Warts

Warts are a common skin growth caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts aren’t harmful to your health, but they’re very contagious and affect the look of your skin. Adam Whittington, MD, and providers at Whittington Dermatology in Munster and Hobart, Indiana, provide expert care for warts, improving the look of your skin. To get help for your warts, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What are warts?

Warts are an infection that affects the skin. They develop after your skin comes in contact with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). You get warts when you come in direct contact with a wart or touch something else (floor or door handle) that came in contact with the wart.

Warts appear about 1-6 months after exposure to the virus. Warts are contagious and very common. Though not a serious health concern typically, warts affect the appearance of your skin and take a long time to go away.

What are the types of warts?

Not all warts are the same. Wart types vary based on the appearance and location of the growths. The types of warts include:

Common warts

Common warts are the most prevalent type. These warts cause raised bumpy skin-colored growths that most often appear on the hands or face. 

Flat warts

Flat warts are small smooth warts that grow anywhere on the body. They tend to develop in clusters, and you can have 20 to 100 flat warts at one time. These types of warts are most common in children. 

Filiform warts

Filiform warts are thin, thread-like growths that usually affect the fingers or face. 

Plantar warts

Plantar warts are warts that grow on the sole of the foot. Because of the pressure placed on these warts from walking or standing, they grow into the skin and look like calluses. 

What are the treatments for warts?

Whittington Dermatology takes a personalized approach to care and customizes treatment for warts based on type, location, and number. Cryotherapy, a treatment that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, killing the cells in the growth so it falls of naturally is often employed. If that does not work alone there are cominations of topical and oral medications that can be used to get rid of warts.

Though there are many effective treatments for removing warts, they can recur. 

To get help for your warts, call Whittington Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.