What Causes Warts?

What Causes Warts?

Warts are usually benign and harmless growths that appear most often on the hands and feet, they can be dome-shaped and have the appearance of a cauliflower. But because they are harmless doesn't mean they are not embarrassing and uncomfortable. Warts do not come from nowhere, they are actually transmitted by a virus, some of this will be explained below, but to learn much more you can contact your Rockville, MD, dermatologists of Shady Grove Dermatology.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

There are different forms of the human papilloma virus (HPV) and one of these is the one that's responsible for warts. This means that warts can spread between people and even between parts of the body as the virus is transferred by skin to skin contact.

To prevent its further spread it's important not to pick at or scratch a wart, even using tools such as nail clippers on it can spread the virus to other parts of your body. You can cover up a wart with a bandage to keep yourself from accidentally causing it to spread.

To prevent warts in the first place you should wash your hands often and keep them and your feet both clean and dry. If you spend time in locker rooms or locker room showers you can use flip-flops to avoid contact with the wet floors.

Treatment for Warts in Rockville, MD

The simplest at-home treatment for warts is to cover them up to prevent spread and to wait as they usually do go away on their own. But this can take some time and depending on where on your body the wart is, it can be unsightly and bothersome. But it's best to see a doctor if you notice the wart changing in color or size, or if it becomes painful, and you should also consider that the growth may not actually be a wart.

There are different ways your doctor can treat a wart depending on your specific circumstances and needs. They can suggest over-the-counter products or prescribe medication that can remove the wart over time, one common ingredient in these is salicylic acid, which can remove a wart over the course of just a few weeks.

Cryotherapy is another treatment option, your doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart and remove it. It may require more than one treatment but it's typically fast. Your doctor can also surgically remove the wart with a scalpel or a laser, or may opt for electrosurgery, which uses a current to kill the tissue.

If you are looking for help treating warts you can schedule a visit with your local skin experts in Rockville, MD, of Shady Grove Dermatology by dialing  (240) 246-7417.