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Mosaic Warts - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

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Mosaic warts are collections of warts caused by a viral infection in the bottom of the foot. Read this article below to know more about it.

Written by

Dr. Vineetha. V

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Published At June 5, 2023
Reviewed AtJune 12, 2023

Introduction:

Warts are small skin growths caused by a viral infection. They can be found on any part of the foot but are most commonly found on the bottom (plantar side). Plantar warts or foot warts are more common in children, adolescents, and the elderly. Plantar warts are of two types: solitary warts and mosaic warts. Solitary warts are single warts that may grow and increase in size and multiply. Mosaic warts are clusters of small warts growing together in one area and are harder to treat than solitary warts.

In 1842, the French dermatologist Charles Nicolle observed that warts could be transmitted from person to person by direct contact. Scientists only began studying the virus responsible for warts in the 1950s, which was later identified as human papillomavirus (HPV).

What Are Mosaic Warts?

Mosaic warts, also known as plantar warts, are a type of viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They typically appear on the soles of the feet but can also develop on the toes, fingers, or other parts of the body. Mosaic warts are called so because they tend to grow in clusters, often forming a "mosaic" pattern. The HPV virus is highly contagious and can be easily spread through direct contact with an infected person or by coming into contact with a surface that an infected person has touched. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as HIV or cancer, are more susceptible to developing mosaic warts.

What Are the Symptoms of Mosaic Warts?

Symptoms of mosaic warts include small, rough, raised bumps on the skin that may be slightly discolored. In some cases, the skin surrounding warts may appear thickened or calloused.

The symptoms of mosaic warts include:

  • Small, flesh-colored, or white growths that have a rough, cauliflower-like surface. Warts may be raised, or flat, and size ranges from a few millimeters to several centimeters.

  • Clusters of warts that may be close together or touching. Warts may be arranged in a mosaic pattern, giving the condition its name.

  • Warts that may be painful when pressed. They may feel tender during touch and can cause discomfort when walking or wearing shoes.

  • A lesion that affects the normal skin lines and patterns on the foot.

  • Warts that may cause discomfort or embarrassment. They can be unsightly and can be a source of social or psychological distress.

  • Some warts may have small black pointed dots due to small clotted blood vessels called "wart seeds."

What Are the Causes and Factors That Increase the Risk of Mosaic Warts?

The human papillomavirus causes plantar warts. Human papillomavirus is a slow-growing virus that causes abnormal growth of tissues. They can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. The virus thrives in warm and moist environments, making communal areas such as public showers and pools common sources of infection. However, not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop warts, as it depends on each person's immune system. Risk factors for developing plantar warts include being a child or teenager, having a weakened immune system, walking barefoot in communal areas, and having cuts or injuries on the feet that allow the virus to enter the body. Additionally, having direct contact with someone with warts can also increase the risk of infection.

How Can Mosaic Warts Be Diagnosed?

  • Mosaic warts can be diagnosed by performing a physical examination of the affected area.

  • Healthcare professionals will look for characteristic symptoms such as a rough, hardened surface, small black dots (which are small, clotted blood vessels), and a defined border.

  • They may also press on the wart to check for tenderness or pain.

  • This will reveal the underlying tissue, which can be examined with the help of a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

  • Sometimes, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other medical conditions with similar symptoms.

  • Tissue biopsy is a procedure that removes a small piece of tissue from the wart and examining it under a microscope to check for abnormal cells. This may be done if the wart is large or has an unusual appearance.

How Are Mosaic Warts Treated?

Several treatment options for plantar warts include the following.

  • Salicylic Acid: This treatment is available in various forms, such as gels, creams, liquids, or pads. This is a common over-the-counter treatment that can be applied directly to the wart. It works by breaking down the layers of skin that make up the wart. Small warts can be effectively treated with salicylic acid. It's also important to avoid using salicylic acid on other parts of the body as it can cause skin irritation.

  • Cryotherapy: This procedure involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, which causes the skin cells to die. The freezing temperature causes the wart cells to die, and the wart eventually falls off. The doctor usually performs cryotherapy, which may be repeated until the wart is gone. They may prescribe medications after the procedure to reduce pain and discomfort.

