Warts are small growths on the skin that are usually harmless. They can develop anywhere on the body, but most commonly appear on the hands and feet. Although harmless, it is best to treat warts to prevent them from spreading to other areas of the body or from person to person. At Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA, our board-certified dermatologists can develop a treatment plan for eliminating your warts. 

Types of Warts

Warts are caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which prompts the body to produce an excess of keratin in the top layer of skin. The excess keratin forms the growths that we know as warts. 

There are several types of warts, all of which can differ in appearance, texture, and location on the body. The experienced dermatologists at our offices in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA, treat all types of warts. Types of warts and their most common location(s) include:

• Common warts — anywhere on the body
• Plantar warts — soles of the feet
• Flat (plane) warts — face and hands 
• Filiform warts — around the face, eyelids, lips, or neck
• Subungual & periungual warts — around the fingernails and toenails 
• Genital warts — around the pubic and genital areas 

Wart Treatment and Prevention 

It is possible for warts to eventually clear up on their own or with the use of over-the-counter treatments. However, it can take several weeks to see results. It is best to see a dermatologist for treatment to prevent the warts from spreading. You should also see a doctor if the warts persist even after using over-the-counter products for several weeks or months. Always consult a dermatologist or other doctor for treatment of genital warts. 

Three highly effective in-office treatments for eliminating warts include:

• Injections — A special medication is injected directly into the wart, which stimulates the immune system to fight the virus.
• Cryotherapy — Warts are frozen using liquid nitrogen. Multiple treatments are sometimes needed to completely eliminate warts.  
• Electrosurgery — An electric current is sent through the wart to kill the excess tissue.

There are many steps you can take to prevent warts. Keep the feet clean and dry and avoid walking around barefoot in public spaces, including pools, locker rooms, and bathrooms. Wearing shoes that fit properly, are breathable, and are not too tight can also help prevent warts on the feet. Finally, do not share personal items with an individual who has warts. 

Warts are generally painless and harmless growths of excess keratin on the skin. However, they can spread so it is best to seek treatment. If you are dealing with warts, the skilled dermatologists at our Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA, offices can help. To schedule an appointment, call Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases at any one of our convenient locations. Sandy Springs (404) 252-4333; Roswell (770) 751-1133; Alpharetta (770) 664-5225; and Cumming (770) 844-1902.