Warts
Understanding Warts
Warts can be unsightly and sometimes painful, especially when they occur on weight-bearing areas like the feet. They vary in appearance and can be flat, raised, or have a rough surface.
Effective Wart Removal at Riva Dermatology
Riva Dermatology offers a variety of treatments for warts, including cryotherapy, laser therapy, and topical medications. Our dermatologists provide effective and safe removal to help you achieve clear, healthy skin.
Examples of Warts
Symptoms of Warts
- Warts often appear as small, raised, and fleshy growths on the skin.
- Some warts have tiny, black dots (clotted blood vessels) that resemble seeds.
- Warts are usually painless, but they can cause discomfort, especially if located on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet.
- Warts may appear individually or in clusters, known as mosaic warts.
- Warts can be flesh-colored, pink, or slightly darker than the surrounding skin.
What Causes Warts?
- Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Warts are contagious.
Can You Prevent Warts?
FAQs for Warts
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the top layer of skin. The virus can enter the skin through small cuts or abrasions.
Yes, warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with a wart or by touching contaminated surfaces. Sharing personal items like towels can also spread the virus.
Treatment options include cryotherapy (freezing), laser therapy, topical medications, and minor surgical procedures. Our dermatologists at Riva Dermatology can recommend the most effective treatment for you.
Preventive measures include avoiding direct contact with warts, not sharing personal items, keeping feet dry, and wearing protective footwear in communal areas like pools and locker rooms.
You should see a dermatologist if the wart is painful, changes in appearance, spreads, or if over-the-counter treatments are not effective. Professional treatment can provide faster and more effective results.
From our QualDerm Family of Brands: What are Wart Infections?
Treatment Options for Warts
- Cryotherapy (freezing): uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the wart. May require multiple treatments.
- Minor surgery: Wart tissue is cut away surgically and the area is cauterized (burned).
- Topical treatment of medications or films.
- Injections to stimulate the body's immune system to fight the virus, and others.
Featured Products
Avene Gentle Scrub
Gentle, non-abrasive scrub for body exfoliates as it nourishes, hydrates and provides antioxidant protection. Reveals softer, more radiant skin. 6.7 fl oz / 200 mL
CLn HandWash
Designed by dermatologists, this non-prescription cleanser is tough on microbes but easy on the skin. It can be used for frequent hand washing that can cause sensitive skin to over dry and crack. Openings in the skin lead to increased risk of infection. CLn HandWash is preserved with sodium hypochlorite, but includes glycerin so it can be used daily without irritation or dryin. 12 fl oz
