Warts are generally harmless, if sometimes unsightly, growths on the skin caused by a virus. Although they can appear at any time, dermatologists often see an influx of patients with warts during the winter months when people spend more time indoors—especially if they are involved in indoor contact sports like wrestling. Suddenly developing a new wart can be alarming but, in most cases, it’s an easy problem to deal with. 

What Are Warts?

A wart is a growth on the skin caused by coming in contact with a type of human papilloma (HPV) virus. Anyone can get a wart, but they are more likely when someone has a weakened immune system or has open cuts or other damage to the skin, like a scrape.

Warts may appear as a solid blister, or they can have a cauliflower-like appearance, and be brown, gray, or reddish in color. They tend to be most common on the hands or feet, the areas of the body most likely to come in contact with the virus, and are usually not irritating or painful. 

How Are Warts Treated?

Many warts will go away naturally if left alone. This means not picking at the wart and keeping it clean and dry. However, because warts can be contagious and some people are self-conscious about their appearance, there are options for removing them. Dermatologists often recommend teen athletes have warts removed, especially if they participate in contact sports, to prevent spreading the virus. 

Over-the-counter remedies, which typically contain salicylic acid, can be effective, but often take several weeks to work. In most cases, it’s best to see a dermatologist for professional wart removal.

Sometimes, what appears to be a wart may be something more serious, so an exam is recommended, especially for warts on the face or genitals. A doctor can also use more effective methods for wart removal, including cryotherapy, surgery, laser therapy, or chemical treatments for immediate results. 

How to Prevent Warts

Proper hygiene is the best defense against warts. Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after touching other people. Always shower as soon as possible after workouts or practices and wear shower shoes in public showers. Don’t forget to wash your workout clothes and towels regularly as well. Finally, keep cuts clean and covered to prevent infections.

If you have a wart that needs to be removed, turn to Heibel Dermatology, LLC. Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Heibel and his team have offered personalized skin care for 20 years. Call (402) 488-6969 to schedule an appointment at their location in Lincoln, NE, and (402) 564-1476 for an appointment in Columbus. For more information about the practice, visit their website.