Eye Warts
Important Facts About Eye Warts
The Human Papillomas Virus (HPV) is cause of most types of warts, including eye warts. Over 70 varieties of virus are incorporated in the term ‘HPV’, ranging from outbreaks in genitalia to hands, feet and certainly also to the eye. Warts are often contagious and by coming into contact with it, an uninfected body part may also develop warts. Thus, HPV counts as sexually transmitted disease and spreads through contact with skin, blood or any other human fluids.
While HPV is the major cause of warts, kids and teenagers often carry rather harmless types and the causes remain unknown. Most of the time the affected person has no discomfort or pain, and the wart is usually a benign abscess and nothing to worry about. The only disturbance is the ugly connotation with warts that has developed over time. This issue only becomes a little alarming if more and more warts appear and may cover large areas of the body. Particularly unpleasant are warts that develop in the face, such as eye warts, or those that grow in intimate areas such as genitalia. Again, they are usually not dangerous but can affect the patient’s self-esteem, well-being and sex life.
The HPV virus has spread fast over the years, particularly among sexually active people as any type of body contact can lead to an infection. Even the use of condoms cannot always guarantee that another person does not get infected. Although the HPV virus is not life threatening, eye warts can become dangerous due to the sensitivity around the eye area. Another unpleasant consequence is that even when the wart has healed it may return because once the virus has entered the body, it stays.
There are various treatments for warts, however not all of them may be suitable for the eye as it is a very sensitive part. It is recommended to start treatment as soon as the first symptoms appear, such as grain or knot-like spots. Various creams or tinctures that include salicylic acid or similar agents are used to treat warts, and they have a fair success rate. They moisten the infected part and the dermatologist can slowly fine the wart down. However, due to the acidic ingredients, these creams and agents are rather complicated to use on the eye.
There are several gels or pads with the same acids that may be safer as they won’t drip and get into the eye. But there are also several less invasive ways to heal the infection, and those who want to avoid pharmaceutical medication can try home remedies. Although early treatment is strongly recommended, it is important to know that single warts can technically heal on their own. On the other hand, if there is no sign of improvement or more warts appear they must be treated. Instead of using invasive acids such as the creams, it is also possible to try out a milder version such as lemon balm oil or apple cider vinegar. Other popular home remedies include the juice of a garlic clove, tea tree oil and birch products. While home treatments are safe, it is crucial not to get any of these agents into the eye.
Some eye warts can be very stubborn and may not react to the previously mentioned over-the-counter products or home remedies. At this point, it is essential to see a dermatologist because the eye in particular can get damaged by large and infected warts. There are several methods a doctor may offer, such as freezing the wart or chemical peels involving strong acids. They may also decide to burn the wart using electrical current. If everything fails, a laser treatment or laser surgery may be the last but effective solution. No matter which treatment you choose, the most important thing to remember is patience- it will take several weeks if not months to get rid of any type of wart.