Chicken wart on the leg, hand: how to get rid, remove?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The so-called chicken wart is a common benign formation that can have different sizes and is localized primarily on the feet. For this reason, a chicken wart is often referred to as "plantar". There are also other, alternative names for this new growth - for example, "chicken callosity", "chicken zhopka", etc.
A wart of this type can form in any person, regardless of gender and age. At the same time, the underlying cause of the disease is the presence of the papilloma virus (HPV), which can pass from person to person in a contact and household way.
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Epidemiology
Specialists claim that more than 80% of the inhabitants of our planet are infected with any type of papillomavirus. There are more than a hundred of such types. Among them, about four dozen provoke the development of neoplasms on the mucous tissues of the genital sphere. Several other types do not show any dermatological manifestations, but can cause the development of malignant tumors.
Papillomavirus types 1-4 stimulate the growth of chicken warts on the plantar surface of the feet.
According to the same statistical information, chicken warts are more often found in women, less often in men, and very rarely in young children. Hereditary predisposition to attack this virus is not.
Causes of the chicken warts
A chicken wart is often mistaken for a common corn. However, these neoplasms essentially differ from each other - and, above all, the reasons for their appearance. A chicken wart always occurs when the papillomavirus is activated , which a person becomes infected in such situations:
- direct communication with another person who is the carrier of the infection or who has become ill;
- ignoring hygienic rules;
- use of other people's linen, towels, washcloth, etc.
Chicken wart appears not immediately after infection. A person can remain a carrier of the virus for a long time, activation of which occurs only when certain conditions are combined, in particular, accompanied by a sharp weakening of immunity. To clearly answer the question about the causes of the violent activity of papillomavirus, it is necessary to identify individual risk factors, a combination of which can activate the infection and give impetus to the appearance of a wart.
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Risk factors
- Overcooling, freezing of legs, long stay outdoors in frosty and / or windy weather.
- Non-compliance with sanitary and hygienic rules, a rare change of clothes and socks, wearing poor-quality and uncomfortable shoes, improper selection of shoes depending on the season.
- Lack of vitamins in the body, leading to violations in the immune system, to dryness and coarsening of the skin.
- Diseases that worsen the trophism of the tissues of the lower limbs and, in particular, the ankle joints (varicose veins, diabetes, thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, etc.).
- Injuries of skin (bruises, scratches, scrapes, abrasions).
- Abuse of alcohol, inveterate smoking, frequent intake of antibiotics and other powerful drugs, improper nutrition of unhealthy foods.
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Pathogenesis
The human papilloma virus, which causes the formation of chicken warts, is widespread in people of any age. Transmission of the HPV virus occurs during direct communication with the carrier or a sick person, as well as with a sick animal. Often people get infected from each other through household items, clothes, things of common use. After getting to a healthy person, the virus starts to boom in the upper layers of the skin.
Cyclic infection (auto-infection) is also not uncommon. For example, the appearance of warts near finger nails can be caused by bad habits of biting the nails, and the appearance of neoplasms on the heels is associated with regular cosmetic procedures that are accompanied by skin damage.
The human papillomavirus enters the bloodstream through microcracks in the skin, so people who frequent public baths, swimming pools, gyms, etc., are the most at risk of infection. Also, people working on poultry farms involved in cutting meat are at high risk.
With a virus, the incubation interval can last 6-20 weeks, but the first signs of infection can not be detected in all cases: the disease can be asymptomatic for a long time.
Symptoms of the chicken warts
As we have already said, a chicken wart may be otherwise called a chicken zhopko: this unusual name is associated with the fact that this formation externally has much in common with the corresponding part of the body of the chicken. As is known, the species of chicken tusk is a hole with short feathers in the form of rods.
How does a wart look like a chicken ass? Chicken wart has a heterogeneous rough and keratinous surface, covered with multiple dark dots. Neoplasm can also be compared with a small cauliflower inflorescence.
At the initial stage of development, a smooth, yellowish, rounded spot appears on the skin. After a while it increases, becomes brown and rough, covered with scales. In the central part, a characteristic radicular growth is formed.
The wart is located on a wide base and has a deep root. In the absence of treatment, further formations are formed, merging through time into one notable element. Through the upper layer of the horny layer, you can consider the dark dots, which are nothing more than clogged tiny vessels.
A chicken wart on the foot, foot, heel, on the toes rarely reaches a size exceeding 20 mm in diameter. Most often, such a growth is unique: multiple warts indicate a high concentration of papillomaviruses in the body, which requires long-term treatment with powerful antiviral drugs.
Neoplasm is most often found on the plantar surfaces of the feet, on the heels and fingers. However, other parts of the body are not immune from the appearance of a pathological element on them. For example, a chicken wart on the arm is often localized on the finger phalanges, on the palm or the back of the hand and even on the elbows. Outwardly, such neoplasms can be mistaken for dry callus, although characteristic features are found on the cut: black dots and "roots" or rods.
Chicken wart in a child
"Chicken Ass," it's the same wart the chicken leg of a child also appears under the influence of papillomavirus, which can get to the baby from the parents or under other circumstances. For example, children are often injured, get abrasions, scratches, bruises. Through such damage to the skin is quite capable of penetrating the virus of the papilloma. The average incubation period lasts from a couple of weeks to six months, after which - under appropriate conditions - the growth of the wart begins. As a rule, a child does not immediately notice her appearance, and does not always notify parents. Most often, the wart is "ripped off" by the baby on its own, after which it grows again.
Neoplasm can be found in children of any age, but up to five years the appearance of such a problem is of a single nature.
In a child, like an adult, a chicken wart can disappear by itself. But this does not mean that it is not necessary to treat a baby: the presence of papillomavirus in the body will eventually lead to a recurrence of growths.
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Complications and consequences
If you ignore the chicken wart, then over time it can sprout deep into the tissues and cause not only discomfort, but also pain. A person experiences pain and discomfort when walking, it becomes difficult to pick up shoes.
Other complications of chicken warts may include:
- constant recurrence of proliferation;
- fusion of outgrowths with the formation of a wart of considerable size;
- persistent pain, bleeding during trauma.
If the chicken wart germinates on the fingers or in other places with more tender tissues compared to the foot, and its treatment will be ignored, then the build-up can be malignant. The risk of malignancy is also present in patients who engage in self-medication, trying to self-"burn out" or "etch" the formation. Elimination of chicken wart should be handled by a specialist.
Diagnostics of the chicken warts
Externally, the chicken wart has much in common with the common corn-boring formation, therefore it is rather problematic to distinguish one pathology from the other independently. Even a doctor can not always accurately diagnose. In such a situation, instrumental diagnostics, in particular, dermatoscopy, will be required. The procedure is as follows:
- the doctor does a scraping of the top layer of the wart with the help of a special tool;
- in the absence of a skin pattern after scraping, one can already assume that this is a chicken wart;
- further blood tests are taken to determine HPV-papillomavirus.
The technique of early diagnosis of the presence of HPV is an analysis for the detection of antibodies to papillomavirus. Cons of this test: the inability to assess the concentration and accurate determination of the type of virus.
Amplifying Digene test is more accurate: it helps to know not only the concentration of a viral microorganism, but also indicates its typical accessory and even the degree of oncogeneity. The material for the study is scraping.
A non-amplification PCR test is administered if there is a suspicion of a malignant degeneration of the wart. The method is considered one of the most accurate.
Given that the pathology extends not only to the superficial epithelium, but also to the epidermis, the doctor can prescribe an ultrasound examination to assess the extent of the proliferation.
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Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis of chicken warts is performed with common corn, Mibelli angiokeratoma, red planar lichen, warty skin tuberculosis, warty nevi, papular syphilis. Many patients are recommended to additionally consult with a venereologist, an oncologist, an infectious disease specialist.
Who to contact?
Treatment of the chicken warts
When starting treatment, it is necessary to take all measures to inactivate the papillomavirus in the body. If this is not done, then getting rid of chicken warts will be difficult. How to overcome the virus?
