Warts are benign growths on the skin that appear due to infection with a common virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is contagious, and it more easily enters through cracked or broken skin. Warts are usually rough, skin-colored bumps with little black dots, but the appearance can vary based on several different types of wart:
- Common warts: most often on the fingers of children and teenagers
- Plantar warts: usually on the bottom of the feet and can be painful to walk on
- Flat warts: typically in clusters with numerous little flat bumps on the skin
- Filiform warts: a narrow projection from the skin like a small finger
Warts can go away on their own, but this can take several years. Treatment at home might include non-prescription medications like salicylic acid or prescription medication like 5-fluorouracil, often covered with tape. Frequently, in-office treatments are required to remove stubborn warts, which can include:
- Cryotherapy: usually liquid nitrogen spray
- Cantharidin: from the blister beetle
- Chemical peels
- Electrosurgery and curettage
- Excision
- Immunotherapy
Warts are one of the most common conditions seen in our clinic, and we are very happy to offer various treatment options to help clear this condition.
