Warts are small, benign growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they are non-cancerous, warts can be bothersome due to their appearance or discomfort, depending on their location.
Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or by touching objects that have been in contact with the virus. At Metropolis Dermatology in San Jose, we offer personalized wart treatment plans to help you remove warts effectively and prevent their recurrence.
What ARE Warts?
Warts are growths that develop on the skin when HPV infects the top layer of the skin. They appear as rough bumps and can vary in size, shape, and color depending on the type of wart and where it is located on the body.
Common types include:
- Common warts. Typically found on hands, knees, and elbows.
- Plantar warts. Found on the soles of the feet and can be painful.
- Flat warts. Small, smoother warts that usually develop on the face or legs.
- Filiform warts. Long, thin warts often found around the mouth, eyes, or nose.
What Are the Causes of Warts?
Warts are caused by HPV, which enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Once the virus infects the skin cells, it leads to rapid cell growth, forming the wart. While anyone can get warts, they are more common in children, people with weakened immune systems, and those who bite their nails or pick at hangnails, which increases the chance of infection.
Symptoms
Warts can appear as small, rough bumps on the skin and may vary in appearance:
- Dome-shaped or cauliflower-like. Some warts are raised, with a rough texture.
- Flat and smooth. Flat warts are smoother and smaller but often appear in clusters.
- Painful on the feet. Plantar warts, found on the soles, can cause discomfort when walking. Warts may also have tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels.
Treatment Options
Although warts can sometimes disappear on their own, many people choose treatment to remove them more quickly, especially if they are painful or spreading. Treatment options include:
- Topical treatments. Salicylic acid or prescription creams can help dissolve the wart over time.
- Cryotherapy. Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to kill the infected cells.
- Laser removal. For larger or resistant warts, these treatments burn away the wart tissue.
For personalized wart treatment, we recommend consulting with our team at Metropolis Dermatology.
FAQs
Are warts contagious?
Yes, warts are highly contagious. They can spread through direct contact with someone else’s wart or indirectly through contaminated objects like towels.
Can warts come back after treatment?
Warts can return if the virus remains in the skin. Follow-up treatments may be necessary for complete removal.
How long do warts take to go away?
Without treatment, warts can persist for months or even years. With treatment, removal can take a few weeks.
Are warts harmful?
Warts are generally harmless, but they can cause discomfort, especially plantar warts, or affect self-esteem due to their appearance.
What are the best ways to prevent warts?
Avoid direct contact with warts, don’t share personal items like towels, and always wear footwear in public showers or locker rooms to reduce the risk of contracting plantar warts.
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