Warts

While warts are typically harmless, they can look unsightly and cause embarrassment. At Integrated Dermatology of Montrose in Montrose, Colorado, dermatology specialists Spencer Hamner, PA-C, Christine D. Brown, MD, and their team offer wart removal treatments to restore your skin’s appearance and reduce the risk of new warts. Call the Integrated Dermatology of Montrose office to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking tool today.

What are warts?

Warts are skin growths that often develop on the hands, fingers, feet, or toes. They are rough to the touch and may contain tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. When left untreated, warts can grow and spread to other parts of your body. They may even spread from person to person via shared surfaces or skin-to-skin contact.

What are the risk factors for warts?

A virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) causes warts. It can get into your body after biting your nails, getting a scrape, or even developing a hangnail. Some forms of warts spread from person to person through sexual contact.

Risk factors for developing warts include being a child or young adult and having a weakened immune system due to a medical condition. 

After your skin has been exposed to a virus that causes warts, it might take two to six months for a wart to develop. Some skin growths look similar to warts but are moles, skin cancer, or other lesions. That’s why scheduling skin screenings with a dermatologist is crucial if you develop new or changing growths.

Which wart treatments are right for me?

Many people with warts choose to have them removed, especially if warts cause embarrassment, rub on clothing or jewelry, become larger, spread to other areas of the body, or feel painful. The most appropriate wart treatment for you depends on your treatment preferences and the size and number of warts you have.

How does my specialist diagnose warts?

To diagnose warts, your Integrated Dermatology of Montrose provider examines potential warts and discusses your medical history and symptoms. They may use a magnifying glass to obtain an in-depth look at a wart, confirm a diagnosis, and treat it effectively. 

In some cases, your dermatology specialist scrapes off part of a potential wart or removes a sample of it during a biopsy and sends it to a lab. 

How are warts treated?

To remove warts, Integrated Dermatology of Montrose offers:

• Cryosurgery
• Electrosurgery and curettage
• Topical medicines
• Excisions
• Laser treatments
• Chemical peels
• Injections
• Immunotherapy 

Additional warts may appear even after your treatment. Removing warts as soon as they develop often makes them easier to treat. See your dermatology provider at the first sign of a new wart.

Schedule an appointment at Integrated Dermatology of Montrose by phone or online today to get treated for warts.