Our Services / Warts

What are warts?

Warts are benign (noncancerous) growths that can occur anywhere on the body, including the hands, elbows, neck, face, knees, and feet. They occur when the human papillomavirus (HPV) invades the skin’s top layer, causing grainy growths to develop.

While warts usually aren’t dangerous, they can be uncomfortable. Many people find them cosmetically unattractive and opt to remove them. 

At Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care, the team of board-certified dermatologists offers several treatments to remove warts quickly and efficiently.

What do warts look and feel like?

Warts appear as rough, raised growths on the skin and can vary in size and shape. They often have a grainy texture surrounded by small, clotted blood vessels that appear speckled. 

When touched, warts can feel rough or slightly bumpy, and some may cause pain or tenderness, especially when located on pressure points or areas with frequent friction. 

Are warts contagious?

Warts are highly contagious and spread quickly, especially in public or shared spaces. Having one wart also increases your risk of developing more. 

Touching a contaminated object, such as a towel or doorknob, spreads the infection. If you have a wart, early intervention is essential to prevent the infection’s spread.

Who gets warts?

Anybody can get warts at any time. However, certain factors can increase your risk of developing them, including:

Weakened immune system

People with weakened immune systems, whether due to illness or medications, may be more susceptible to warts.

Age

Children and teenagers are more prone to warts, but they can also affect older adults.

Damaged skin

Warts are more likely to develop on damaged, cut, or scraped skin, as the virus can enter the skin more easily through these openings.

Public places

High-traffic public places, such as swimming pools and communal showers, where people walk barefoot, may increase the risk of exposure to the virus that causes warts.

What are the treatments for warts?

Many over-the-counter solutions can effectively treat small common warts, but medical intervention can quickly and more safely remove these growths. 

Effective treatments for warts include:

• Salicylic acid
• Topical cantharidin
• Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)
• Electrosurgery
• Laser therapy
• Surgical excision

Warts can also go away on their own, but they can persist for several months. To learn more about treating warts, call Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care today or schedule an appointment online.