Tired of those pesky warts?
Dr. Maulik Dhandha, dermatologist with Dignity Health Woodland Clinic, is here to share the lowdown on wart treatment and how to prevent them from popping up in the first place.
What causes warts?
“Warts are typically flesh-colored, rough feeling growths on the skin, and are due to an infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). They are highly contagious and spread by direct touch, small cuts in skin or touching a surface that was in contact with a wart.” — Dr. Dhandha
What types of warts are there?
- Common warts: Feel like rough bumps that have black dots and most commonly found on the hands, fingers and around the nails
- Flat warts: Smooth in texture, can occur anywhere including on the face. Usually multiple in number
- Foot warts: Usually on the plantar surface of the feet, in clusters, can be painful with overlying black dots
- Filiform warts: Usually long and hanging from a stalk like growth, generally on the face
- Genital warts: Usually sexually transmitted and can be precursors to skin cancer
How are warts treated?
“Because warts are resistant, it often takes multiple rounds of treatment to get rid of them.” — Dr. Dhandha
Common treatments include:
- Cantharidin: applying an antigen over the wart and then covering it with a band-aid. It then blisters and washes away
- Cryotherapy: freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen
- Immunotherapy: inject the site with a candida antigen to invoke an immune system response and fight against the wart
- Electrosurgery and curettage: a skin procedure that involve scraping or burning skin tissue
What are some simple tips to keep them away?
- Not touching or picking at warts
- Not using the same nail tools (emery board, pumice stone or nail clipper) on your warts as you use on healthy skin and nails
- Not biting fingernails
- Avoiding shared hot tubs, showers and warm baths
- Don’t share washcloths or towels
- Avoiding brushing, clipping or shaving areas that have warts
- Using hand moisturizer daily
- Get an HPV vaccination for prevention of high risk genital warts
References:
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/warts-overview
- Dermatology. 4th Edition. Bolognia et al
- Dermnet.nz
If you have concerns about a wart or the appearance of a skin spot or mole, you can schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with your primary care physician. Our “DeFi Daily News” tool can help you find a Dignity Health Medical Group provider near you.
Conclusion:
Warts, caused by an infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), can be a nuisance and may require multiple rounds of treatment to eliminate. Various treatment options are available, including cantharidin, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, electrosurgery, and curettage. Prevention tips like avoiding touching warts, not sharing personal items, and getting an HPV vaccination can help keep warts at bay. If you have concerns about warts or other skin issues, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended.
FAQs about Warts:
1. Are warts contagious?
Yes, warts are highly contagious and can spread through direct touch, small skin cuts, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
2. Can warts be prevented?
While it may not always be possible to prevent warts entirely, practicing good hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items, and getting vaccinated against HPV can reduce the risk of developing warts.
3. How long does it take for warts to go away with treatment?
The time it takes for warts to disappear with treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment used and the size and location of the wart. It may require multiple treatments over several weeks or months.
4. Can warts be dangerous?
In most cases, warts are harmless and do not pose a serious health risk. However, some types of warts, such as genital warts, can be linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
