Frequently Asked Questions

What are Warts?

Warts are raised bumps on your skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts have plagued humans for thousands of years — they have been discovered on 3,000-year-old mummies and were mentioned by Shakespeare. 

Although warts generally aren’t dangerous, they are ugly, potentially embarrassing, and contagious. They can also be painful.

What are the different types of Warts?

There are 5 types of warts distinguished by their appearances and they are:

1. Common warts
2. Plantar warts
3. Flat warts
4. Filiform warts
5. Periungual warts

When should I consult a doctor?

An individual should consult a doctor in the following conditions:

1. If the warts are on the sensitive part of the body such as o the face, genitals, nostrils
2. Bleeding from the site of warts, or pus formation around the warts
3. If the warts are painful
4. Color changes of warts
5. If an individual with warts is a diabetic, or HIV patient

What are the treatment options for Warts Removal?

If warts don’t vanish through home remedies or with passing time, then one should consult a doctor. Even an individual with warts is a diabetic then he/she should consult the doctor immediately. 

The doctor will perform the following treatment for Warts Removal:

1. Liquid Nitrogen - with the help of liquid nitrogen a wart is frozen. This process can be a bit painful but the results are good. Freezing causes blister on the skin which is formed under and around warts and it is lifted from the skin in about a week. More than one session is needed for the complete removal of warts through this method. 
2. Surgery - Surgery is the last option when other treatment methods have failed. The doctor will cut away the wart with the knife (surgical) or burn it through electrification. Before the treatment, the patient is given a small shot of anesthesia as the treatment can be painful. This treatment option can also cause scarring.

What are the home remedies available for Warts Removal?

There are several over the counter treatments available for warts that can be performed in-home. Few of them are listed below:

1. Freezing treatments - some sprays or ointments applied to warts can freeze it out and scrapping it from the skin becomes easier. But these OTC sprays aren’t useful in all types of warts.
2. Salicylic acid
3. Duct tape, etc

How can Warts be prevented?

There are a few ways to prevent warts from spreading to another body part if an individual already has one and they are:

1. Wash hands regularly
2. Avoid picking at the wart
3. Cover wart with a bandage
4. Keep hands and feet dry
5. Wear flip-flops in showers when in a locker room or communal bathing