The basis of antiviral treatment is specific drugs - for example, Acyclovir, Imiquimod. Such medicines suppress the development of the virus. At the same time, external influence on the wart is carried out, using ointment and cream preparations, solutions, patches. Treatment is prescribed taking into account the propensity of the body to drug allergy.
To prevent the recurrence of chicken warts and to stimulate a speedy recovery, the doctor can prescribe medications that affect the functioning of the immune system. Local preparations include Viferon or Panavir. Kipferon, Isiprinol has a common action.
How to remove a chicken wart at home?
Restoring the skin and removing chicken warts can be practiced at home - under the supervision of a doctor. For this, there are a number of drugs produced based on antiviral or caustic components. This is a salicylic, oxolin ointment, as well as camphor alcohol: a compress is applied regularly to the wart, impregnated with the drug. The proposed treatment can be long, but still effective.
Many to eliminate chicken warts use a proven pharmacy, such as Ferezol. It is a brownish oily liquid, designed to remove corn and other growths on the skin. Ferezol cauterizes, disinfects, but its use requires caution: with inaccurate application, it can provoke the appearance of chemical burns. The drug is applied to the wart continuously for 10-60 minutes. About a week later a scab will form: after its rejection, the treatment of the affected area is repeated. If necessary, a repetition of 4-5 procedures is allowed.
Medications
Getting rid of chicken warts is a difficult and time-consuming process. For most patients, doctors offer medications that stimulate the body's immune response and neutralize viral activity. A wide use of drugs have received Isoprinosine and Cycloferon. For example, isoprinosine for chicken warts is taken for two weeks daily, in the amount of 2 tablets three times a day. Such treatment is repeated twice with a one-month break. Patients report a positive result a week after the start of therapy.
The therapeutic effect is greatly enhanced if ointments from chicken warts are used simultaneously with oral medications. Often used all known salicylic ointment, which not only removes the inflammatory process, but also disinfects, and restores the damaged epithelium. External drugs are not absorbed into the systemic circulation, so the risk of side effects they have minimal.
Wifferon cream also became widespread. The drug is used to treat affected warts skin: twice a day for 3-4 weeks.
Many patients advise using a chicken wart to use a special patch Salipod. This tool helps to fix the problem in just 1-2 weeks. Apply the patch according to the instructions attached to it. Side effects during the treatment period are of a single nature and are limited to local reactions (redness, itching).
Alternative treatment
Elimination of chicken warts by alternative methods is possible only after consultation with the doctor-dermatologist. The fact is that such a growth with improper treatment can have complications, so it is better to consult a specialist in advance.
- Many people use celandine to get rid of many skin problems, including chicken warts. Treatment celandine simple: you just need to treat the growth of the juice of the plant several times a day. If the wart is located on the heel or other part of the body with coarse thick skin, then before applying the juice the skin is recommended to steal or cut a little.
- You can bring out a chicken wart and garlic juice. To such treatment usually approach in a complex way and simultaneously try to add a sufficient amount of garlic in food, which helps at the same time to strengthen the immune system. The local procedure is as follows: the skin with the wart is well stripped, the horny layer is removed. The cut garlic clove is applied with a cut to the build-up and fixed with a plaster. The procedure is carried out at night, the plaster is removed in the morning. Treatment should last for four weeks.
- For the treatment of chicken warts, clean raw potatoes, grate. The resulting gruel is applied to the area of growth, the cellophane is placed on top and fixed with a bandage. Soak for the night. The procedure is repeated daily until the problem is completely eliminated.
- A chicken wart located on the plantar area of the foot is rendered harmless with acetic essence. A drop of essence drips onto the formation, doing this very carefully, trying not to touch the healthy skin. Treatment is repeated every evening, until the sprouting completely disappears.
Herbal Treatment
With repeated chicken warts, treatment is not only from the outside: it is necessary to internalize the problem by consuming infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants.
The most effective recipes are:
- Prepare tea from the leaves of lemon balm and oregano (thyme), based on the proportion of 1 tsp. Crushed plant for 200 ml of boiling water. Drink is drunk daily for three months. In a year, two such courses should be repeated.
