Warts

Warts are common, affecting up to one-third of kids and teenagers and 3-5% of adults. At Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery in Sun City West and Sun City, Arizona, highly trained dermatologists Seth Goodman, DO, and Matt Goodman, MD, treat warts to prevent them from becoming bigger, causing embarrassment, or spreading to other parts of your body. Schedule a dermatology evaluation at Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. 

What are warts?

Warts are tiny, often flesh-colored growths that develop on the skin. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While more than 100 strains of HPV exist, only a few cause warts. Warts are usually harmless (though genital warts are the sign of a sexually transmitted disease), but they can increase in size, bother you, or spread to other areas of your body when left untreated.

What do warts look like?

Warts are growths that may appear as:

• Flesh-colored, gray, or brown bumps
• Rough bumps containing tiny black dots
• Bumpy, cauliflower-like growths
• Dome-shaped growths
• Flat growths
• Smooth bumps

There are numerous types of warts; they vary in size, shape, color, texture, and overall appearance. 

What are the risk factors for developing warts?

Anyone can develop warts, but their risk factors include:

• Being a child
• Having a weakened immune system
• Contact with other warts
• Sharing towels or razors with people with warts
• Exposure to common areas like gyms, playplaces or friends

How are warts diagnosed?

Diagnosing warts at Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery involves an examination of any potential warts and a review of your lifestyle and medical history. Your dermatologist might look at your skin growths under a microscope or take a biopsy (tiny skin sample) to confirm a wart diagnosis. 

How are warts treated?

About 65% of warts often go away on their own without treatment, but this could take up to two years. Treating warts at Goodman Dermatology consists of utilizing one or more of the many available options:

• Medical-grade topical treatments
• Freezing (cryotherapy)
• Surgical removal
• Immunotherapy
• Laser treatments
• Injections
• Electrosurgery (burning away warts)

Over-the-counter wart removal products are also available, but these treatments often take longer to remove warts and aren’t as effective as in-office treatments. They may also cause skin damage if not used correctly.

Reduce your risk of developing additional warts by not touching another person’s wart or sharing personal items with other people. Don’t walk barefoot in community areas, bite your fingernails, or pick at your cuticles. Keep your skin hydrated andwash your hands often.

Schedule a warts evaluation at Goodman Dermatology and Mohs Surgery by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.