What are Warts?
Warts are caused by infection from certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common on everyday surfaces, but when it enters into a cut or scrape on the skin, it can cause a growth. Warts are often harmless, but they can become dangerous if they’re not treated by a board-certified dermatologist.
What Are the Symptoms of Warts?
Warts can easily be seen or felt on the skin. They can occur virtually anywhere on the body, and usually include characteristics like:
- Clusters
- Rapid growth
- Small dots or “seeds”
- Colorless
- Raised, rough bumps
Warts are more common in people with weakened immune systems like children. They can also be more common in people who bite or pick at their fingers or nails, as well as people who don’t practice thorough handwashing. Warts don’t typically go away on their own, requiring treatment.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Your first step in wart treatment is determining whether your wart might be at risk of cancerous activity. This can be confirmed with a quick biopsy performed by your dermatologist. If there is cancerous activity, your dermatologist can discuss your next steps.
Your dermatologist can easily treat warts with a few different options. This might include prescription medications that are used at home. It might also include a removal procedure at our Mesa office. Warts can be removed using a local anesthetic and methods like cryotherapy or excision, both performed by your board-certified dermatologist.
If you regularly get warts because you’re immunocompromised, your dermatologist can discuss ways to practice good hygiene and boost your immune system to fight off infections.
- Charles K.
“Very efficient and friendly clinic. I felt safe and well cared for by Dr. Hamblin and his team. It is really nice to have a local Dermatology clinic, especially such a high-quality one!"
How Do I Take Care of My Skin After Wart Treatment?
You’ll be given aftercare instructions to follow after your wart removal treatment. It’s important to follow directions in order to prevent visible scarring or infection. The best way to treat warts is by preventing them, so make sure to practice good hygiene like washing your hands, keeping cuts and scrapes covered, ceasing nail-biting and picking, and wearing shoes at the pool, locker room, or other public places. It’s also important to keep your feet and hands dry since warts can form in moist environments.
Schedule an Appointment
Warts can be frustrating to live with, but your board-certified dermatologist can help. To learn more about your treatment options, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our team by calling our Mesa office or filling out our online contact form.
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