Warts
Warts are harmless skin growths caused by a virus. Warts can grow on any part of the body. Their appearance depends on their location. Warts typically have a rough surface on which tiny dark specks can often be seen. Although they are common, warts can be a nuisance and may bleed if you are injured. If you're seeking wart removal, visit the Worcester, Massachusetts and Chelmsford dermatologists at our practice.
To learn more, request a consultation online or call us at 508-754-3823 in Worcester or 978-256-4151 in Chelmsford.
Treatment
Because warts are caused by a virus, they are mildly contagious. We advise patients to avoid picking at or shaving over warts. Those habits can spread warts either locally or to other areas of the body. There is no single perfect treatment of warts, as we cannot kill the virus. Treatment consists of destroying the wart or causing an immune response to the infection. Warts can be treated with surgery, by freezing with liquid nitrogen, or with injections or chemicals.
The treatment to be used on your warts depends on their location and size, your age, and your type of skin. Sometimes new warts will form while existing ones are being treated. All we can do is treat the new warts when they become large enough to be seen.
No matter what treatment is used, warts occasionally fail to disappear. Warts may return weeks or months after an apparent cure. Don't become concerned if a wart recurs. Please make an appointment for a return visit. The treatment will be repeated, or a different method will be used to treat the wart.
