WARTS
ANYONE FROM YOUNG CHILDREN TO OLD AGE CAN BE AFFECTED. WARTS CAN APPEAR ON FINGERS, FEET, GENITALIA OR OTHER AREAS WHERE THEY CAN GROW AND BECOME A NUISANCE. WHAT ARE WARTS AND WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT THEM?
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What are warts?
Warts are benign growths on the skin. Because they are caused by the wart virus, they are also contagious. Fortunately, one often develops an immune response which means that the possibility of reinfection after cure is lowered.
One type of wart that is not caused by a virus is seborrheic keratosis, otherwise known as “old-age warts”. Older people can often develop these on their torsos. They are harmless and can easily be removed with the erbium laser in our surgery.
What are the other types of warts? What treatment is available for which warts?
In children it is common to see and treat verrucae on the hand or feet. These types of warts are caused by the human papilloma virus and are often contracted in swimming pools. They usually heal or their own, though if the verruca is causing pain, it can be topically treated or surgically removed.
Another common type of wart in children are water warts (Molluscum contagiosum). These warts are highly contagious with infection usually taking place in kindergarten or at the swimming pool. If the wart is mild, topical treatment will be effective. If the wart is severe, it can be surgically removed after applying anesthetic cream. It is important to also improve the skin barrier.
What is the fastest way to get rid of my unwanted wart?
There are various topical drug therapy options, the option of surgical removal or the treatment of unwanted warts with a laser. Ablative lasers are used for laser treatment. The treatment is painless, suitable for children and adults. The duration of the treatment depends on the number of warts to be removed and takes a few seconds to minutes. The wart is usually removed immediately. A small wound cavity is created, which can take up to four weeks to heal.
In our practice at Vienna Central Station, we will advise you in detail about the possible options and the associated costs.
Can I protect myself?
Definitely! First of all, a healthy skin barrier is important. People with dry skin should take extra care to ensure that the skin barrier is in good condition. This means that the wart virus cannot easily penetrate the skin. Flip-flops should always be worn in community facilities such as gyms or swimming pools.
What about genital warts?
Genital warts are not uncommon. This condition is characterized by small warts in the genital or anal area. It is important that both partners are treated. Depending on the findings, laser ablation or topical treatment would be recommended. Since the introduction of the HPV vaccination, genital warts cases have decreased significantly proving it to be an effective protective measure.
In our practice in Vienna, Dr. Lisa Schwarzbauer has specialized in the treatment of condylomata (genital warts). You can generally make an appointment with any of our dermatologists, but Dr. Schwarzbauer definitely has the most experience in counseling, diagnosis, and therapy planning for condylomata.
What Does the HPV Vaccination Program Entail?
In early June 2024, the federal government, states, and social insurance providers decided to extend the free HPV vaccination up to the age of 30. Starting immediately, the free HPV vaccination can be booked online through the Vienna Vaccination Service or by phone via the Health Hotline 1450. The vaccination program began at the municipal vaccination center TownTown on July 1, 2024.
The HPV vaccination is the only vaccine that can protect against certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer. Therefore, it represents an important step in health prevention for young people. According to the manufacturer's and CDC's recommendations, the HPV vaccination should routinely be administered to adolescents at the age of 11 or 12, though the series can begin at the age of 9. The vaccine can be administered simultaneously with other vaccinations.
The HPV vaccination is administered according to the following schedules:
A two-dose series (0, 6-12 months) for individuals starting the vaccination between the ages of 9 and 14.
A three-dose series (0, 1-2, 6 months) for individuals starting the vaccination between the ages of 15 and 45, as well as for immunocompromised individuals.
As part of the free vaccination campaign, a two-dose schedule is recommended as off-label use for individuals aged 15 to 30, according to the Austrian vaccination plan. However, the CDC and the manufacturer continue to recommend a third dose for those aged 15 and older, which is not free and must be paid for by the individual.
I would like to get the HPV vaccination, but I am too old to get the vaccination as part of the free vaccination program. Whom can I contact?
Three vaccinations are required for immunization against human papillomavirus (HPV). We offer the vaccination with Gardasil® 9 only for our existing patients during the consultation at the pharmacy retail price of EUR 215.50 per dose. In addition, there is a flat fee for administration of EUR 25 and the ordination fee. We currently only offer vaccination outside of the vaccination program at our own request.
Which vaccine is used?
The vaccine Gardasil® 9 is used. The vaccine is indicated for the active immunization of people aged 9 years and over against the following HPV diseases:
Precursors of malignant lesions and carcinomas affecting the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus caused by the vaccine HPV types
Genital warts (condylomata acuminata) caused by specific types of HPV
Gardasil® 9 can be administered according to a 3-dose vaccination schedule (0, 2, 6 months) or 2-dose vaccination schedule (0, 6 months). The second dose should be given no earlier than one month after the first and the third no earlier than three months after the second dose. All three injections should be administered within a period of 1 year.
What is the vaccination program for HPV?
The vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) with the 9-valent vaccine (protection against nine different virus types) is included in the free vaccination program for girls and boys from the age of 9 to 12. The vaccination is also carried out as part of school vaccinations (preferably in the 4th grade). At the public vaccination centers of the federal states there are catch-up vaccinations for children up to the age of 15 at a reduced cost price.
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