17
Sep
Understanding warts and how to treat them
Many skin conditions have similar symptoms. Warts, moles, and other lesions (including some skin cancers) can resemble each other. It is essential to trust your skin’s health to specialists like the team at Braun Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. We have the training to understand your needs, which supports effective treatment. We also consider the type of wart when tailoring treatment to your needs, as our approach to plantar warts on the feet may differ from that for flat warts on the face.
What are warts?
Warts are caused by an infection. You may have heard of the human papillomavirus, but you may not realize that HPV can cause these fleshy, rough areas. While HPV is frequently associated with serious conditions such as cervical cancer, this virus is also capable of causing relatively benign conditions such as warts. As it is a virus, warts can be transmitted from person to person, usually through skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have warts. As with a lot of these viruses, young children and adults with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk. Warts can occur on different parts of the face and body and vary in appearance depending on the type of wart present.
What are the different types of warts?
“Common” warts are rough bumps that may appear white, pink, tan, or blend in with the skin. Foot or plantar warts show up as calluses on the bottom of the feet. They may grow in clusters that extend from the base of the toes to the heel. These warts can be mistaken for athlete’s foot. Flat warts are smaller and smoother than the other warts mentioned here. They tend to grow en masse, several at a time, and may look like pimples. Filiform warts are distinctive; they feature long, thread- or finger-like projections. These warts grow fast and can bleed or itch when located in the skin folds.
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Can warts go away on their own?
It’s possible. In fact, around 40% of warts in children clear up on their own within 2 years. However, warts can continue to spread to others. Additionally, untreated warts may multiply and even spread to other parts of your body, such as from your hands to your face. Highly visible warts may be a source of embarrassment, and warts in some sensitive or functionally important areas (such as the bottoms of the feet) may be particularly painful.
How do you treat warts?
We consider the location, persistence, and type of wart when exploring treatment options. A few possibilities include:
Schedule your consultation at Braun Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. A visual inspection of the wart can tell us a lot about the nature of your concern and help to guide treatment. However, our doctors may biopsy a small amount of tissue to confirm that the lesion is a wart and not something else. Call our offices in Washington, DC 202-816-7557 or Alexandria, VA 571-449-2555 today.
- Cryotherapy – This process involves “freezing” off the wart, which causes it to scab and fall off.
- Prescription medications – Medications like cantharidin are applied topically to damage the wart and separate it from the surrounding skin.
- Immunotherapy – Different medications may be prescribed to stimulate your body’s immune system. In doing so, your body can better fend off the HPV responsible for your warts.
Schedule your consultation at Braun Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. A visual inspection of the wart can tell us a lot about the nature of your concern and help to guide treatment. However, our doctors may biopsy a small amount of tissue to confirm that the lesion is a wart and not something else. Call our offices in Washington, DC 202-816-7557 or Alexandria, VA 571-449-2555 today.
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Precision Dermatology by Skilled ExpertsBraun Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center
Braun Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is a highly respected dermatology practice with offices in Washington, DC, and Alexandria, VA. With over 30 years of experience in the community, the practice provides comprehensive dermatology services, including cutting-edge skin cancer diagnosis and treatment and advanced cosmetic and medical dermatology services.
Braun Dermatology is home to a team of highly qualified, experienced providers, including board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants, and master estheticians. Every team member relies on advanced training and expertise to provide optimal care. Patients in and around Washington, DC, and Alexandria, VA, trust Braun Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center for their reliable, evidence-based approach to dermatology.
Braun Dermatology is home to a team of highly qualified, experienced providers, including board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants, and master estheticians. Every team member relies on advanced training and expertise to provide optimal care. Patients in and around Washington, DC, and Alexandria, VA, trust Braun Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center for their reliable, evidence-based approach to dermatology.