Periungual warts are raised growths that can appear on the skin around the nails. They are commonly caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) and can be spread through direct contact with someone who has the virus. Periungual warts can be painful and difficult to treat, so it is important to see a doctor if you think you have one.
Causes
There are a few different things that can cause periungual warts. One is HPV, or human papillomavirus. This virus is actually quite common, and most people who have it don’t even know it. It’s usually spread through skin-to-skin contact, and it can take months or even years for warts to show up. Another possible cause is trauma to the nails. This can happen from biting your nails, picking at them, or even just accidentally hitting them. Once the skin is broken, it’s easier for viruses or bacteria to get in and cause an infection. Finally, people with weakened immune systems are also more likely to get periungual warts. This includes people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes.
Transmission
There are two ways that periungual warts can be transmitted: direct contact and indirect contact. Direct contact occurs when the wart is touched by an infected person. This can happen through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing contaminated objects, such as towels or razors. Indirect contact occurs when the wart comes into contact with a surface that has been contaminated by an infected person, such as a doorknob or countertop.
Periungual warts are more likely to be spread through direct contact because they are often located on the hands and feet, which come into contact with other people and surface more frequently than other parts of the body. The best way to prevent the spread of periungual warts is to avoid touching them and to wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them.
Symptoms
There are a few different symptoms that are associated with periungual warts. One of the most common symptoms is the appearance of one or more warts around the nails. These warts can be raised or flat, and they may have a slightly different color than the surrounding skin. In some cases, warts may also cause the nails to become thickened or grooved. In addition, periungual warts may cause pain or discomfort when they press against shoes or other objects. If left untreated, periungual warts can spread to other parts of the body.
Diagnosis
Periungual warts are growths that occur on the skin around the nails. They can be painful and unsightly. There are several tests that can be used to diagnose periungual warts, including a physical examination, a biopsy, and imaging tests.
A physical examination is often the first step in diagnosing periungual warts. The doctor will look for growths on the skin around the nails. They may also order a biopsy, which is a test that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the wart and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, may also be ordered to get a closer look at the wart.
If you think you may have periungual warts, be sure to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Periungual warts are warts that occur on the nails or around the nail beds. They can be difficult to treat because they are often located in hard-to-reach areas. Treatment options include cryotherapy (freezing), surgery, and topical treatments.
Cryotherapy is a common treatment for periungual warts. A healthcare provider will apply liquid nitrogen to the wart, which freezes it and destroys the tissue. This treatment is usually effective, but it can cause pain and blistering. It may also damage the surrounding skin if not done correctly.
Surgery is another option for treating periungual warts. This involves cutting away the wart with a scalpel or laser. Surgery is usually only recommended for large or stubborn warts that have not responded to other treatments.
Topical treatments include salicylic acid, cantharidin, and lactic acid. These are often applied to the area surrounding the wart to keep it from spreading to other areas. They are usually effective when used with other treatments.
Prevention
Periungual warts are a type of wart that commonly affects the fingers and toes. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be spread through direct contact with someone who has the virus. While there is no cure for HPV, there are ways to prevent its spread. Vaccination is the best way to prevent HPV infection. Good hygiene, such as washing your hands and keeping cuts and scrapes clean, can also help prevent its spread.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing periungual warts. One of the biggest risk factors is having a weakened immune system, which can be caused by conditions like HIV/AIDS or cancer. Other risk factors include diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, and using public showers or swimming pools.
Wearing nail polish can also increase your risk of developing periungual warts because it provides a barrier that prevents your nails from breathing. This can allow moisture to build up under your nails, which creates an ideal environment for the wart-causing virus to thrive.
Complications
There are a few potential complications of periungual warts. If left untreated, warts can grow and spread to other parts of the body. In severe cases, warts can cause deformities in the nails and fingers. Additionally, warts can be painful and make it difficult to use the affected hand. If you have periungual warts, it is important to see a doctor so that you can avoid these complications.
Conclusion
Periungual warts are a common viral infection that can be prevented with vaccination. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are two types of HPV that can cause periungual warts: HPV-2 and HPV-16.
HPV-2 is the most common type of HPV that causes periungual warts and is responsible for about 70% of cases. HPV-16 is responsible for the other 30% of cases.
The best way to prevent periungual warts is to get vaccinated against HPV. The CDC recommends that all 11- and 12-year-olds get vaccinated against HPV. The vaccine is also recommended for people who are 13 years old or older and have not yet been vaccinated, or who have not completed the full series of shots.
Published on August 22, 2022 and Last Updated on August 22, 2022 by: Mayank Pandey
