Warts

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths and are characterized by small, raised bumps on the skin's surface and can vary in appearance, from smooth and flat to rough and cauliflower-like.

Our dermatologists are skilled at identifying and treating warts. They offer various treatments like freezing, medications, or lasers to effectively remove warts and prevent their recurrence, providing clear and smooth skin for patients. Schedule your appointment with Pittsburgh Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center to uncover your personalized treatment plan.

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?

Preventing warts involves minimizing exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes them. Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding direct contact with warts, can help reduce the risk of transmission.

FAQs for Warts

Warts are contagious, especially through direct skin-to-skin contact. To prevent spreading, avoid picking at warts, and use precautions such as not sharing personal items like towels or razors.

Dermatologists often diagnose warts based on their appearance. If you have persistent or bothersome warts, especially on the face or genital area, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist.

Warts may go away on their own, but treatment is often recommended for faster resolution. Dermatologists may use various methods, including topical treatments, cryotherapy, or laser therapy.

If you notice changes in a wart's appearance, such as growth, bleeding, or color changes, it's essential to consult a dermatologist promptly. Changes may indicate a need for further evaluation.

Warts are common in children, but adults can get them as well. The immune system plays a role in susceptibility. Dermatologists can provide appropriate treatments for all age groups.

From Our QualDerm Family of Providers: What are Wart Infections?

Treatment Options for Warts

Many common warts disappear over the course of a few years without treatment; however, due to their unsightly appearance, many people opt to have them removed through destruction techniques including but not limited to:
  • 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.
Our skin experts can help you determine the best path for wart removal. Scheduling with one of our providers is recommended to help you start your healthy skin journey. 
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Contact Pittsburgh Skin Cancer Center

Make an appointment with us for your total body skin exam today.