If you are someone who has ever had or has a wart or warts, especially if they’re visible to others, then you know how uncomfortable and embarrassing they can be. Though they typically don’t cause any pain, they are often rough to the touch, and depending on where they’re located, they can get in the way of daily activities (like having one on your thumb or ring finger). Warts can impact individuals of all ages, from young children to elderly adults.
What causes warts? Are they contagious?
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). When the virus infects the top layer of the skin, or
common wartepidermis, a wart will appear. Warts are not cancerous but are contagious. They can be spread by contact with the wart or something that came in contact with it. Though they are typically rough and skin-colored, they can also be smooth, flat, and darker in color.
Are there different types of warts?
Yes, there are a few different types of warts that vary in size, how they look, and grow on different parts of the body.
Common warts
Common warts often grow on the fingers, back of the hands, and around the nails. They often feel like rough bumps and can have little black dots that look like seeds.
Plantar warts
Plantar warts can grow in clusters, are often flat or grow inward with black dots, and mostly grow on the soles of the feet. They often hurt when you walk on them.
Flat warts
Flat warts are typically smoother and smaller than other warts and often grow in groups of 20 to 100. They can occur anywhere on the body, though men often get them in the beard area, women on their legs, and children on their face.
Filiform warts
Filiform warts stick out like long threads and typically grow quickly around the eyes, mouth, and nose.
How can you treat warts?
Warts sometimes go away on their own, or if they’re hidden and not bothersome, then one might choose to leave them alone. Many, however, prefer to have them removed. With some treatments, there’s a risk of warts returning after removal. At DermaTouch RN, however, we first remove the hard overgrowth of epithelial cells with the Sciton Ablative Laser. Patients then return two weeks later for us to utilize the 532nm Aura Laser to target the vascular system that was hijacked by the virus. With the 532nm Aura Laser, the blood supply is cut off from the wart, and after this occurs, the wart will not grow back.
How can you prevent warts from spreading?
As mentioned earlier, warts are contagious and can spread. Per the American Academy of Dermatology, “To prevent warts from spreading, dermatologists recommend the following: Do not pick or scratch at warts. Wear flip-flops or pool shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas. Do not touch someone’s wart. Keep foot warts dry, as moisture tends to allow warts to spread.”
Why DermaTouch RN vs. a dermatologist or doctor’s office?
MedSpas like DermaTouch RN treat many of the same skin conditions that Dermatologists and doctor’s offices treat, and they do so at a fraction of the cost. To find a reputable MedSpa, do your research and look for a facility backed by reputable practitioners and positive reviews for the treatment that you’re seeking.
Contact DermaTouch RN today and let our more than 10 years of experience help you eliminate warts and conquer any other skin care problems you might have!
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
