Wart Treatment at Desert Sage Dermatology
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Contact UsWhat Are Warts?
Warts are benign (non-cancerous) growths that appear on the skin, often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can vary in appearance, ranging from small, rough bumps to flat, smooth patches, and they most commonly develop on the hands, feet, and face. Although warts are usually harmless, they can be bothersome or unsightly, and in some cases, they can spread to other areas of the body or to other people.
At Desert Sage Dermatology, we provide effective treatments to remove warts and prevent them from recurring, ensuring your skin stays healthy and clear.
What Causes Warts?
Warts are caused by a viral infection in the outer layer of the skin, most commonly by HPV. This virus enters the body through small cuts or abrasions in the skin, leading to the growth of warts. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and each type can cause a different kind of wart.
- Common Warts: Usually found on the hands, fingers, or elbows, these are typically rough, raised, and round with a cauliflower-like appearance.
- Plantar Warts: These warts develop on the soles of the feet and can be painful, especially when walking, due to pressure placed on them.
- Flat Warts: These are smaller, smoother, and tend to appear in clusters, commonly on the face, neck, or legs.
- Genital Warts: A form of HPV that affects the genital and anal areas. While we treat warts on the skin, genital warts may require specialized care.
Warts are contagious, which means they can spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces that have come into contact with the virus, such as gym equipment, swimming pools, or towels.
Signs and Symptoms of Warts
The symptoms of warts vary depending on the type, but common signs include:
- A raised, rough bump on the skin.
- A small, flat growth with a smooth surface.
- Dark spots (usually blood vessels) inside the wart.
- Pain or tenderness, particularly with plantar warts.
While warts are typically harmless, they can sometimes cause discomfort, irritation, or self-consciousness, especially if they appear in visible areas.
Wart Treatment Options
While many warts may go away on their own, treatment can help speed up the process, prevent the wart from spreading, and reduce the risk of recurrence. At Desert Sage Dermatology we offer a variety of treatment options, tailored to your specific needs and the type of wart:
- Topical Treatments:
- Salicylic Acid: This is a common over-the-counter treatment for warts that helps break down the hard outer layer of the wart.
- Cantharidin: A topical solution applied to the wart, causing it to blister and eventually fall off.
- Cryotherapy (Freezing): Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. This causes the wart tissue to die and eventually fall off. Cryotherapy is a popular and effective treatment for many types of warts.
- Electrosurgery and Curettage:
In this procedure, the wart is destroyed using an electric current (electrosurgery) and then scraped off with a special tool (curettage). This method is effective for larger warts or those that don’t respond to other treatments. - Laser Therapy:
Laser treatment uses targeted light to destroy the blood vessels feeding the wart, causing the tissue to shrink and fall off. This is often used for persistent or difficult-to-treat warts. - Immunotherapy:
This treatment stimulates your immune system to fight off the wart-causing virus. It can involve topical treatments like imiquimod, or it may involve injecting a substance directly into the wart to trigger an immune response. - Surgical Removal:
In cases where other treatments have not been effective, surgical removal of the wart may be necessary. This is a quick procedure performed under local anesthesia.
Preventing Warts
Warts are highly contagious, but there are several steps you can take to prevent them from spreading:
- Avoid direct contact with warts: Don’t pick at or scratch warts, and avoid touching other people’s warts.
- Wear shoes in public places: In areas such as locker rooms, swimming pools, or public showers, wearing sandals or flip-flops can reduce your risk of contracting plantar warts.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and keep your skin clean and dry.
- Avoid sharing personal items: Don’t share towels, razors, or other personal items that could come into contact with the virus.
Schedule Your Wart Consultation Today
If you have warts that are causing discomfort or concern, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Desert Sage Dermatology, we’re here to help you get clear, healthy skin.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you feel confident in your skin.
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Desert Sage Dermatology Reviews
I had the absolute best experience with Megan. She is so knowledgeable & approached my skin concerns from all angles. I loved how educational the visit was & her approach for my specific needs. Get in for a consultation, you won’t regret it.
Megan was by far the best derm I've ever seen. She was informative- really helped me understand options for skincare and hair loss. She listened to my concerns patiently. Had some some good recommendations in various price ranges for skincare.
I've been treated by Megan for over one year now and she is fantastic. She takes the time to discuss treatment options with you, gives honest feedback about products, and is very skilled in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. I've also gotten Vivace and botox by her and she has done an excellent job. Highly recommend!
Megan is the best derm I have been to. She gets you in and out, you never wait more than 5-10 mins. She’s very knowledgeable and knows how to relate. Megan is super easy to talk to and you can get into to see her within the week. She’s wonderful. Would highly recommend. My skin was horrible and now it’s just about flawless.
Great people and quick- no waiting.
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