Wart Treatments

For many people, warts are a persistent, frustrating issue. These small areas of problematic skin have been recorded for hundreds of years as a condition that affects people of all ages. Warts are a common dermatologic problem for which our team provides consultation and treatment; warts may linger for many months if not properly treated.

How warts develop

We are all at risk for warts because they are no more than a mild viral infection. Caused by the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, a wart may be one of over 100 different varieties and may develop on any part of the body. Most often, we see them on the hands or feet. However, other common areas afflicted include the knees, elbows, and the face.

Warts do tend to develop more frequently on children than on adults. These small growths may develop after a part of the body, such as a finger, has been exposed to the HPV virus either on an object or through contact with an infected person. Although HPV is a contagious virus, touching someone who has a wart does not necessarily mean you will get one. We encourage patients to wash their hands frequently, especially if they have a scrape or cut, to minimize the risk of infection. Because the HPV virus can thrive in moist environments, it is also advisable to wear appropriate footwear when using a public shower.

Because there are several types of warts, the appearance of one wart may vary widely from another. If you suspect you may have a wart, your dermatologist can perform a thorough examination to confirm your concern as well as appropriate forms of treatment.

Wart treatments

There are numerous options for the treatment of warts. We base treatment on several factors, including the patient’s age and the location of the wart. Size may also be a factor. Some of the methods used to remedy this dermatologic problem include:

• Cryotherapy, or freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen
• Injectable medication
• Topical medication
• Excision
• Curettage, or scraping of infected tissue

Professional wart treatment with a board-certified dermatologist takes only a few minutes. Once a wart has been removed, it will not grow back.

We can help you restore health and beauty to your skin. Contact Alta Vista Dermatology at 303.888.6426.