  • Cantharidin: This chemical is applied to the wart, causing it to blister. The blister then lifts the wart off the skin, making removing it easier. It may be used in combination with other treatments, such as salicylic acid.

  • Topical Creams: Fluorouracil or Imiquimod cream may be prescribed if salicylic acid is ineffective.

  • Laser Therapy: Pulsed dye lasers can be used to treat warts.

  • Surgery may be necessary to remove a wart that has not responded to other treatments. Surgery can be done by cutting out the wart, burning it off, or using lasers. Surgery may be done usually under local or general anesthesia. The surgical area may experience soreness and swelling following surgery, and a bandage may be applied to it. Recovery time varies depending on the wart’s size, location, and type of surgery performed.

It's important to note that even with treatment, mosaic warts can be difficult to eradicate completely, may recur after treatment, and may require multiple treatments to be fully removed.

How Is Mosaic Wart Prevented?

Preventative measures include:

  • Keeping the feet dry using foot powders

  • Avoid direct contact with people with warts.

  • Wearing shoes or sandals in public areas such as locker rooms, showers, and pool deck areas; can also help to prevent the spread of infection.

  • Try not to share personal items, such as towels or shoes, thereby preventing the virus's spread to others.

Conclusion:

Mosaic warts are a common viral infection. This condition is highly contagious and can be difficult to treat. Foot warts may not always exhibit symptoms and may resolve themselves without treatment. They typically appear on the soles of the feet but can also appear on fingers and toes. Therefore, practicing good hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items is important. However, if warts are causing discomfort or the patient has any concerns about a suspicious growth on the skin and warts are causing pain and discomfort, it's always better to consult a healthcare professional like a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

How Can Someone Get Rid of Mosaic Warts Quickly?

There is no effective technique for swiftly removing mosaic warts, although there are various treatment alternatives available. Common treatments include over-the-counter wart removers, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and prescription medicines. It is critical to get the advice of a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate treatment for the unique situation.

2.

What Causes Mosaic Warts to Spread?

Mosaic warts can be transmitted from person to person or from one portion of the body to another by physical contact. Walking barefoot in public locations, such as swimming pools and locker rooms, can increase the risk of mosaic warts spreading.

3.

How Can One Avoid Mosaic Warts?

To avoid mosaic warts, maintain adequate foot cleanliness and avoid walking barefoot in public places. Using flip-flops or pool shoes in communal showers and pool areas can also help to limit the chance of transmission.

4.

Is It Possible for Mosaic Warts to Spread to the Hands?

Mosaic warts on the foot are unlikely to transfer to the hands, although it is possible if an individual touches the infected area and then touches the hands. Mosaic warts are most commonly found on the feet.

5.

How Can Someone Prevent the Emergence of Warts?

Avoiding direct contact with diseased people or contaminated surfaces and practicing proper hygiene is essential in preventing warts. In addition, remember to maintain a strong immune system because a compromised one may make one more vulnerable to warts.

6.

How Can Someone Strengthen the Immune System to Avoid Warts?

A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, stress reduction, regular exercise, and enough sleep will strengthen the immune system. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol use may also help build a stronger immune system.

7.

Which Dietary Deficit Results in Warts?

Warts commonly result from HPV infection (human papillomavirus) rather than a lack of essential nutrients. Nonetheless, a healthy diet packed with vitamins and minerals can aid the immune system in defending against viral infections such as warts.

8.

Can Warts Be Removed Permanently?

Warts normally disappear on their own if the body has developed a strong enough immune response to the viruses. Warts can be eliminated, but no procedure is guaranteed to be permanent. The goal is to successfully manage and treat them when they emerge.

9.

Is It Difficult to Get Rid of Mosaic Warts?

Mosaic warts can be difficult to remove because they frequently involve clusters of warts. Treatment might take time, and success rates vary based on the individual and the treatment approach used.

10.

Is It Possible to Contract Mosaic Warts?

Yes, mosaic warts can be contracted if someone comes into touch with the virus in contaminated locations or physically with an affected individual.
Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha
Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Infectious Diseases

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