What To Know About Wart Removal

By on February 15, 2023 under Skin Care

Warts are a common skin condition that affects many people. They are caused by a viral infection and can appear anywhere on the body part, although they are most commonly found on the hands and feet. If you’re looking for safe and effective wart removal, look no further than Dr. David A. Baird, MD.

As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Baird has extensive experience diagnosing and treating many skin conditions, including warts. He is highly trained and equipped to provide the most up-to-date and effective wart removal treatments.

What Causes Warts?

Warts are small, raised, rough skin growths caused by a virus. They are contagious and can be spread from person to person or from one part of the body to another. Warts are commonly found on the hands, feet, and face, but they can also appear on other body parts.

The Different Types of Warts

There are several known types of warts, including:

  • Common warts: These are the most common type of warts and typically appear on the fingers, hands, and feet.
  • Plantar warts: These warts develop on the soles of the feet and can be painful when pressure is applied.
  • Flat warts: These are small, smooth, and flat warts that commonly appear in large numbers on the face, legs, and arms.
  • Filiform warts: These are long, narrow warts that commonly appear on the face, particularly around the eyes and mouth.

The Most Effective Wart Removal Treatments

Not all warts can be treated with the same methods, and the best treatment for you will depend on the type of wart you have and the location of the wart. Dr. Baird can provide personalized recommendations for the best wart removal treatment. There are several effective wart removal treatments available, including:

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the most common wart removal treatment and involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. There are over-the-counter wart treatments with liquid nitrogen, but having this procedure done by a dermatologst ensures safety and an effective treatment. This may not be the best choice of treatment for patients with dark skin tones since it can leave dark marks.

Cantharidin

Cantharidin is a blistering agent applied to the wart and covered with a bandage. After one week, you will return to your dermatologist to have the dead wart snipped off.

Currettage

Surgical removal or excision involves cutting the wart off using a surgical scalpel. This may be combined with electrosurgery to burn the wart off.

Laser Therapy

If a wart has not responded to other treatments, laser therapy can be considered. Laser therapy involves using a laser to completely destroy the virus that causes a recurring wart.

Preventing Warts from Coming Back

After your wart has been removed, it is essential to take steps to prevent warts from coming back. Here are some tips to help you prevent warts from returning:

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Avoid touching your face, especially around the mouth, eyes, and nose.
  • Keep your skin moisturized and avoid rough or dry skin.
  • Avoid walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools and locker rooms.
  • Don’t share personal items like towels, razors, etc.
  • Always keep your feet dry, and change your socks and shoes frequently.

Schedule an Appointment for Wart Removal

For safe and effective wart removal, it is best to schedule a consultation with Dr. David A. Baird in Farmington, Michigan. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Baird has extensive experience in diagnosing as well as treating a wide range of skin conditions, including warts.