What Are Warts?
Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus infects the top layer of skin and triggers an overgrowth of cells, producing the raised or rough bumps most people recognize. They are typically skin-colored and can feel rough or callus-like to the touch.
Warts spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching a surface that has come into contact with the virus. It can take several weeks to several months after exposure before a wart becomes visible. They are most commonly found on the hands, feet, and face, though they can appear anywhere on the body.
Types Of Warts
Verruca Vulgaris (Common Warts)
Common warts appear most often on the fingers, around the fingernails, and on the backs of the hands, particularly in areas where skin has been broken or where nail-biting or hangnail-picking is a habit. They have a rough, cauliflower-like surface and often show small dark dots in the center, which are blood vessels that feed the wart.
Verruca Plantaris (Plantar Warts)
Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet. Unlike other warts, they tend to grow inward rather than outward because the pressure of walking pushes them back into the skin. They can appear alone or in clusters and are often painful when walking. Like common warts, black dots from blood vessels are frequently visible.
Flat Warts
Flat warts are smaller and smoother than other types. They tend to appear in large numbers in one area, most commonly on the face in children, legs in women, and the beard area in men.
Filiform Warts
Filiform warts grow primarily on the face, around the mouth, eyes, and nose. They have a distinctive appearance: thin, thread-like projections that stick out from the skin surface.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are soft growths that appear on the genitals and are transmitted through sexual contact. Because they require a different approach to treatment and carry additional health implications, we address these through our STI services. If you have concerns about genital warts, call our office to discuss your options.
How Are Warts Treated?
Warts don’t always require treatment. Some resolve on their own over time. But many patients choose to have them treated because of discomfort, appearance, or concern about spreading. Treatment choice depends on the wart type, location, size, and the patient’s age and overall health.
Our providers offer multiple in-office treatment options:
- Immunotherapy - A chemical agent is applied to stimulate an immune response that attacks the wart virus. This approach can be effective for warts that have resisted other treatments.
- Cryotherapy - The most common treatment for most wart types. Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy the wart tissue. Multiple sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart are often necessary.
- Electrosurgery and Curettage - The wart is burned with an electrocautery tool and then scraped away with a curette. This is effective for stubborn warts that haven't responded to other treatments.
- Cantharidin - A blistering agent applied to the wart that causes the skin beneath it to blister, lifting the wart away from the skin. It is painless to apply and is commonly used for children.
- Pulsed Dye Laser - This laser targets the blood vessels feeding the wart, cutting off its supply and causing it to die. It is a precise option for warts in sensitive locations or in patients who haven't responded to other methods.
Because warts are caused by a virus, treatment can require patience. One wart may resolve while another appears nearby. A combination of in-office and at-home treatments is sometimes the most effective approach.
Why Choose High Valley Dermatology?
Serving Southeast Idaho since 1996, our board-certified dermatologists and experienced physician assistants treat the full spectrum of skin conditions, from medical and surgical to cosmetic care, under one roof. With 5 locations across Idaho Falls, Rigby, Driggs, and Alpine, WY, patients across the region have access to expert dermatologic care close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wart Treatment
Yes. Warts spread through skin-to-skin contact and through contact with surfaces the virus has touched, like towels or pool decks. The risk varies depending on the type of wart and a person's immune response.
Some do, especially in children, but it can take months to years. Adults are less likely to clear warts without treatment. If a wart is causing pain, spreading, or bothering you, it's worth having it evaluated.
Most warts require more than 1 session. Cryotherapy, the most common approach, typically involves 3 to 6 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. Some warts respond faster; others take longer.
Over-the-counter salicylic acid products can help for mild cases, but they tend to be slow and less effective than in-office treatment. For warts that are persistent, painful, spreading, or on the face, professional treatment is the better option.
Cryotherapy causes a brief stinging or burning sensation. Electrosurgery is performed with local anesthesia. Most patients find the discomfort manageable and short-lived.
It's possible. Because the treatment targets the wart itself rather than the virus, new warts can appear later. Keeping the skin healthy and avoiding picking at warts reduces the risk of spreading.
Are plantar warts different from other warts?
Plantar warts grow on the bottom of the foot under pressure, which causes them to grow inward rather than outward. They can be particularly painful and may require a different treatment approach than warts on the hands or face.
Give us a call Today
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