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Warts
What are warts?
Warts are skin infections caused by viruses of the human
papillomavirus (HPV) family. They are usually found on the
fingers, hands, and feet and are usually painless with the
exception of the warts on the soles of the feet.
What are the types of warts?
• common warts. Usually found on fingers, hands, knees, and
elbows, a common wart is a small, hard bump that's usually
grayish-brown. It has a rough surface that may look like the head
of a cauliflower, with black dots inside.
• flat warts, also called juvenile warts. These are about the size
of a pinhead, are smoother than other kinds of warts, and have
flat tops.
• plantar warts. Found on the bottom of the foot, plantar warts
can be very uncomfortable - like walking on a small stone.
• filiform warts. These have a finger-like shape, are usually
flesh-colored, and often grow on or around the mouth, eyes, or
nose.
Are Warts Contagious? If you pick at a wart, the virus can
spread to other parts of the body. Also, a tiny cut or scratch can
make any area of skin more vulnerable to the virus. It is unlikely
that the virus would be spread to another person. (And, you can't
get a wart from holding a frog or toad!)
How Are Warts Treated? A viable reason to treat warts is to
prevent them from spreading further. Various treatments are
described below.
Dr. Hubbell Recommends:
• using prescription medications to put on the wart
• burning the wart off (using a light electrical current)
• freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen (called cryosurgery)
• avoid rubbing, scratching or picking at the wart, which can
cause infection, or cause the virus to spread to another part of
the body.
Visit our
Medical Spa and
Dermatology office located in
Lafayette,
Louisiana (LA).
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