Warts

Warts are caused by strains of the human papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV. While you may have heard of HPV, there are more than 100 different strains—and most are no cause for alarm.

Addressing Warts

Warts are a very common skin issue that has affected people for thousands of years. They are small, raised growths that can appear in different areas of the body. While many types of warts are not dangerous, Skin Dermatology can help you treat your warts.

What Do Warts Look Like?

There are several different types of warts, so their appearance will vary based on the type of wart.

Common Warts

These are the most common warts and are usually small, raised bumps that appear more grayish or white than the skin. They tend to be small, rounded, and rough.

Plantar Warts

These are a specific type of wart that is only found on the soles of the feet. They can make walking and other activities painful and grow into the skin, unlike other types of warts that grow out of the skin.

Flat Warts

Much like the name implies, these warts have a flat top. They are not as visible as other types of warts. They can grow on the face, arms, or thighs. Their coloring tends to be yellow, pink, or brown.

Filiform Warts

These warts grow around the mouth, nose, neck, and chin. These warts are small and more closely resemble a flap of skin. They will appear the same color as your skin.

Periungual Warts

These warts grow under and around your nails. Because of their location, they can affect nail growth and may at times be painful.

Genital Warts

These warts grow in and around the genital area on men and women and can be transferred through close contact. There is a vaccine that can help prevent some common types of genital warts. In some instances, genital warts can lead to cancer in the genital region.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Most warts are not dangerous, and some will heal on their own. There are some cases where it is important to see a doctor. This includes warts in sensitive areas, pain, bleeding, infection, or changes within the wart. If you are concerned, contact Skin Dermatology.

How Are Warts Treated?

A doctor can treat warts with a few different methods. Cryotherapy allows the doctor to spray the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing it to freeze off. If a wart has not responded to other treatments, surgery, or other destructive modalities can be performed.

For our younger patients who are not able to tolerate the pain or prolonged recovery from physical treatments, we have been extremely successful with Wartpeel. Wartpeel is a compounded medication that requires an office visit and a prescription from one of our providers.

Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Alissa Lamoureux

Skin Dermatology is a full-service dermatology practice located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Established by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alissa Lamoureux, the practice provides patients with premier dermatology care in a serene, resort-like environment. If you are interested in wart removal, contact us today.

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