Dealing with a wart? Here’s what you should know.
Ever hear that touching frogs causes warts? Of course, if you have a wart or have had one in the past then you already know that frogs aren’t to blame. Instead, you can blame a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV) for causing your warts. When this virus comes in contact with an opening in the skin, a wart forms. If you’d like to have your wart removed, you may try over-the-counter treatments or you could simply turn to our Chicago, IL, dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach.
What do warts look like?
Warts are hard, raised skin-colored bumps that can develop just about anywhere on the body or face. Most warts are painless, unless they develop in certain parts of the body like the soles of the feet (known as plantar warts), which can be uncomfortable or even painful when walking.
Warts are often grainy-looking and rough to the touch. If you look closely at the wart you may even notice some dark dots. These spots are tiny blood vessels. If you’ve never had a wart before, or if you’re unsure whether or not you’re dealing with a wart, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with our Chicago dermatologist. After all, in order to effectively treat the issue, you need to know what it is first.
Are warts dangerous?
Absolutely not. Apart from being a bit of a nuisance, they are not dangerous. Warts are benign growths that do not turn cancerous or cause harm to your health. Of course, warts are contagious, so it’s best to avoid sharing clothing or towels with someone who has a wart.
How are warts treated?
While warts will go away on their own once your body fights the viral infection, this can take months or even years. There are over-the-counter remedies that you can get from your local pharmacy that may help to get rid of the wart over time.
Of course, our dermatologist Dr. Fahrenbach can provide you with a safe, effective treatment that will get rid of the wart much more quickly. If you have a painful wart or a wart in a very visible and embarrassing place, you may wish to turn to us for wart removal treatment.
If you have a wart in an awkward or painful location, or if you keep dealing with recurring warts, it’s a good idea to turn to our Chicago dermatologist to find out the best way to treat your warts and to prevent them in the future. To schedule an appointment, call North Branch Dermatology at (773) 763-6000.