Common Wart Removal in Gainesville, FL

Common Wart Removal In Gainesville, Florida

Common warts are benign skin growths caused by HPV, most often appearing on the hands and fingers. Warts form two to six months after broken, weakened, or immunocompromised skin is exposed to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In general, HPV can spread through contact with infected skin, contaminated surfaces, or sexual activity. Common warts typically appear as small, rough growths on the hands and feet and may take several years to resolve on their own without treatment. To speed up this process, many patients opt to have their warts professionally removed by a board-certified doctor or dermatologist.

If you have a common wart that is resistant to treatment, large, uncomfortable, or affecting your self-esteem, professional wart removal may be the best option for you. At Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery, we offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatment plans designed to remove your wart safely and in its entirety. If at-home treatments haven't worked, professional removal may be more effective.

What Is A Common Wart?

Common warts are small, rough, flesh-colored growths caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), most often appearing on the hands and sometimes on the knees or feet. HPV changes the molecular function of the top layer of your epidermis, forcing skin cells to multiply rapidly and overproduce keratin. The result is a raised, hard growth that, while usually harmless, can be difficult to get rid of. Sometimes, blood vessels inside common warts can clot, causing tiny black dots to scatter across the surface of your wart.

What Causes Common Warts?

Common warts form when broken or otherwise weakened skin is exposed to specific strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Out of the 150+ HPV strains that exist, only a select few can cause common warts to form. Despite this, these strains are the most commonly encountered warts, spreading rapidly among children, teenagers, and the immunocompromised.

HPV affects the way your skin cells reproduce, causing rapid, uncontrollable growth that results in unsightly, large, and irregularly shaped warts. While common warts are benign and not cancerous, other HPV strains, particularly those affecting the genital area, are associated with a higher risk of cancer over time. For this reason, patients should avoid making medical assumptions and should seek a professional diagnosis for any suspicious wart on their body.

Common Wart Removal Techniques

It can take months to effectively remove a common wart using traditional at-home treatments. Rather than wasting time with duct tape, band-aids, and over-the-counter salicylic acid, consider the following professional wart removal treatments offered by Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery in Gainesville, Florida.

Cryotherapy

In cryotherapy, a licensed dermatologist uses liquid nitrogen to effectively freeze and destroy the wart tissue. This treatment causes a blister to form underneath the wart, which will then die and fall off on its own.

Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery uses a combination of electric current and curettage techniques to remove warts on the face, hands, knees, fingers, and feet. Electrosurgery is invasive, requires a local anesthetic, and is typically only performed for large, stubborn warts.

Surgical Excision

For warts that have not responded to past treatment attempts, our dermatologists may opt to surgically remove the wart altogether. Surgical excision is a more invasive technique and is typically reserved for more persistent and bothersome warts.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can also be used to destroy the blood vessels feeding your wart. High-heat, targeted beams of light efficiently target small or large patches of warts in one quick session and are popular among patients who prefer a quick and modern solution.

Prescription Ointments

The first treatment option for a common wart is typically a prescription ointment. Small, new, or more sensitive warts tend to be better suited to this type of treatment. Prescription ointments are slow-acting, painless, and scar-free, and are ideal for young, sensitive-skinned patients.

When To Consult A Professional Dermatologist

While common warts are not cancerous, they can sometimes resemble certain skin cancers or precancerous growths, making it important to have any suspicious or changing lesions evaluated by a dermatologist. If your warts are spreading, uncomfortable, or difficult to treat with at-home solutions, contact your doctor to learn more about the various wart removal procedures that may be right for you. At Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery, we offer a variety of safe and effective treatments designed to remove warts with minimal discomfort, scarring, and the need for repeated procedures. contact our office to schedule your consultation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Common Warts Contagious?

Yes, common warts are contagious. Common warts spread through skin-to-skin contact and contaminated surfaces.

How Can I Protect Myself From Developing Common Warts?

To avoid coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, take precautions in high-risk environments, such as showers, pools, or public parks. Always wear shoes, don't share towels with strangers, and wash your hands frequently to limit your risk of developing common warts.

How Can I Limit The Spread Of Common Warts?

If you have a common wart, keep it clean and covered, and don't pick at it. Uncovered, irritated warts are more likely to spread to other areas of your skin and to others around you.

Who Is At Risk Of Developing Common Warts?

Children, teenagers, and immunocompromised people are at a higher risk of catching HPV and developing a common wart as a result. Furthermore, those who tend to pick at or bite their fingernails are more likely to develop warts due to their increased exposure and weakened immunity.

How Many Treatments Will I Need To Remove My Wart Completely?

Depending on the size, location, and persistence of your common wart, repeat treatments may be needed. Depending on the patient and chosen treatment, warts can be effectively removed in just a few sessions.

Will My Common Wart Go Away On Its Own?

For the most part, yes. Most immune systems are able to fight off common warts on their own, but this process typically takes a number of years.

Are Wart Removal Procedures Painful?

Most wart removal treatments are not painful. Some require a local anesthetic to remove the possibility of pain altogether. At most, treatments may sting or burn.

Can Common Warts Come Back After Removal?

Yes, common warts can come back after removal. Common warts are highly contagious, so reinfection is always possible, especially when HPV persists in the surrounding skin.