Warts

Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center

Board-Certified Dermatologists & Aesthetic Dermatology located in Downtown DC, Washington, DC

Warts are a type of skin growth caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Though there are many effective over-the-counter treatments for warts, it can take a long time for the skin growths to go away. At Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center in Washington, DC, the team of board-certified dermatologists offers advanced therapy for the treatment of warts. To schedule a consultation, call the office or book online today. Telemedicine appointments are available.

What are warts?

Warts are benign skin growths caused by an HPV infection. HPV is highly contagious and there are more than 100 strains of the virus. 

Most strains of HPV cause warts that affect the skin and mucous membranes. Some strains cause cancer, including cervical and rectal cancers. 

Warts are very contagious. You can get warts by directly touching the skin growth or touching something that touched the wart, such as a shared towel or door handle.

What are the types of warts?

There are many types of warts. Each type has distinct characteristics and locations. The types of warts include:

Common warts

Common warts are rough, raised skin growths. These types of warts most often appear on the hands.

Plantar warts

Plantar warts are found on the soles of your feet. Because of the pressure placed on your feet, these warts grow inward and may grow deep. With plantar warts, it may feel as though you’re walking with pebbles in your shoe. 

Filiform warts

Filiform warts create long, thin threadlike growths. These types of warts may develop on your fingers or face. 

Flat warts

Flat warts are small, smooth warts that may occur anywhere on your body. It’s not unusual to have 20-100 flat warts at one time.

Genital warts

These types of warts are an STD that develops in the genital area. 

What happens during a consultation for warts?

When you visit Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center for a wart consultation, you can expect a patient-centered examination.

During your consultation, your dermatologist reviews your medical history and examines your warts. For genital warts, your provider may perform a rectal exam or Pap smear. 

How are warts treated?

There’s no cure for HPV, but warts can be treated. Treatment for warts includes removal of the skin growths. 

Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center treats warts using the most advanced therapy and treatment options. These include:

  • Liquid nitrogen
  • Cantharone® 
  • Acids
  • Candida antigen injections
  • Vbeam® laser 
  • Surgical excision
  • Medical therapy

They treat all types of warts, including genital warts.

Though the treatments offered at Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center may get rid of your skin growths, they can’t prevent new warts from forming. 

To schedule an evaluation for your warts, call Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center or book online today.