IN BURBANK, NORTHRIDGE, GLENDALE, WEST HILLS, SANTA CLARITA, GLENDALE-VERDUGO HILLS, AND PASADENA
Dealing with warts can be frustrating and uncomfortable, often affecting both your skin's health and your confidence. Whether you're experiencing common discomfort or concerns about appearance, there are options that can help treat them and get them under control.
At Skin & Beauty Center Cosmetic, Medical & Surgical Dermatology, we specialize in a comprehensive range of medical treatments that address the physical and aesthetic aspects of warts. With expert dermatologists and state-of-the-art technology, we’re ready to help you achieve clear, healthy skin.
WHAT ARE WARTS, AND HOW DO I GET THEM?
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), of which there are over 100 types. They commonly occur on sites of trauma and are spread by direct contact or by autoinoculation (scratching a wart and transferring the viral particles to another area of your body). It can take 12 months from the time of the viral infection to the time the wart appears.
WHAT KIND OF WART DO I HAVE?
There are several types of warts. The most common warts are as follows:
- Common Wart (Verruca Vulgaris): Dome-shaped grayish rough growths. These are usually found in fingers, toes, and knees.
- Plantar Warts (Verruca Plantaris): Rough bumps or plaques on the bottom of the feet. These may be very painful and extremely difficult to treat.
- Flat Warts (Verruca Plana): Very small, numerous flesh-colored bumps. These usually appear on the face, hands, or shins.
- Genital Warts (Condylomata Acuminata): These are considered an STD and can easily spread to sexual partners. Infection with HPV in genitalia predisposes one to penile or cervical cancer.
HOW CAN I GET RID OF MY WARTS?
There are many treatment options available, but you must be patient. It generally takes multiple courses of treatment to fully eradicate warts. The following are the more common methods of getting rid of warts:
- Do nothing: Over ½ of all warts will spontaneously regress within two years. Left untreated, they can potentially spread to other areas of the body.
- Occlusion with duct tape: This is one of those tried-and-true old wives tales. As odd as it sounds, covering the wart with duct tape has been shown to get rid of some warts. You must always leave the duct tape in place and change it every few days.
- Over-the-counter salicylic acid preparations: This is a topically applied medication that you can do at home. It’s usually not enough to take care of the wart, but it’s great to do between the treatments at the doctor’s office.
- Liquid Nitrogen (Cryotherapy): This is the most commonly used way to treat or “freeze” warts. Your wart will blister and peel. You will do this every two to three weeks until the wart is gone.
- Cantharidin, podophyllin, 5-FU, and bleomycin: Different treatment options used in the dermatologist's office.
- Imiquimod: A topically applied prescription-strength medication used to treat genital warts.
WHY CHOOSE SKIN & BEAUTY CENTER?
Our center offers a comprehensive array of cosmetic and medical dermatological services. We’re backed by highly qualified providers, including dermatologists, certified physician assistants, registered nurses, and more.
Each professional at our center brings a deep expertise in skincare, ensuring personalized and effective treatment plans for every patient. With state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to innovative treatments, Skin & Beauty Center Cosmetic, Medical & Surgical Dermatology is your trusted partner for achieving and maintaining healthy, beautiful skin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can warts be prevented?
Yes, while complete prevention of warts is challenging due to their viral nature, you can reduce your risk by avoiding direct contact with warts, keeping your skin clean and dry, and not sharing personal items like towels or razors. Using barrier protection during sexual activity can help prevent genital warts.
How long does a typical wart removal session last?
The duration of a typical wart removal session varies depending on the method used. Topical treatments, such as salicylic acid, require minimal time per session, though the treatment itself needs to be applied regularly over several weeks. Cryotherapy sessions are relatively quick, often lasting only a few minutes per treatment. The number of sessions needed can vary widely based on the wart's response to the treatment.
Can warts recur after treatment?
Yes, warts can come back after treatment. The human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes warts can remain in the skin cells, which means new warts can develop near the site of the previously removed wart or in other areas.
Can warts appear anywhere on the body?
Yes, warts can appear on almost any part of the body. Common locations include the hands, feet (plantar warts), face (flat warts), genital area (genital warts), and even nails (periungual warts).
Are warts harmful or dangerous?
Most warts are generally harmless and pose no significant health risks. However, they can be painful, especially plantar warts on the feet, or embarrassing if located on visible areas such as the hands or face. Genital warts are from certain HPV strains that increase the risk of cervical and other cancers. It is essential to get genital warts evaluated by a healthcare professional.
What should I expect after a wart removal procedure?
After a wart removal procedure, you may experience discomfort, redness, and swelling. Some treatments, like cryotherapy, can cause blistering, while surgical removal might leave a small scar. Depending on the removal method, the area may take a few days to weeks to heal.
How do I care for the area after wart removal?
Proper aftercare promotes healing and prevents infection. Follow these steps:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Avoid picking or scratching the treated spot.
- Apply any prescribed ointment or dressing as directed.
- Avoid swimming and strenuous activities until the area has healed.
- Contact your doctor if you notice more pain, redness, swelling, or pus, indicating infection.
How can I reduce the risk of warts coming back after removal?
To minimize the risk of recurrence:
- Maintain good hygiene by washing hands regularly.
- Avoid direct contact with other people's warts.
- Wear footwear in public showers and locker rooms.
- Keep your skin healthy and hydrated to reduce microabrasions.
- Strengthen your immune system with vitamin-rich foods and regular exercise.
- Follow post-treatment care instructions to prevent re-infection at the treated site.
Are there any activities I should avoid during recovery?
Yes, during recovery from wart removal, avoid:
- Activities that may irritate the treated area, such as running if you had plantar wart removal.
- Using harsh or scented products on the healing skin.
- Wearing tight or non-breathable footwear after plantar wart removal.
What should I do if a wart returns after treatment?
Schedule a visit with your doctor, who may suggest a different removal method or a combination of approaches. Strengthening your immune system can also help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Are wart removal procedures painful?
The pain level depends on the removal method. Cryotherapy (freezing) may cause a stinging or burning sensation. Laser treatments can feel like mild pinpricks, and surgical excision may cause discomfort, but local anesthesia minimizes pain. Over-the-counter medicines, like salicylic acid, usually cause mild irritation rather than pain. Any discomfort after the procedure is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
What precautions should I take before a wart removal procedure?
Before undergoing wart removal:
- Inform your doctor about medical conditions or allergies.
- Follow specific instructions, like avoiding certain medications or skincare products.
- Clean the area thoroughly before your appointment.
- If you have any signs of infection (like redness or swelling), mention it to your provider as it might affect the timing of the procedure.
- Avoid applying creams, lotions, or other products to the area on the day of the procedure.
SCHEDULE YOUR WART REMOVAL APPOINTMENT TODAY!
The right dermatologist will help treat your warts, no matter what kind. For more information on warts, contact the Skin & Beauty Center today by calling 818-842-8000 or reaching out online. Our practice has seven convenient locations in Burbank, West Hills, Pasadena, Northridge, Santa Clarita, Glendale, and Verdugo Hills. We look forward to meeting you!
