Warts are common and usually harmless, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them. They can be rough, raised, uncomfortable, or just annoying, especially when they develop on your hands or feet.
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items that have touched an infected area. If a wart isn’t going away on its own, getting your skin checked by a dermatologist can help. At ACS Dermatology, we offer wart removal in Fairfax, VA for stubborn or bothersome warts.
What Causes Warts?
Warts develop when certain types of HPV enter the skin. They’re most common on the hands, fingers, and feet, although they can appear in other areas as well.
Common warts often look like rough, raised bumps. Plantar warts develop on the bottoms of the feet and can sometimes be painful when you walk or stand.
Some warts disappear without treatment as your immune system clears the virus. Others can hang around for quite a while and may need treatment.
Do I Need a Doctor to Remove a Wart?
Not always. Some warts respond to over-the-counter treatments, including products that contain salicylic acid. But if you’ve tried treating a wart at home and it isn’t improving, it may be time to see a dermatologist.
You should also have a wart evaluated if it’s painful, keeps coming back, is spreading, or you’re not sure whether the growth is actually a wart.
Depending on the type and location of the wart, treatment may include:
- Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen freezes the wart, causing the treated tissue to gradually break down and fall away.
- Prescription treatments: Certain medications can help get rid of stubborn warts or encourage your immune system to fight the virus.
- Other treatments: If a wart doesn’t respond to the usual treatments, your dermatologist may recommend another option.
Some warts require more than one treatment before they’re completely gone.
Can Warts Come Back After Treatment?
They can. Even after a wart is removed, HPV can remain in the skin, which means the wart can return or a new one can develop.
It’s also possible to spread the virus to other parts of your body. Try not to pick or bite warts, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or nail tools.
Wart Removal in Fairfax, VA
If you’ve had a wart that just won’t go away, you don’t have to keep treating it on your own. A dermatologist can take a look and recommend an appropriate treatment based on the type of wart and where it is located.
At ACS Dermatology, our dermatologists treat a wide range of common skin conditions, including warts. If you’re looking for wart removal in Fairfax, VA, schedule an appointment to learn more about your treatment options.