the risk of infecting other people. Many drugs effectively suppress the activity of the virus, slowing down the uncontrolled growth of tumors. They also promote rapid healing of skin damage and relieve inflammation. For this purpose, Bonaftone, Oxolinic and Tebrofen ointments are often used.
2. External means for destruction of growths. The active substances have an aggressive effect on the cells of the growths, promote their destruction and provoke the complete elimination of warts on the hands and other parts of the body. Such agents include Fluorouracil, Solcoderm, Superchistotel, Feresol, Salicylic and Retinoic acid, etc. Their use is desirable within the walls of a medical institution in order to avoid undesirable consequences in the form of injury to healthy tissue. Separately, we can note the Cryopharm spray; at the moment it has no domestic analogues. The drug acts on the principle of cryodestruction and effectively removes epithelial tumors caused by HPV.

It is worth noting that at the moment no specific medicine has been found against the human papillomavirus. However, there are remedies that can reduce viral activity and stop the growth of warts on the hands, feet and other parts of the body. Thus, it is worth highlighting medications intended for oral administration in a separate column. They actively stimulate the immune system, helping the body produce special immune cells, and are also able to have a visible antiviral effect.

Popular drugs with antiviral and immunostimulating activity used to treat HPV in the presence of warts on the hands:

1. Isoprinosine. The strong antiviral effect is complemented by a stimulating effect on the immune system. A comprehensive solution to the problem of HPV of different strains ensures an enhanced immune response and suppression of viral activity. Costs 650 rubles or 320 hryvnia.
2. Acyclovir. This is a direct-acting drug, its target is viruses, including HPV. The result of treatment is a visible decrease in viral activity. Price - 150 rubles or 90 hryvnia.
3. Allokin-alpha. The action is specific - it activates the body's defenses, triggering numerous immune processes. Accelerates the production of interferon. The cost is 7400 rubles or 4000 hryvnia.
4. Cycloferon. Increases the body's resistance to the effects of HPV. Reduces the viral load and stops the growth of warts on the hands. Costs 180 rubles or 125 hryvnia.
5. Arbidol. A popular immunostimulating medicine. An increase in the immune response causes the virus to lose its ability to integrate into healthy cells, and its population is significantly reduced. Price - 150 rubles or 95 hryvnia.

If there is severe deterioration in health, the doctor will recommend taking vitamin and mineral complexes in order to restore the balance of nutrients and the performance of each structural unit of the body. Among the vitamin and mineral complexes, Centrum, Vitrum, Triovit, Complivit are very popular.

Removal of warts on hands using instrumental methods

Removal of the affected epithelium is a mandatory procedure if warts cause discomfort, grow quickly and change their structure, or are often injured. Moreover, any mechanical impact on the growths can provoke bleeding, the addition of a secondary infection, and the development of the inflammatory process. Because of this, it is strictly not recommended to remove warts on your hands yourself.

There are a number of modern methods for instrumental removal of skin tumors. They are characterized by a high degree of efficiency. Most of them are considered minimally invasive. Painlessness during the procedures is ensured by local anesthesia.

The most popular methods of instrumental destruction of warts on the hands are:

1. Electrocoagulation. This method is excellent for eliminating vulgar warts that protrude above the skin level, although it also helps get rid of deep epithelial tumors. A special device with a loop at the end synthesizes high-frequency current and simply cuts off the growth. There is no bleeding during the manipulation. The resulting crust comes off within 5-7 days. The scar after electrocoagulation remains only after deep exposure. The price of electrocoagulation is 590 rubles (250 hryvnia).
2. Surgical excision. In most cases, it is prescribed if it is necessary to take a sample of the growth for analysis and if there is a large lesion. Removal of warts on the hands is done using a surgical scalpel. In this procedure, healthy tissue is often also excised. After the procedure, cosmetic stitches are applied for 7-10 days. After complete tissue healing, scars may remain. The price of surgical intervention is calculated individually for each patient.
3. Laser removal. According to many criteria, it is considered the most successful method - minimum pain, high safety, precise impact on education. A laser is used to burn out wart cells on the hands. The remaining indentations heal after 2-3 weeks. The price of laser therapy is 2900 rubles (1300 hryvnia).
4. Cryodestruction. Deep freezing of tissues, carried out in a matter of seconds, provokes the death of the treated tissues. Under the influence of liquid nitrogen, the wart on the hands begins to turn slightly pale and thicken. The tissue around it swells slightly and may turn red. After this, the body of the wart transforms into a vesicle that can fill with liquid. Over the course of a week, it decreases and a crust remains in its place. The recovery time for the skin from this point is about 2 weeks. The price of cryodestruction is 360 rubles (150 hryvnia).

