Warts are common and bothersome growths of the skin commonly appearing on the hands, feet or groin region (genital warts). At Advanced Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology in Stamford, Connecticut, Samuel Gettler, MD, provides advanced therapies for common and resistant warts. Schedule an appointment by phone to learn more about your treatment options for warts, or book one online today.
Warts are a skin infection caused by contact with various strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) and are extremely common in children and adults.
Warts affect people of all ages but are more common in children and teens.
There are many types of warts. Each type may affect different body parts or vary in appearance.
Wart types include:
Common warts cause rough, raised skin growths. They may appear anywhere on the body but most often affect the hands and face.
Plantar warts are warts that grow on the bottom surface of the feet or toes; they are often painful, spread easily, and may be difficult to treat. Regular office visits can increase the chance of recovery.
Flat warts usually appear as flat tan bumps on the hands, face, legs, or other parts of the body.
These appear on genital skin and are considered sexually transmitted and are commonly seen in adult patients. Certain types may also be associated with cervical cancer or other cancers and treatment is highly recommended.
Dr. Gettler offers advanced therapies for warts, including those most resistant, like plantar warts. Treatment options include:
Cantharidin is a topical medication Dr. Gettler applies to the wart. The medication causes a blister to form under the growth, cutting off blood supply, so the wart falls off.
With cryotherapy, Dr. Gettler uses a freezing tool that freezes off the wart. The treatment is often used for children.
During electrosurgery and curettage, Dr. Gettler burns and scrapes off the warts. The treatment works best for common, filiform, and plantar warts.
For patients with difficult-to-treat warts, Dr. Gettler may recommend immunotherapy. With this treatment, he provides therapy that uses your immune system to help get rid of the warts.
Occasionally resistant warts are treated by other methods including electrocautery or surgical removal.
To schedule a wart consultation at Advanced Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology, call the office or book an appointment online today.
