While common warts are harmless growths caused by certain strains of a common virus, they can be unsightly and occasionally a source of pain. Fortunately, they’re easy to treat, but not all home remedies do the job. Sometimes, you may need to see a specialist about your warts. Common body warts ought not to be confused with genital warts which are caused by a totally different group of HPV viruses and a serious disease that can be a precursor to skin cancer.
Dermatologist Clement Banda MD has the expertise and knowledge you need when warts become bothersome. Here’s what you need to know, including when to contact MD Vein & Skin Specialists for professional care.
Warts start because certain types of human papillomavirus have infected you. While there are over 100 strains of HPV, only a few cause warts.
Common warts usually result from exposure to HPV types 2 and 4, though at least six more strains can produce them. Plantar warts, which affect the feet, are caused by HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27, and 57.
Other varieties of warts, such as genital warts, flat warts, or butcher’s warts, stem from these or other HPV strains. Not all types of HPV produce warts.
Warts affect about 10% of the population worldwide, though as many as 20% of school-aged children may have active growths. Warts aren’t cancerous and are usually harmless, but because they can add bulk to your body, they could cause friction or pressure, depending on their location.
The appearance of warts may also affect a patient’s self-esteem. Warts can be flat, bumpy, discolored, or spotted, so it’s easy to be self-conscious about them.
Warts can disappear spontaneously, but it may take as long as two years, which could feel like an eternity for a socially conscious teen. There are also home treatments you can try.
Over-the-counter wart treatments typically include salicylic acid as an active ingredient. They may be gels, liquids, or patches.
Eliminating a wart completely could take months of daily applications. Even then, salicylic acid treatments are only successful between 50% and 70% of the time.
Since warts are the result of an infection, they can re-form at the same or other locations on your body.
Visiting Dr. Banda may become necessary if over-the-counter solutions prove to be ineffective. There are some other situations that you’ll want to leave to professionals. These include:
Diabetics with warts on their feet should seek Dr. Banda’s care to ensure there’s no lasting damage.
When you need expert care for your warts, call or click to make an appointment or book online with us at MD Vein & Skin Specialists today.
