Warts

Warts are benign skin growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV).

Wart viruses are contagious. Warts can spread by contact with the wart or something that touched the wart.

Warts are often skin-colored and feel rough, but they can be dark (brown or gray-black), flat, and smooth.

Treatment for Warts:

A dermatologist may use one of the following procedures:

Electrosurgery and curettage:

Electrosurgery (burning) is an excellent treatment for common warts, filiform warts, and foot warts. Curettage involves scraping off (curetting) the wart with a sharp knife or small, spoon-shaped tool.These two procedures often are used together.

The dermatologist may remove the wart by scraping it off before or after electrosurgery.

Excision: The doctor may cut out the wart (excision).

Salicylic acid/ Lactic acid:

It helps cause the wart to peel off gradually. This medication is also used to help remove corns and calluses. This product should not be used on the face or on moles, birthmarks, warts with hair growing from them, or genital/anal warts.

It works by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together. This makes it easier to shed the skin cells.

Warts are caused by a virus. Salicylic acid does not affect the virus.

Alternate treatments include:

1. Chemical cautery

2. Bleomycin

3. Immunotherapy