Warts are often seen on the hands or fingers and come in several shapes and sizes. They are usually rough to the touch and can even interfere with activities, depending on the situation. They are caused by a virus that is all around us and requires a personal touch to be transmitted. Children, young adults and people with a weakened immune system are the most likely to develop warts.
Many warts appear as small, grainy, fleshy bumps and are white, flesh-colored, pink or tan. They are rough to the touch and may have black or red dots. You should make sure to visit our dermatologist when:
- Your wart changes color and is painful
- It interferes with activities or is constantly rubbed when you move
- You have tried home remedies that didn’t work
- You know you have a weak immune system
- You think the growth may not be a wart
Warts are caused when the human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the upper layers of the skin. There are more than 100 types of HPV, but only a few of these will cause warts on the hands. When they are on the feet and other places, they are caused by a different type of HPV.
You can transfer these growths from person to person through contact. A single wart can spread to other places on your body. You can also pick up the virus from places where a person with the virus touched, such as exercise equipment, a keyboard or a towel. You absorb the virus through tiny breaks in your skin, such as a small wound or hangnail. If you bite your nails, the virus may spread to your fingertips. Since each individual responds to the virus differently, some people may develop this type of growth through contact and some may not.
One of the most common ways that we treat warts is through cryotherapy. This is a treatment that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart away. After you leave our office, it may take up to a week for the wart to fall off. You may need more than one treatment session to achieve optimal results.
If you have a wart somewhere on your body, it can feel overwhelming. Although most of these growths are harmless, most people consider them to be unattractive. If you’re ready to do something about your wart(s), make an appointment at Dermatology & Skin Care Associates to learn about your treatment options. We are conveniently located in West Chester, OH. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!