Warts under nails

Small growths with a somewhat rough surface - warts, are known to everyone. But not everyone knows that they are found even under the nails.

Growths on the skin that differ in color from the underlying tissues (they may be darker or, conversely, lighter) are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Periungual warts may look like bumps of a normal or grayish hue. As for subungual warts, the situation here is much more serious.

What are subungual warts

As the name implies, subungual warts are localized under the nail plates and deform them. Such changes are quite painful. The degree of pain directly depends on the size of the warts. Most often, changes are caused by HPV 1, 2, 4.

Such neoplasms are classified as vulgar. Subcutaneous nail warts have a root extending far under the nail plate. Therefore, it is very difficult to remove them. Most often found in children and adolescents.

What is the origin of

In addition to direct contact with carriers of the human papillomavirus, which in itself can lead to direct infection, the following possible causes of subungual warts are also distinguished:

• infection through household items - towels in the sauna, railings in minibuses or trolleybuses;
• microtrauma on the skin;
• prolonged periods of stress;
• reduced immunity;
• exacerbations in chronic diseases;
• chemical damage to the nail plates;
• minor injuries of the nail plate - possible with poor-quality manicure.

Very often, the appearance of subungual warts is associated with a bad habit of biting nails.

Precautionary measures

Considering that HPV is spread by contact, try to be as careful as possible in public places - gyms, swimming pools, saunas, transport. Do not use other people's washcloths, slippers and towels. Also:

• do not change socks or shoes;
• wear sandals in the pool or sauna;
• while swimming, cover nails with warts with a waterproof film;
• when performing a manicure, cut off the nails on the affected fingers with separate tools and do not use them without sterilization on healthy nails;
• try to keep your hands dry;
• don't bite your nails.

In case of contact with papilloma, wash your hands thoroughly, and even better, use an antiseptic. Seeing a doctor should not be delayed if the wart:

• causes severe pain;
• bleeds at the slightest pressure;
• spreads to other fingers.

Treating warts is quite difficult. In mild cases, the doctor can prescribe drug therapy and you can buy the means for treatment at the nearest pharmacy. More complex cases will require surgery to remove the papilloma using a cryogenic method or laser therapy.

But, in any case, self-medication is not worth it. Noticing the signs of a subungual wart, go to a dermatologist without delay. We wish this article to be just a fact-finding for you, good health to you!