In the field of skincare, warts are common issues that a dermatologist sees. Understandably, those effected by warts have many similar questions that can easily be answered. 

The staff at Heibel Dermatology see warts quite a bit, and they’d like to answer a few common questions about the relatively common skin condition:

What are Warts?

What your dermatologist wants you to know about warts is that they are both common and contagious. Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by the human papilloma virus. Three main types of warts are common warts, plantar warts, and flat warts. Whereas common warts are found on fingers, around nails, and on the backs of hands, plantar warts are usually located on the soles of feet. Flat warts tend to be smaller and smoother and grow in large numbers. These are commonly found on children’s faces, men’s beards, and women’s legs. 

How Does Someone Get Warts?

Warts are passed from person to person, though the chances of catching common, flat, or plantar warts from another person are slim. In general, people can get warts if they are frequently exposed to the human papillomavirus. Wart viruses occur more often if skin is broken or damaged in some way. Patients with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk for wart virus infection. 

Should Warts be Treated?

Warts in children tend to disappear over time without treatment. Since warts in adults do not go away so easily, an adult with painful, irritated, or quickly spreading warts should be treated by a dermatologist. 

Warts are treated in a variety of ways. The type of treatment also depends on the age of the patient and the variety of wart. Some common treatment methods include a daily home application of prescription salicylic acid gel, cryotherapy, or laser treatments. 

Some patients opt to use over-the-counter treatments to try to get rid of warts. Though some home remedies are proven effective, oftentimes, patients mistake another type of skin growth for a wart. When in doubt, always make an appointment with a dermatologist. 

Is There Any New Research on Warts?

Wart research is always ongoing, and new treatments are frequently discussed and tested. There is also a new interest in a potential wart vaccine. Scientists are hopeful that there will be a permanent solution to the problem of warts in the hear future. 

Dr. Heibel and his staff are available to help patients treat warts and other issues of the skin. To learn more about Heibel Dermatology, visit them online, or call their Lincoln, NE, location at (402) 488-6969.