Warts Specialist

What causes warts?

Viruses called human papillomavirus (HPV) cause warts. It is easier to catch a virus that causes warts when you have a cut or scrape on your skin. This explains why so many children get warts. Warts also are more common on parts of the body that people shave such as the beard area in men and the legs in women. You can spread warts from one place on your body to another.

Warts can spread from person to person. You can get warts from touching a wart on someone’s body. Some people get a wart after touching something that another person’s wart touched, such as a towel. It often takes a few months for warts to grow large enough to see.

Do all warts need to be treated?

No, some warts will go away by themselves when the patient’s body develops an immune reaction to it. But any warts that have been there for longer than 6 months or are unsightly or uncomfortable should be looked at and can be removed.

What kinds of treatments does Dr. Bhatia offer?

There are a variety of different treatments offered such as: topical medications, canthardin, cryotherapy, curettage, and excision.

Can I treat a wart myself at home?

Although some warts go away without treatment and there are some possible home remedies, you should see a dermatologist if you cannot get rid of the warts, the warts hurt, or you have many warts. Dermatologists have many treatments for warts. The treatment used depends on the patient’s age and health as well as the type of wart.

Can warts cause scarring?

Scarring is an important thing to think about when choosing a wart treatment. Scarring from treatment may be permanent and can be as painful as the wart itself. The bottom of the foot is especially sensitive, a consideration in the case of plantar warts. And scarring changes the way your skin looks. Treatments that are less likely to leave a scar include salicylic acid, cryotherapy, and laser surgery.

What can I do to prevent warts?

Though skin warts can’t be prevented, there are a number of precautionary measures you can take to minimize your risk of acquiring warts. One of the most important things you can do is to wash your hands and body regularly. Be careful to use clean, fresh towels at the gym or in other public locations, and always wear rubber-soled flip-flops or sandals in public locker rooms and showers.