WARTS

WHAT ARE WARTS AND WHAT CAUSES THEM?

A wart is a skin growth caused by some types of the virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infects the top layer of skin, usually entering the body in an area of broken skin. The virus causes the top layer of skin to grow rapidly, forming a wart. Most warts go away on their own within months or years.

TREATMENTS FOR WARTS:

For warts we offer electrocautery, which is a way to remove a wart using heat from electricity. Numbing cream is applied to increase your comfort during the procedure, making it virtually painless. The electricity is used to heat the needle which is put on the wart. The electricity is not sent into your body. Electrocautery can also be used to remove other growths on your skin as well. This will cause you wart to fall off and after a couple of days, a scab forms over the treated area and your skin heals itself. This is not recommended for patients with pacemakers.

HOW ARE WARTS SPREAD?

Warts are easily spread by direct contact with a human papillomavirus. You can infect yourself again by touching the wart and then touching another part of your body. You can infect another person by sharing towels, razors, or other personal items. After you’ve had contact with HPV, it can take many months of slow growth beneath the skin before you notice a wart.

It is unlikely that you will get a wart every time you come in contact with HPV. Some people are more likely to get warts than others.

TIPS ON AVOIDING THE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS

Avoid touching warts on yourself or others.

Don’t share razors, towels, socks, or shoes with another person. Someone with no visible warts can still be carrying the virus.

Avoid walking barefoot on warm, moist surfaces where the wart virus may be alive. Wear shower shoes when using public showers, locker rooms, or pool areas.

Keep your feet dry. If your feet sweat heavily, wear socks that absorb moisture or wick it away from the skin.

Avoid irritating the soles of your feet. Warts grow more easily if your skin has been injured or broken in some way.

TIPS ON PREVENTING WARTS FROM SPREADING

Keep warts covered with a bandage or athletic tape.

Don’t bite your nails or cuticles, as this may spread warts from one finger to another.

Give us call or send us an enquiry to learn more about electrocautery. Let your warts be a problem of the past.