Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Removal Options

Warts are small, non-cancerous growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere on the body, but are common on the hands, feet, and face. While generally harmless, warts can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and sometimes contagious.

Causes of Warts:

Warts are caused by various strains of HPV that infect the top layer of skin. The virus can enter the skin through small cuts or breaks, spreading through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of Warts:

Appearance: Warts can vary in appearance depending on their location and type. They may be raised or flat, rough or smooth, and flesh-colored, white, pink, or brown.
Location: Common wart types include common warts (hands), plantar warts (feet), flat warts (face), and filiform warts (around the mouth or nose).
Discomfort: Warts can sometimes cause pain, itching, or bleeding, especially if they're on weight-bearing areas like the feet.

Treatment for Warts:

Various treatment options are available for wart removal (after consultation with your podiatrist), including:

Topical medications: Salicylic acid or other topical medications can be applied to gradually dissolve the wart.
Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen can destroy the abnormal tissue.
Electrosurgery: Burning the wart with an electric current can remove it.
Laser treatment: Laser therapy can target and destroy the wart tissue.
Surgical removal: In some cases, surgical excision may be necessary.

Important Note: It is essential to consult with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment of warts. Self-treating warts can be ineffective and may lead to complications or skin irritation. Always seek professional advice before starting any treatment.

Wart Removal at Laguna Woods Podiatry Group:

Dr. Neda Arjomandi, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, provides effective wart removal treatments at Laguna Woods Podiatry Group. She will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for your specific needs.

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Laguna Woods Podiatry Group
24953 Paseo de Valencia, Building B, Unit 17B
Laguna Hills, CA 92653