Remove warts" are a fairly common skin disease mainly caused by infection of the skin surface with the viral human papillomavirus (HPV). Generally speaking, warts do not pose a serious threat to health, but because warts are contagious, they have the opportunity to spread to other parts of the body, and even to family members and friends who live with them. Cigna Smart Health will explain the causes, types, treatment, and care of warts to you immediately.

Causes and types of removal of warts

去疣 Viruses can be transmitted through contact, so anyone can get wart viruses through contact with other people or sharing personal items. In addition, people with weakened immunity are also more likely to be invaded by the HPV virus and thus be infected with the wart virus. There are more than 200 known types of HPV, and different types of HPV can cause different types of warts. The following are four common types of warts:

1. Common warts

Common warts, also known as common warts, are round lumps with a brownish color and obvious protrusions on the surface. They usually appear on the face, hands, fingers, and near the nails.

2. Flat warts

As the name suggests, flat warts are relatively flat in appearance and pink in color, almost the same as the skin. In addition to growing on the face, they may also appear on the arms and legs.

3. Plantar warts

Plantar warts mainly appear on the soles of the feet and grow so thick that they are sometimes mistaken for corn. Because the location of the growth is relatively hidden, it is usually discovered when you feel redness, swelling, and pain when walking or wearing shoes.

4. Genital warts

Genital warts, commonly known as cauliflower, are commonly found on the penis, scrotum, anus, around the vulva, or inside the vagina. At first, there will be small raised granules, which will gradually expand when severe, and may even turn into cancer.

Wart removal method and price

The price of 脫疣 generally depends on the number of warts, location, treatment methods, and medical institutions, and the price ranges from HK$500 to HK$10,000. Here are four common wart removal treatments:

1. Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy

Carbon dioxide laser is the most common wart removal method in the market, mainly using a 10600nm wavelength to vaporize infected wart tissue. This treatment works on warts of all sizes and is preceded by a numbing ointment so the procedure is painless.

2. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses the low temperature of liquid nitrogen to destroy the infected epidermal tissue. The number of treatment sessions will depend on the size and depth of the wart, and there may be a slight tingling sensation during the process.

3. Electrocautery Therapy

Electrocautery uses the principle of high temperature to destroy the infected wart tissue. It is suitable for large areas, but local anesthesia is required, and wounds will be generated after surgery. Therefore, the pain will be stronger and the risk of scarring will be higher.

4. Surgery

If the number of viral warts is single and large, most of them will consider surgery to remove them completely. Likewise, surgical procedures require local anesthesia and follow-up wound care to avoid infection.

Nursing after wart removal

Since red marks and wounds will appear on the skin after wart removal, in order to avoid infection, the following methods should be taken for proper care after wart removal to reduce the chance of recurrence and scarring:

  • Do not use skin care products and cosmetics until the wound scabs
  • Avoid swimming, steam bath, and other activities
  • Cosmetics need to be thoroughly disinfected to prevent secondary infection
  • Towels, bed sheets, pillowcases, etc. need to be disinfected

Can I apply for a medical insurance claim for wart removal?

Because warts are skin diseases caused by viral infections, their treatment is an approved medical program. As long as you receive minor operations such as cryotherapy, electrocautery, and laser therapy under the referral of a doctor, you can also apply for medical insurance claims. The following is the reference insurance amount included in the medical insurance:

project

cost

operating room fee

HK$1,750/time

Anesthesiologist fee

HK$1,750/time

ward

HK$1,100/day

miscellaneous expenses

HK$1,400/year

Early treatment can also reduce the chance of the spread of venomous warts, but it should be noted that the wart removal treatment must be confirmed by a registered doctor as a medical need before it will be considered as a medically necessary treatment and the claim will be granted. Therefore, before taking wart removal treatment, you must first consult with your doctor.