Jump To
Conveniently located to serve Boston, MA
Patients with warts in Westford, MA, can come to Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center for effective removal. Warts are generally painless but can be contagious, so they should be treated immediately. They can also grow in very visible areas of your body, potentially causing embarrassment and discomfort.
What Are Warts?
Warts are skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These non-cancerous bumps project out of the skin and can spread to other areas of the body or to another person. While usually harmless, warts can be bothersome and sometimes painful.
Types of Warts
There are several types of warts, each with a unique appearance:
- Common warts – These are round, raised, and hardened bumps that can appear almost anywhere on your body
- Plantar warts – These grow on the soles of the feet, are marked by hardened skin and tiny holes, and often appear flat due to pressure. They may cause discomfort while walking and sometimes feature dark dots.
- Flat warts – These are smaller and smoother than other types and tend to appear in clusters on areas like the face, thighs, or arms.
- Filiform warts – These are thin, thread-like growths that often occur around the mouth, eyes, or nose, making them more noticeable.
- Periungual warts – These grow near fingernails or toenails and can interfere with nail growth if untreated.
- Mosaic warts – These are a cluster of small warts that form a patch, typically seen on hands or feet.
Dr. Steven Franks at Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center can help determine the best option for wart removal at our Westford practice.
What Causes Warts?
Warts develop when HPV enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions. The virus stimulates the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to a raised bump. Factors such as a weakened immune system or frequent exposure to damp environments increase the likelihood of developing warts.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Most warts are painless but may feel rough or grainy. Black dots, often mistaken for seeds, are clotted blood vessels inside the wart. Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Franks, can diagnose warts based on their appearance or through minor scraping to examine the tissue.
Should I Set Up a Wart Removal Appointment?
If you find a wart, you should undergo wart removal to limit the risk of spreading the infection. Though there may be over-the-counter options, it’s best to schedule a consultation at Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center to have your wart diagnosed and receive proper treatment.
If your warts grow in sensitive areas or if you have diabetes, in-office removal is ideal. You may need wart removal treatments if the wart starts bleeding or has pus. Also, if the color changes or the wart becomes painful, you should consider wart treatment options.
Your Consultation
During your consultation for wart removal at our Westford practice, Dr. Franks will perform a physical examination and may perform a biopsy to test for HPV. You will discuss your medical history, including any underlying conditions and current medications, and he will develop a personalized treatment plan to address your warts.
Wart Treatment
Different techniques are available for wart removal, mostly cryo freezing and surgery (as a final choice). The wart gets frozen during the cryofreezing technique using a blast of liquid nitrogen. It may feel like ice on the skin for a few seconds. You will only need surgery if the warts do not respond to all the other treatment options.
Prevention
Regular hand washing can prevent warts from spreading. Clean your hands thoroughly if you have been in contact with someone who has warts. If you have warts, cover them with bandages to prevent them from spreading to other body parts.
Cost of Wart Treatment
The cost of treating warts varies depending on the size, number, type, and treatment method used. Over-the-counter solutions are typically inexpensive, but they may not always work. Professional options like warts surgery or cryotherapy may cost more, but you will get personalized care from a skilled dermatologist and an experienced team. For accurate pricing, consult Dr. Franks at Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Westford, MA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are warts contagious?
Yes, warts are contagious and spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. To minimize the risk of transmission, avoid sharing personal items.
Will warts go away on their own?
Some warts may disappear naturally, but this can take months or years. Professional treatment offers quicker and more reliable results.
Can warts reoccur after treatment?
Yes, warts can return if the virus persists in your body. Proper hygiene and skin care can help lower the risk of recurrence.
Is wart removal painful?
Most wart removal treatments involve minimal discomfort, with numbing options available. Our Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center team will ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
How long does treatment take?
The treatment time varies depending on the method and the number of warts. Some treatments are completed in one session, while others may require follow-ups.
Contact Us to Learn More
Treatment of warts in Westford is necessary to prevent further infection and improve quality of life. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Franks will perform your procedure in Westford, MA. Contact Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center today to schedule your consultation.
