Pigmented wart

Pigmented wart is a type of skin lesion that is characterized by its dark coloration and rough texture. It is a variant of the common wart, which is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Causes

Pigmented warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus causes an overgrowth of cells in the top layer of the skin, leading to the formation of a wart. The pigmentation in these warts is due to the presence of melanin, a pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.

Symptoms

Pigmented warts are usually small, rough, and darkly colored. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the hands, feet, and face. These warts may be single or multiple, and they can sometimes cluster together to form a larger wart.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pigmented warts is usually made based on their characteristic appearance. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as skin cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for pigmented warts can include over-the-counter medications, prescription creams, and surgical procedures. Over-the-counter treatments often contain salicylic acid, which works by peeling off the wart. Prescription creams, such as imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil, work by stimulating the body's immune system to fight off the virus. Surgical procedures for removing warts can include cryotherapy (freezing the wart), electrosurgery (burning the wart), and laser surgery.

Prevention

Prevention of pigmented warts involves avoiding contact with HPV. This can be achieved by not sharing personal items, such as towels and razors, and by wearing protective footwear in public showers and pools. There is also a vaccine available that can protect against certain strains of HPV.

See also

• Wart
• Human papillomavirus
• Skin lesion
• Skin biopsy
• Skin cancer

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