What Causes Warts?

There are many oddities that can occur on the skin. Skin tags, moles, age spots, and other growths can cause confusion for many patients who notice these changes. While some changes may need to be evaluated by a dermatological professional, such as changes associated with the possibility of skin cancer, others may be simply harmless marks on the skin, including birthmarks. But warts are in a whole other class of their own, and may need to be treated to keep them from worsening. Dallas, TX area patients who are faced with warts will want to learn what causes them and how to effectively treat them. 

What are warts? 

Warts are growths that develop due to HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus. HPV is the cause of these growths and is responsible for their development. When patients have HPV, they can have warts develop anywhere on the skin at any age. These benign, noncancerous growths are generally painless and may disappear on their own. However, some may need to be removed because of their size, their appearance, or their location. Removing warts can also reduce the risk of spreading warts to other people. 

What types of warts are there? 

There are a few varieties of warts that are of classified by their appearance and location. Below are just a few of the more common types: 

•         Common warts
•         Filiform warts
•         Flat plane warts
•         Genital warts
•         Plantar warts
•         Subungual warts
•         Periungual warts

How are warts removed? 

There are a few different approaches that can be done to treat warts on the skin for patients in the Dallas, TX area. Our dermatological team at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center may discuss the best option for a patient based on the type and severity of the wart.

Below are a couple methods that might be recommended: 

•         Cryotherapy
•         Electrosurgery
•         Laser surgery
•         Nonprescription freezing products
•         Salicylic acid preparations

Are you struggling with one or more warts? 

Working with a professional is the first step in obtaining the care needed to address warts once and for all! Dallas, TX area patients are welcome to contact Dr. Cockerell to discuss wart treatment and removal options. Call (972) 661-2729 to request an appointment at 5310 Harvest Hill Road, Suite #160.