Warts
Clearer Skin Starts with Expert Wart Treatment
From common warts to stubborn cases, we provide safe and effective options for
removal and prevention.
What are warts?
Warts are a skin infection that causes rough, bumpy growths to appear on your skin. They may develop anywhere on the body but most often affect the hands, feet, face, and knees.
Warts occur when you come in contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a highly contagious virus. You can get warts when you touch a wart or touch something that came in contact with a wart, such as a door handle or shared towel. The virus then enters your body through a cut or break in your skin.
Warts affect people of all ages but are more common in children.
What are the types of warts?
There are many types of warts. Each type of wart may vary in shape, size, and location. Knowing the type of wart you have helps ensure you get the right treatment.
Wart types include:
Common warts
Common warts are hard, raised bumps with a rough surface. These types of warts may affect any area of your body but are most often on the hands and knees.
Flat warts
Flat warts appear as smooth, flat lumps. They most often affect the face and forehead.
Filiform warts
Filiform warts cause thin, threadlike growths. These types of warts may appear near the eyelids or lips.
Plantar warts
Plantar warts are on the bottom of the feet. They appear as hard, rough patches of skin that resemble a callus.
Genital warts
Genital warts affect the genital area and appear as gray or white rough bumps.
How are warts treated?
Your warts may disappear on their own without treatment. However, for stubborn warts or warts that affect your appearance, the team at Thomas Dermatology offers many treatment options, including:
- Cryotherapy
- Electrosurgery
- Cantharidin
- Excision
The team may recommend multiple treatment sessions spaced out over several months to get the best results. Your provider works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that best fits your needs.
Warts come in different shapes and sizes. Before trying over-the-counter medications to get rid of your warts, schedule an appointment at Thomas Dermatology by calling the office nearest you or booking online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes warts and what types are there?
Warts are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). They may appear as rough, flat, or protruding lesions. Common warts typically develop on hands, plantar warts on the feet, and filiform warts on the face or neck. Genital warts require specialized care. Because viral behavior and host response differ, treatment results vary.
When should I see a dermatologist?
If a wart spreads, recurs after home treatment, causes pain, or appears in sensitive or visible areas (face, hands, genitals), professional evaluation is recommended to prevent complications and recurrence.
How are warts treated?
Treatments include cryotherapy (freezing), electrosurgery, application of cantharidin (blistering agent), or surgical excision. Many cases require multiple sessions or combined methods. Recurrence is common, and therapeutic success varies by patient.