It’s really not necessary to ever feel the anxiety associated with finding small, fleshy bumps on your skin. Warts are a very common skin condition that affect many people. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is a very ubiquitous virus.

Warts are contagious and appear commonly on the face, hands, and feet, but can appear anywhere on the body. They frequently have a small black dot at the center. This is an indication of the capillary that is providing the wart with sustenance.

Different types of warts

Plantar warts appear on the bottom of the feet and are therefore much flatter in shape due to the weight upon that part of the foot. They are often covered by a thick layer of skin which can make treatment very difficult.

Flat warts are small, smooth, and appear in significant numbers. They typically occur on the face and are often seen in children. In the cases of children and many adults, the effective removal and prevention of warts is essential to their self-esteem, so you should see your dermatologist to develop a proper treatment plan.

Treatment options include the following:

• Taping—Thick, sticky tapes are used to cover and peel off warts little by little to gradually remove them.
• Cryotherapy—During this common treatment, warts are frozen with a liquid nitrogen solution and removed.
• Peeling—Large numbers of warts may engender themselves to acid peels. Acids may be applied to warts after soaking and then they can be filed down and removed.
• Removal—Warts may be surgically cut out.
• Laser surgery—Warts are removed by destroying them with lasers or with an electrified needle.
• Immunotherapy—Patients are often given shots to stimulate the immune system to allow the body to fight the virus that is causing warts.

If you notice warts developing, see a dermatologist who can help you with treatment and prevent the spreading of warts to other areas of your body. Dr. Juan Vaillant of Old Bridge Dermatology has been treating patients for hair, skin, and nail problems for over 30 years, and has the extensive background needed to help address a variety of dermatological issues. Dr. Vaillant has successfully treated acne, eczema, dandruff, hair loss, psoriasis, and nail fungus. If you are looking for an amiable, highly skilled dermatologist, call our office in Old Bridge, NJ at (732) 679-0222 and make an appointment.