Hi Listers,
All warts are viral, the wart is caused by 60 types of human
papillomavirus, some tumors can become malignant. Wart viruses are
circular, double-stranded DNA, with about 8000 base pairs. To qualify as
a separate type there must be less than 50% of DNA cross-hybridization;
subtypes more than 50%. Each type is indicated by a number. Each DNA
type is distinctive and identifiable by molecular hybridization DNA
techniques. The virus has a cubic symmetry, is 40 to 55 nm in size and
does not have an envelope.
The virus enters the body through the skin following direct contact
with warts *per se* or contaminated materials. The virus is acquired
through minute skin abrasions.
Calluses which are painful should be suspected of having a wart under
the callus, this is very common.
Treatment of warts is usually not necessary since they are benign and
often spontaneously regress. In certain cases disappearance may be
affected by suggestion alone.
Warts are worldwide and are spread person to person by direct contact
with infected tissue or contaminated objects. Autoinoculation from one
body site to another can take place. Contrary to popular opinion it is
unrelated to handling toads. However toads do have toxic secretions and
hands should be washed after handling them.
Several new methods of treatment are available. Intralesional injection
of 0.1% bleomycin in saline often produces necrosis and cures in
stubborn plantar warts. However reports of scleroderma of fingers where
warts have been injected indicates caution in spite of its popularity.
Also oral isotretinoin or etretinate is effective. These have side
effects and are never used on pregnant women. Interferon-alpha has also
cleared intractable skin and genital warts.
Bless you Bob Lee
--
oozing on the muggy shore of the gulf coast
[email protected]
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