Although most warts are considered harmless, it is best to avoid any type of do-it-yourself fixes and seek the treatment options only a skill and certified dermatologist can provide. While over the counter medications can be effective, they often take weeks to fully get rid of the wart. THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology understands that warts can be embarrassing and unsightly especially depending where it is located on the body. Rest assured, dermatologists have seen everything related to the skin. 

Warts are infected skin cell growths caused by HPV, the human papilloma virus, which includes many different strains and modes of transmission. In some cases, HPV is sexually transmitted leading to genital warts. Some more common types of warts are found on the hands, feet, elbows, knees, face or other non-genital parts of the body due to contact of HPV, although not everyone with HPV exposure will develop warts. Types of warts include common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, filiform warts and periungual warts.  

A dermatologist can remove a wart via several options including prescription-strength wart medications with salicylic acid applied topically to kill the virus, cryotherapy to freeze the wart off completely, laser therapy or wart removal surgery. It is never advised to cut off a wart yourself. Not only can it lead to further injury, but the wart can spread. Always seek the care and direction of a dermatologist to remove a wart. 

To prevent warts from spreading, patients should refrain from touching or picking the wart, do not scratch the wart, always wear shoes in public places if you develop warts on the feet and keep the wart as dry as possible. 

If you have an unwanted or stubborn wart, our board-certified dermatologists at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology offer clinical and cosmetic dermatological services with expert, quality care in a compassionate office setting. Call 602-867-7546 or fill out our patient request form at WEBSITE.