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.
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!