Warts should only be on the wicked witches in scary fairy tales. Unfortunately, even the nicest person on the planet can suffer from the skin malady. Worse still, any part of the epidermis, the largest organ of the body, is susceptible to warts of all sizes and shapes. Even flat warts can be a source of frustration and discomfort.
What are Warts?
Warts are little growths of varying sizes that can appear on any part of the body. But, the most common are found on the fingers, often close to the nail. The wart can be bumpy with black dots that are actually little blood vessels close to the surface of the wart or a growth matching skin tone.
What are Flat Warts?
Flat warts are not bumpy and discolored in appearance. Instead, this type of wart is generally smaller and skin colored. Unfortunately, although not know to be physically harmful, the warts can be emotionally devastating because they affect mostly teenagers and younger children. Plus, flat warts are generally located on the face and legs of the sufferer.
What Causes Warts?
Warts are actually the result of the contagious Human Papillomavirus, which has at least 100 different strains. Once contracted, the virus can make an appearance with a variety of different types of warts on any part of the skin. However, this knowledge has not resulted in a cure for all forms of the virus, although some types now have a vaccine to help reduce the chances of cervical cancer.
Will I get Flat Warts?
Unfortunately, the Human Papillomavirus is very contagious. Thus, warts are very contagious. One wart can spread to a cluster or HPV can be transferred to another person. However, there are some precautions that can be taken to reduce the chances of contracting the virus.
- Avoid skin contact with a person who already has the virus.
- Do not touch doorknobs in public places with bare skin.
- Avoid intimacy with a person with genital warts
How do I get rid of Flat Warts?
Despite doing everything possible to avoid HPV, many people may find themselves suffering from flat warts. But instead of panicking, there are treatments available to include:
The first step is to make sure the growth is really a wart and not the manifestation of something more serious. Once confirmed, patients may choose to do nothing and see if the problem will go away on its own. However, if this option is chosen, do not scratch or pick at the wart. Otherwise, the problem may spread to other parts of the skin and only exasperate the problem.
If the problem does not go away, patients can opt to have the wart frozen or surgically removed. While freezing, cutting or laser procedures can be done in the office and the wart will be gone, there is a potential for scarring. Thus, individuals may decide to try something else before taking such drastic measures.
In truth, topical medicines are available at the local pharmacy. However, it is adding chemicals to the skin in order to eventually kill off the wart infested cells. Over time the treatment may work, but it can also adversely affect the skin surrounding the problem. So, before subjecting the skin to chemicals, patients can select a more natural approach.
A more holistic approach to wart removal is essential oils All natural, the topical treatment is extracted from plants and seeds. With no chemical additives, the oils are meant to restore the epidermis to its healthy state without harming the surrounding skin. The process encourages normal, healthy cells to grow, replacing the HPV infected skin.
In Short
Flat warts are quite common in children and teenagers. Although not harmful, the small skin colored growths can cause great distress when discovered on the face or legs. Despite the best efforts to keep from contracting HPV, it is important to know the medical options if warts become a problem. However, before choosing more invasive and hurtful treatments, try the natural approach of essential oils.
Tina Matsunaga is a freelance writer for home-based businesses, Internet marketers, and professionals around the world. She enjoys working at home while raising 2 children. She holds a BA in English and secondary education from Regis University
For more information on flat warts go to http://www.naturalskinrepair.com/flat-warts.html
