Warts

While you can take some steps to avoid catching one, warts can be largely unavoidable because they’re so contagious. At Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, provides teledermatology services in 49 states as well as evaluations and treatments for warts in her Miami, Florida, office. To schedule your appointment, call Anna Chacon, MD, or book online today.

What are warts?

Warts are a fleshy and often bumpy type of growth that you can get on your skin. The hands, feet, and genitals are some of the most common areas for warts, but you can get them anywhere. They come from human papillomavirus (HPV), which can enter your skin through small or large openings and cuts. 

Since warts vary in appearance, you might need a professional evaluation to identify one. They can be flat against the skin or dome-shaped, with flat warts being common on the soles of the feet because they withstand pressure when you have your feet on the ground. 

While warts eventually leave on their own, you might want to get rid of them earlier due to their unsightliness and the inconvenience of their contagiousness. Dr. Chacon helps you review your options for wart treatment. 

How can I avoid warts?

There are several ways you can minimize your risk of getting a wart. HPV is highly contagious and you can catch warts after coming into direct contact with a wart on yourself or someone else. You can also pick up HPV in warm and moist environments shared by other people.

Here are a few steps you can take to avoid warts:

• Take flip-flops or sandals with you to public pools and locker rooms
• Avoid sharing personal items like razors and towels
• Avoid touching a wart on yourself or someone else
• Avoid shaving over a wart
• Keep your feet clean and dry at all times
• Stop biting your nails and cuticles
• Get the HPV vaccine against genital warts
• Use condoms during sexual intercourse

Taking these steps can help immensely. However, you still might get a wart from time to time. Simply contact Dr. Chacon for an examination and to review treatment options. 

How are warts treated?

Warts go away on their own, but certain treatments and procedures can accelerate the process. Topical products are a great place to start, and some are available over the counter. Topical salicylic acid and other medications, like prescription imiquimod, can help the wart go away faster than it would have otherwise.

There are also multiple dermatological procedures that Dr. Chacon can provide in her office to remove warts. One such option is freezing or cryotherapy. Using extremely cold liquid nitrogen, Dr. Chacon freezes the growth. This kills it and constricts the blood vessels, later causing it to fall off. Electrodesiccation and curettage is another option. 

For more information on warts and how to prevent or treat them, schedule an in-person or teledermatology appointment with Anna Chacon, MD, over the phone or online today.