Warts

What are warts?

Warts are noncancerous growths resulting from the human papillomavirus (HPV) invading your skin’s surface. They appear as firm, grainy growths, and while they aren’t usually dangerous, they can be unsightly and cause discomfort.

Fortunately, the experts at Skin Care Specialists can create a personalized treatment plan to give you back your unblemished skin.

Who is at risk for warts?

While anyone can develop warts, certain factors can make it more likely that you’ll get them. These factors include:

• Age
• Skin damage
• Weakened immune system
• Being in public places

If you’re often in swimming pools or communal showers, are prone to illness, or have damage to your skin, use extra caution to avoid warts.

Should I worry about spreading warts?

In a word, yes. Warts are very contagious. Seeking early intervention and avoiding touching shared objects in public spaces are great ways to protect other people from the infection.

Avoid sharing towels or, in the case of plantar warts — don’t walk barefoot around others.

How are warts treated?

Depending on your unique case, your Skin Care Specialists provider may recommend:

Over-the-counter treatments

You can find nonprescription wart removal products in the form of ointments, patches, or liquid. These products contain ingredients like salicylic acid to help eliminate the wart.

Your dermatologist may advise against over-the-counter methods if you have diabetes, an impaired immune system, or if your skin becomes irritated.

Prescription treatments

If your wart requires stronger medications, your provider can prescribe topical creams or solutions.

Cryotherapy

This is the most common treatment for warts and is even effective for children. While you may need repeated cryotherapy treatments to fully eliminate the wart, it’s well-tolerated by most patients.

Electrocautery

Electrocautery uses an electric current to generate a controlled heat and kill targeted wart cells.

Laser therapy

This innovative treatment employs laser energy to heat and eradicate the tiny blood vessels supplying circulation to the wart. Once its blood supply is cut off, the wart dies.

Surgical removal

If your wart is larger or resistant to other treatments, the skilled dermatologists at Skin Care Specialists can remove it using surgical methods.

Prompt treatment prevents warts from spreading to other parts of your body or to the people around you. Get in touch with Skin Care Specialists by phone or online today to learn more about the wart treatment options available to you.