Warts are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which triggers the growth of small, rough, and raised bumps on the skin. While warts are typically harmless, they can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and in some cases, contagious. There are several different types of warts, each with its own characteristics and treatment methods. Understanding the type of wart you have is essential for choosing the most effective treatment.

In this blog, we will discuss the most common types of warts—common warts, plantar warts, and genital warts—as well as the best treatment options for each type. Whether you have a single wart or multiple, finding the right treatment can help you get rid of them quickly and effectively.

What Causes Warts?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the body through small cuts or abrasions on the skin. The virus then infects the skin's outer layer, causing rapid cell growth that forms a wart. Warts are contagious and can spread from person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirectly by touching objects contaminated with the virus, such as towels or shoes.

While warts are not typically dangerous, they can spread and multiply if left untreated. It’s important to seek treatment to remove them and reduce the risk of transmission.

Types of Warts and How to Treat Them

1. Common Warts

Common warts are the most frequently seen type of wart, and they typically appear on the hands, fingers, and around the nails. They are raised, rough, and have a cauliflower-like appearance with small, black dots in the center (which are blood vessels).

Treatment Options for Common Warts

Common warts are usually harmless and can go away on their own, but they may take months or even years to disappear. If you want to remove them more quickly, here are some effective treatment options:

• Over-the-counter treatments: Salicylic acid-based products are the most common over-the-counter treatment for warts. Salicylic acid helps to soften the wart and encourage it to peel away from the skin. These treatments are available in various forms, such as gels, pads, or liquids.
  
  
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a treatment that involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This process destroys the wart tissue and causes it to fall off. Cryotherapy is usually performed in a healthcare setting but can be done at home using over-the-counter cryotherapy products.
  
  
• Laser treatment: Laser therapy uses concentrated light to target and destroy the wart tissue. This is an option for warts that do not respond to other treatments.
  
  
• Minor surgery: In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend surgically removing the wart if other treatments are unsuccessful.
  
  

2. Plantar Warts

Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet and are caused by the same strain of HPV that causes common warts. Because they grow inward due to the pressure of walking or standing, plantar warts can be particularly painful and uncomfortable.

Treatment Options for Plantar Warts

Plantar warts can be more difficult to treat due to their location and the pressure placed on them. Here are some effective treatments:

• Salicylic acid treatments: Just like common warts, plantar warts can be treated with salicylic acid products. These treatments work best when combined with regular filing or trimming of the wart to remove the top layer. Soaking your feet before applying salicylic acid can also help the medication penetrate deeper into the wart.
  
  
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy can be effective for plantar warts, and it is often done in a healthcare setting. Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the wart, and multiple treatments may be necessary to completely remove it.
  
  
• Laser therapy: Laser therapy can also be used to treat stubborn plantar warts. The laser destroys the blood vessels that supply the wart, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off.
  
  
• Minor surgery: In cases where the wart is particularly large or painful, surgical removal may be necessary. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia.
  
  
• Duct tape method: An at-home remedy involves placing a piece of duct tape over the wart for six days, removing the tape, soaking the wart, and then gently filing the surface. Repeat this process for several weeks.
  
  

3. Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by specific strains of HPV and occur in the genital, anal, or mouth areas. Unlike other types of warts, genital warts are often sexually transmitted. They appear as small, flesh-colored or grayish bumps, which can grow in clusters.

Treatment Options for Genital Warts

Because genital warts are sexually transmitted, it’s important to seek professional medical advice for diagnosis and treatment. There are several treatment options available:

• Topical treatments: Medications like podofilox or imiquimod can be applied directly to the warts to help remove them. These medications work by stimulating the immune system or destroying the wart tissue.
  
  
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy can also be used to treat genital warts by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. This is typically done by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting.
  
  
• Laser therapy: In some cases, a laser may be used to destroy the wart tissue. This is typically reserved for more stubborn or extensive cases.
  
  
• Electrosurgery: Electrosurgery uses an electric current to burn off the warts. This method is usually performed under local anesthesia.
  
  
• Surgical removal: In cases of large or multiple warts, surgery may be necessary to remove the warts.
  
  

It’s important to note that while treatments can remove the warts, there is no cure for the HPV infection itself. Warts may return, and regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are recommended.

When to See a Doctor for Wart Treatment

Most warts can be treated with over-the-counter treatments or home remedies, but if you notice any of the following, it’s time to see a healthcare provider:

• Warts that do not respond to over-the-counter treatments
  
  
• Warts that are painful or bleeding
  
  
• Warts in sensitive areas (genitals, face, or around the eyes)
  
  
• A sudden outbreak of warts
  
  
• Warts that change in appearance or grow rapidly
  
  

A doctor can help determine the most effective treatment for your specific type of wart and ensure that any underlying issues, such as an HPV infection, are addressed appropriately.

Wart Treatment in Foothill Ranch, CA

If you are struggling with warts and want to explore the best treatment options, Omeed Ahadiat, M.D., in Foothill Ranch, CA, offers personalized wart removal solutions to help you achieve clearer, smoother skin. From cryotherapy and laser therapy to topical treatments and minor surgeries, we provide a range of options to suit your needs.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more about wart treatments and find the right solution for you!