The crusts, blisters, and wounds formed as a result of the procedures must under no circumstances be torn off. This can lead to infection and a longer recovery time. Also, due to such actions, unattractive scars often remain.

1. Read also what to do if the wound does not heal after papilloma removal

Treatment of warts on hands with folk remedies

Many people refuse to visit a doctor for various reasons and are looking for an answer to the question of how to get rid of warts on their hands at home.

In order to eliminate warts and fight the human papillomavirus, traditional healers use many improvised means, food and plants. However, you need to understand that the effectiveness of traditional medicine in treating HPV is quite weak, so you should not rely on it, refusing to take medications and professional removal of skin growths.

In some cases, the attending physician may recommend supplementing traditional methods of treating warts on the hands with folk remedies. The tasks are still the same - maintaining immunity and increasing the body’s antiviral activity, normalizing the balance of nutrients, as well as antiseptic local treatment.

Recipes for effective folk remedies:

1. Herbal infusion. To prepare, take 25 g of birch leaves, juniper needles, dandelion root, plantain leaf, chicory root and 30 g of nettle leaf, agrimony herb and horsetail herb. All ingredients are poured with boiling water in a volume of 1 liter, boiled for 10 minutes over low heat, and left for 10-12 hours. Should be taken four times a day, half a glass.
2. Infusion with herbs. For preparation, take wormwood herb (10 g), birch buds (15 g), lemon balm herb (20 g), thyme herb (25 g) and juniper berries (30 g). All ingredients are mixed. To brew, take 40 g of herbal mixture, pour 400-500 ml of boiling water, leave for 1-1.5 hours, filter and take orally. The dose received is for 1 day. The course of treatment for warts on the hands is from 2 to 5 weeks.
3. Hand baths. The starting materials are tea tree oil (3 drops) and lemon juice (from half the fruit). Both ingredients are diluted in 2 glasses of warm water. Place your palms into the mixture and hold for 20 minutes. After the procedure, softened particles of warts on the hands should be removed. The product has an antiviral effect, softens the skin, accelerates tissue regeneration, and fights pathogens.
4. Lemon-pine mixture for warts. You need to mix lemon and pine oil in equal proportions. The resulting mixture is applied to the affected areas 3-5 times a day to soften growths, have an antiseptic effect and accelerate the regeneration of healthy tissue.
5. Applications for warts. Patchouli oil is applied to a bactericidal patch and attached over the growth. Such applications last for several hours. To speed up the therapeutic effect, you should carry out the procedure 2-3 times every day until the warts on your hands completely disappear.
6. Wormwood infusion. Crushed dry wormwood herb in a volume of 60 g is poured with 250 ml of boiling water. Leave for 2.5 hours in a thermos, filter. Soak a gauze bandage in the infusion and make compresses twice a day.

Sometimes it is practiced to remove warts using celandine, onions, potato juice, lemon, Kalanchoe, and acetic acid.

Real patient reviews about the treatment of warts on the hands

The choice of treatment methods is the prerogative of doctors, but it is not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with the possible options for HPV treatment and methods for removing tumors before going to the hospital. Reviews about the treatment of warts on the hands left on online forums will help you evaluate the effectiveness of a particular regimen. We invite you to familiarize yourself with some stories of getting rid of the external manifestations of HPV:

Margarita, 35 years old

My child has warts on his hands. Immediately they simply applied antiseptic, but when they began to grow near the nails, pain appeared. We decided to remove it in the safest and most effective way, as we were told—by radio waves. The son, indeed, did not complain of pain during the procedure; there was no blood. The skin recovered very quickly. Then we also took a drug based on interferon. Now there is not a single wart.

Oleg, 46 years old

These growths appeared suddenly for me. They were very sick. At home I tried applying garlic and celandine, but did not get any results. It had to be removed using a laser; the warts on my hands were deep, so the scars were deep. It took about two weeks to heal, the scars are gradually healing, but I still take antiviral pills and a drug for immunity.

Ilona, ​​26 years old

But folk remedies didn’t help me, they only made the sore worse. I had to go to the surgeon, because... There has been a lot of growth of this crap. It’s good that at least the doctor didn’t seriously disfigure my fingers and carefully stitched them up. It took three weeks to recover. Now I take pills and make decoctions for skin regeneration.

1. See also real reviews about alcohol for warts

How to get rid of warts on your hands - watch the video:

Treating warts on the hands is a responsible matter. Prescribing medications and determining the best method of destruction should be carried out exclusively by a qualified medical specialist in order to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce the risk of infecting others.

1. Related article: Prevention of warts on the hands