- The leaves of melissa and oregano, berries of dogrose, aralia of Manchuria (proportion - 4 tablespoons of equivalent mixture per 1 liter of boiling water) are kept in the thermos for three hours. Drink a drug for a month for 1-2 glasses a day. Next, take a break 2 weeks, after which the course is repeated.
- Prepare yourself or buy in a pharmacy alcohol extract from Eleutherococcus or Echinacea. Take according to the instructions, repeating the two courses of treatment annually.
For baths and trays, you can use wormwood, celandine, or the fruits of red mountain ash (the proportion is 3 tablespoons of raw material per 500 ml of water). The duration of the bath is about half an hour, every day or every other day.
Homeopathy
Modern medicine can offer many ways to get rid of chicken warts. But treatment with homeopathic remedies is no less popular: homeopathy is often treated in cases where education tends to recur. Homeopathists are sure that the drugs they offer will help to get a complete cure for the disease. The fact that the homeopath before the appointment of the device takes into account everyone, even an insignificant fact of violations in the body, which could lead to the formation and growth of warts.
Such homoeopathic preparations will help to get rid of chicken warts:
- Antimonium krudum - is especially effective at localization of build-up on the foot;
- Thuja - effective for all types of warts;
- Causticum - will help to eliminate a soft and bleeding wart;
- Gepar Sulfur - eliminates flat warts of any type.
The dosage of the drug is determined by the doctor during an individual consultation. The patient should be prepared for the fact that at the very beginning of the treatment the disease can become aggravated. This relapse may last several days, after which the condition will normalize on its own.
Immediate results from homeopathy should not be expected. Since the treatment affects multiple causes of the pathology, it takes some time to neutralize them.
Removing chicken warts
If the drug treatment for a chicken wart did not lead to the expected result, the doctor will insist on its removal. The removal procedure is carried out in a medical institution. In this case, you can get rid of the build-up by several methods.
- Laser treatment allows layer-by-layer removal of the chicken wart: in place of the build-up there remains a small stain resembling a burn, which eventually passes virtually without a trace.
- Cryotherapy, or cryodestruction, is another popular and effective way to solve the problem. After the procedure of exposure to liquid nitrogen, a small blister forms on the wart site, completely healing within a week.
- Surgical resection of chicken warts is rare, mostly with a large build-up. Intervention is performed under local anesthesia. The period of restoration of tissues after resection is always longer, and the scar remains after the operation.
It should be understood that even surgical removal of the problem does not guarantee the repeated development of chicken warts in the future. This is due to the presence of the human papillomavirus in the body.
Prevention
Without a doubt, it's easier to think about preventing chicken warts before than trying to get rid of the scourge. In order to prevent infection with the virus and, as a consequence, to prevent the development of a wart, it is necessary to listen to such advice:
- In public places (referring to swimming pools, beaches, baths) you can not walk without special shoes, use someone else's shoes or hygiene items (washcloths, towels, etc.).
- Care for your own body, for the skin of the legs and hands should be regular and of high quality: wounds and other damages should be immediately and thoroughly treated with external disinfectants.
- Dry and rough skin should be softened and moistened. Do not apply a rough peeling, cut and forcibly clean out the keratinized layers. It is useful to take a medical bath with herbs beforehand.
- With increased sweating, it is especially important to frequently change socks and underwear, as well as wear quality clothes and shoes made of natural materials.
- Healthy nutrition is the basis of the normal state of immunity and lack of deficiency of vitamins and minerals. It is important to drink enough pure water, eat berries, vegetables, greens and fruits.
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Forecast
Chicken wart can behave unpredictably: for example, it is believed that every second wart is prone to self-destruction - for several months or years. However, no less frequent are the recurrences of pathology, even in the event that it was possible to get rid of neoplasm.
No less important role in the disappearance of the disease is the state of the immune system. So, healthy immunity combined with proper care for skin integuments and observance of personal hygiene rules significantly improve the prognosis of pathology. In addition, the chicken wart will not appear again if a person wears comfortable and quality shoes, eats properly and avoids visiting public baths and swimming pools.
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