Warts
Understanding Warts
What are Warts?
Warts are benign, contagious skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They typically appear as rough, raised bumps and can vary in size, shape, and color. While warts are more common in children and adolescents, they can affect people of all ages.
Common Locations for Warts:
- Hands
- Feet
- Face
- Genitals
Although generally harmless, warts can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, especially when located on pressure points like the feet.
What Causes Warts?
Warts develop when HPV infects the top layer of skin, usually through minor cuts or abrasions. The virus spreads through:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact
- Contact with contaminated surfaces, like shared towels, gym equipment, or shower floors.
Treating Warts
At Oak Dermatology, our expert dermatologists offer a variety of treatment options to effectively remove warts based on their type, size, location, and severity, as well as your personal preferences.
Common treatments include:
- Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen is used to destroy the tissue by freezing the wart. Multiple sessions may be required for full removal.
- Cantharidin is a topical solution that causes a blister to form under the wart, lifting it away from the skin. It is often used for small, flat warts.
- Electrosurgery and Cutterage: An electric current is used to burn away the wart, often followed by scooping or scraping the dead skin (cutterage). This method is best for raised warts.
- Excision surgically removes the wart and the surrounding tissue. This is typically used for larger or resistant warts.
- Swift® therapy: a cutting-edge treatment that uses microwave energy to target and eliminate the wart at its root with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Our team of providers will develop a customized treatment plan to ensure safe, effective results while minimizing discomfort and scarring.
Warts
FAQs
Yes, warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or shared items.
Warts can persist for months or even years, but they may eventually disappear on their own.
There is a possibility of recurrence, especially if the HPV virus remains on the skin.
Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding skin-to-skin contact with warts, and boosting your immune system can help prevent wart transmission.
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