Warts Specialist
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Latham Dermatology
Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Dermatology located in Latham, NY
Warts are quite common and usually harmless, but you may still not like how they look. Christine Yang-Finnin, MD, at Latham Dermatology in Latham, New York, knows all about warts and offers a number of treatment options to help clear up your skin. If you have warts and want to get rid of them, call the office, or book a consultation using the online booking agent.
Warts Q & A
What are warts?
Warts are small growths that appear on your skin. They don’t usually cause pain but may be itchy.
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are highly contagious and spread through touch. You can also get warts by sharing a towel or other object with someone who has warts. You can develop warts on any part of your body, including the inside of your mouth or your genitals.
What are the different types of warts?
Warts are divided into types based on where they grow and what they look like.
Common warts
Common warts are most often found on the fingers and the back of the hand. These warts develop into rough bumps that sometimes have black dots that look like seeds.
Plantar warts
Plantar warts are usually found on the soles of your feet. They can grow in clusters and appear flat because they grow inward. You may feel some discomfort when walking if you have plantar warts.
Filiform warts
Filiform warts are threadlike and usually grow on the face. These warts can grow quickly.
Flat warts
Flat warts are small and smooth but usually grow in large numbers. You can have as many as 100 flat warts at one time. They usually form on the legs or face.
How are warts treated?
Warts can go away on their own, but if your wart won’t go away or is causing discomfort, Dr. Yang-Finnin can get rid of the wart for you.
Treatment options for warts include:
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is often used to treat common warts and removes the wart by freezing it off. For best results, you may need more than one treatment.
Cantharidin
Cantharidin is a medicine Dr. Yang-Finnin applies to your wart, causing it to blister. After allowing the medicine to work for a week, Dr. Yang-Finnin has you come back to the office so she can remove your wart.
Curettage
Curettage uses heat energy to burn off your warts. This treatment can be used on common, filiform, and plantar warts.
Excision
Dr. Yang-Finnin can also cut off your wart, referred to as an excision.
Although Dr. Yang-Finnin can remove the warts that appear on your skin, she can’t prevent new warts from forming because, unfortunately, HPV is a virus without a cure.
To get expert help for your warts, call Latham Dermatology, or book an appointment online.
