Warts Specialist
Adult and Pediatric Dermatology > Our Services > Warts
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Adult and Pediatric Dermatology
Warts Q & A
What are warts?
Warts are small, skin-colored growths that form on your hands, fingers, and/or feet. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Warts affect people of all ages, but they’re especially common in children and teenagers. Most warts go away on their own, but if yours are painful or make you feel self-conscious, make an appointment with the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team.
What are the symptoms of warts?
When should I see a dermatologist about warts?
- Change color
- Return after at-home treatment
- Keep you from work or other activities
- Grow rapidly or are painful
Can warts be prevented?
- Avoiding direct contact with warts
- Not picking at or scratching your warts
- Avoiding bad habits like biting your fingernails
- Not sharing nail clippers, emery boards, or nail files with others
How are warts diagnosed?
To diagnose warts, your Adult and Pediatric Dermatology provider reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and examines your warts. They might also take a skin biopsy if they suspect that the growth is something other than a wart.
During a skin biopsy, your provider removes a small piece of the wart and sends it to a lab for analysis. Technicians at the lab look at your sample under a microscope to rule out other potential growths.
How are warts treated?
- Prescription peeling medication (salicylic acid)
- Cryotherapy
- Minor surgery
- Laser treatment
If you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, the team might recommend a combination of treatments to reduce your risk of developing an infection.
To receive treatment for warts, make an appointment today at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature.