You Don't Have to Live With Your Warts Anymore

If you're like most people, you've probably tried to deal with your warts at home with over-the-counter treatments. But if your wart hasn't gone away after using these treatments, you may be wondering if it's time to see a doctor.

The good news is there are several treatment options available for warts. With help from a dermatology specialist like Yvonne Hines, MD, at Hines Dermatology Associates in Attleboro, Massachusetts, you can finally learn how to get rid of your warts.

Dr. Hines uses the latest advances in dermatologic medicine to provide effective solutions for a full spectrum of skin issues, including warts. Dr. Hines can provide a variety of treatments based on the severity and location of your warts.

What are warts?

Warts are noncancerous skin growths that often appear on the hands or feet but can appear on other areas of the body also. They’re caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus that infect the outer layers of the skin.

The virus that causes warts is contagious. You can develop warts from touching the skin of an infected person. If you have warts, you can spread them to other areas of your body.

Signs of warts

Warts vary in appearance but are typically skin-colored bumps that are rough to the touch. They are often hard around the edges and soft in the middle.  

There's no cure for warts, but several wart removal options are available.

How are warts treated?

Dr. Hines offers in-office treatment for warts. The following are common treatment approaches.

• Cryotherapy: Freezes the wart, typically using liquid nitrogen.
• Electrocautery: Uses direct or alternating current to burn away wart tissue.
• Curettage: Uses a surgical scoop-like instrument to scrape away wart tissue.
• Excision: Removes both the wart and some surrounding tissue.
• Salicylic acid: Available as a cream, patch, or paint used daily to breakdown wart tissue.

Follow-up visits are often necessary for observation and further management. Complementary wart treatments may be used in conjunction with the main wart treatment plan, such as applying a wart cream after treatment to discourage recurrence.

Along with being unsightly, warts can also lead to additional problems if they are picked at or scratched.

Types of warts

There are a few different types of warts. The type is generally determined by where it grows on the body and its general appearance. Common warts include:

• Plantar warts
• Flat warts
• Filiform warts

Plantar warts are noticeable because they grow on the soles of the feet, often causing significant pain. Foot warts can be flat or raised and may cause problems walking.

Filiform warts look different from other types of warts. These small, finger-like projections tend to appear on the face, neck, lips, or ears. They often resemble a stalk with a tiny wart at the end.

Commonly known as juvenile warts because they mostly affect children and adolescents, flat warts are smooth and commonly develop on the face, legs, and back of the hands.

Say goodbye to warts

If you have been looking for an effective wart solution, contact us to learn more about our treatments and how we can help restore your skin. 

Reach out to our office by calling or book online to schedule an appointment. Existing and prospective patients can also send a message to Dr. Hines and the team here on our website.