Warts

Warts are caused by a group of viruses known collectively as human papillomavirus (HPV). Various strains of HPV cause different types of warts.

Warts can be unsightly as well as painful, and over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective. For men and women living in or around Mt. Pleasant and East Lansing, Michigan, Saif Fatteh, MD, of Lansing Podiatry & Dermatology offers treatment for all types of warts. To learn more about your treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Fatteh today. Online booking makes it easy to find a time that fits your schedule, or you can always call to check availability.

What are warts?

Warts are small skin growths that have a rough texture. They can occur anywhere on your body, and they can vary in size from as small as the end of a needle to around the size of a garden pea.

 

While warts are technically a type of tumor, they are benign, and they will not become cancerous. There are several different types of warts, classified according to where on your body they develop.

Common warts

These warts can occur anywhere and have a surface that is firm, raised, and roughly textured. They are most commonly found on your fingers, knuckles, knees, elbows, and other places where broken skin is common.

Plantar warts

These warts are found on the soles of your feet, toes, or heels. They usually grow inward due to the pressure of your body weight. When a group of plantar warts develops in a cluster they’re called mosaic warts.

Plane warts

These warts lie flat against the skin and are smooth and round. They’re also called flat warts and tend to develop on areas of your skin that get the most sun exposure.

Filiform warts

These warts have a longer, thin shape, and are often found on your armpits, neck, and eyelids.

Most warts are usually painless, although plantar warts can cause pain on the soles of your feet.

What causes warts?

Warts are caused by a group of viruses known collectively as human papillomavirus (HPV). Various strains of HPV cause different types of warts.

These viruses can easily spread from one person to the next through skin-to-skin contact or even by touching something an infected person has recently touched. You can also transfer the virus to different areas of your own body by shaving, scratching the affected skin, or biting your fingernails if warts are located on your hands.

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted disease caused by several strains of the HPV virus. They can develop in any genital area. You can catch or spread genital warts through any form of sexual contact, including oral sex or intimate touching.

Unlike other types of warts, genital warts can be incredibly uncomfortable. They can cause burning or itching sensations and can lead to pain during sex.

How are warts treated?

There are several ways to treat warts, and the right approach depends on the location and size of the wart. Some over-the-counter products claim to treat warts, but this approach is rarely effective and can damage your skin.

Dr. Fatteh uses topical medications to break down warts layer by layer. For cases that don’t respond well to topical treatments, a surgical removal is an option. It’s essential to work with a dermatologist when pursuing surgical wart removal to reduce the risk of infection and scarring.

If you have questions or concerns about wart treatment or removal, schedule a visit with Dr. Fatteh today, online or over the phone.