Warts are extremely common, non-cancerous skin condition. What causes warts? Researchers have identified more than 200 unique types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes warts, so most people will experience at least once during their lifetime. While not generally a health threat, warts on hands can multiply quickly and be spread to other people through contact. If you have an embarrassing wart or one that causes discomfort, the doctors at Associates in Dermatology in Westlake, OH, Lorain, and Middleburg Heights can help with medical wart treatment.
Types of warts
Most warts fall into these categories:
- Common – With a rough texture, rounded top, and grayish color.
- Genital – Usually in clusters or on small stalks around the vagina, penis, or anus. In women and men, these warts can be linked to an increased risk of cervical or genital cancer.
- Plantar – Uncomfortable warts on soles of feet that grow inward.
- Flat – Pink, brown, or yellow flat-topped warts usually on the face, arms, or legs.
- Filiform – Small skin-colored growths around the nose or mouth, or on the neck.
- Periungual – Painful warts under or around toenails and fingernails that may deform nail growth.
Safe treatment for warts in Westlake, OH
Some people will try almost anything to get rid of a bothersome wart. Yet “how to cure warts” remedies from the internet are rarely effective and could lead to infection or permanent scarring.
A dermatologist is best qualified to properly diagnose the condition, and prescribe treatment such as:
- Cantharidin – A medication painted onto the wart, which is then clipped off after the tissue dies.
- Cryotherapy or freezing – Applying cold liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart.
- Electrosurgery and curettage – Controlled method of burning then scraping the wart off with a special tool, sometimes used for plantar wart removal.
- Excision – Removing the wart with a scalpel.
- Immunotherapy – Medications that stimulate the body’s capacity to fight wart-causing viruses.
- Laser therapy – Using a CO2 device to remove or vaporize the wart. This quick treatment is often the preferred method for stubborn wart removal.
- Salicylic acid –Essentially a chemical peel in prescription
strength , applied daily at home.
There is presently no true cure for warts – they can reappear later when your immune system is strained. However, you can trust Associates in Dermatology for effective treatment. Call (440) 482-8323.