Have you developed some small lumps on the skin? Lumps can be unsightly and even worrisome if you spot some on your child. It could be warts, noncancerous, rough bumps that form due to HPV (human papillomavirus) infection. The infection usually occurs when the virus contacts cut, compromised skin. At warts Scottsdale they can easily diagnose, primarily by looking at the lumps since they show distinct symptoms, commonly dome-shaped, flat, rough, black, grey, brown or skin-colored. In some cases, the doctor could also take a skin sample for a biopsy, especially if it is a recurring issue.

Warts risk factors

Virtually anyone can get warts. Nonetheless, the issue is common among children, older adults, and individuals with autoimmune diseases or a weakened immune system. The virus is contagious and can be passed on through direct skin contact. Touching a contaminated surface like shower floors, towels, or doorknobs, to mention a few, could also pass the virus. It can also be transmitted sexually or by sharing shaving tools with an infected person. Habits such as biting nails or picking at cuticles also increase the risk of warts. Warts are commonly categorized following where they occur, the common including:

• Feet: They are referred to as plantar warts. They mostly appear on soles and look like calluses, featuring black dots at the center. Plantar warts mainly form in clusters and are painful, especially considering where they develop.
• Hands: They are referred to as common warts, particularly since they are the most regular type.
• Genital warts: They develop on the vagina, rectum, or penis and are primarily sexually transmitted.
• Periungual and Subungual warts: They form around or underneath the toe and fingernails and are typically painful and challenging to treat.
• Face warts: They develop on the face and forehead, which can be unsightly, prompting most individuals to seek immediate treatment.

Warts treatment

Unless warts are a recurring problem, painful and uncomfortable, or unsightly, you can leave them to run their course. They subside after your immune system fights off the virus. Nonetheless, treatment and management are essential to keep them from spreading. Even without a doctor’s recommendation, you can opt for treatment. The common treatment options include:

Cryotherapy

This is a freezing procedure that entails the use of liquid nitrogen. After the warts are frozen, a blister forms and eventually peels off. You might need several treatments to remove all warts.

Topical medicine

The approach uses a liquid mixture with cantharidin, causing a blister beneath warts, cutting its blood supply. After a set period, typically a week, the doctor removes the dead wart.

Surgery

While not common, you might need surgical removal, especially when dealing with problematic warts that don’t respond to other treatment approaches.

Laser treatment

The treatment uses laser light to target, heat, and destroy small blood vessels inside warts. This cuts blood supply, killing warts.

DIY removal

Over-the-counter medication containing salicylic acid can help deal with warts. The chemicals destroy the warts layer by layer. It means that you may have to apply it every day for weeks or months to get rid of warts. Such products are available in gel, liquid, and patch forms.

Following the warts history, your doctor could also recommend immunotherapy. This is common when dealing with obstinate warts that do not go away with traditional approaches. Immunotherapy treatment helps the immune system fight off the HPV virus to get rid of warts. Regardless of your warts problem, professional attention is recommended. It helps prevent the spread or treat them and deal with unpleasant experiences. Contact Phoenician Foot & Ankle Specialists for consultation or schedule a visit today.