Warts

What are warts?

Warts are small skin growths that often appear on your hands, fingers, or toes. A virus causes warts, which get transmitted from person to person by touch. Warts usually are harmless and can disappear on their own over time. However, removing them can make you feel more comfortable or less embarrassed.

What do warts look like?

Warts are grainy skin growths that feel rough when you touch them. They might contain a pattern of tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. Warts are often flesh-colored, pink, tan, or white. Some are very small but can increase in size over time.

What are the risk factors for warts?

Anyone can get warts, regardless of age, but children and young adults are more likely to develop them. Your risk increases if you have a weak immune system because of HIV/AIDS, an organ transplant, medical problems, or taking certain medications. To reduce your risk of getting warts, avoid touching and picking at them. 

How does my doctor diagnose warts?

To diagnose warts and determine the best removal option, your dermatologist reviews your medical history and examines them. They might scrape off the top layer of warts to check for signs of clotted blood vessels that appear as tiny dark dots.

What are standard treatment options for warts?

Warts often go away on their own in time, though it might take a year or two. New warts can also develop, which is why removing the warts is beneficial. Various methods for getting rid of warts include:

Prescription-strength medications

Your provider can prescribe wart-removing medications containing salicylic acid to remove warts layer by layer.

Freezing

Freezing off warts or cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to cause a blister around and under warts to make them slough off over time. Repeat treatments can enhance the effectiveness of cryotherapy. 

Acid treatment

In-office treatment using acids stronger than salicylic acids, such as trichloroacetic acid, is another effective wart-removal strategy.

Laser treatment

Using laser energy can cauterize tiny blood vessels, causing infected tissue to die and warts to fall off over time.

Excision

During a minor surgical procedure, your specialist can cut out wart tissue. Scarring may occur that eventually fades away.

Don’t live with warts that can spread to other parts of your body and make you feel self-conscious. Schedule an appointment for wart removal with Integrated Dermatology of Brookline-Andover by phone or book online today.