Warts may be a common problem, but that does not mean that you have to live with a wart that is painful or a cosmetic concern. Our dermatologist offers safe, effective laser treatments that will allow you to eliminate warts quickly.

Many people develop a wart or two at some point in their lives. Although these growths pose no significant medical concern, they do present cosmetic issues. The underlying cause of wart development is the HPV virus, or human papilloma virus, of which there are more than 100 recognized types. Warts are contagious, spread skin-to-skin, and are not indicative of any other health concern.

Photo Gallery – Before & After

Patient Pictures Shown Before and After Treatments

Types of warts

There are several different types of warts, including:

  • Common warts, which typically develop on the fingers or hands, but may also be seen on the elbows and the knees. A common wart looks like a small, hard bump with a rough head. The head may also contain small red-brown or black spots.
  • Flat warts tend to grow in groups on the back, abdomen, knees, hands, or arms. These warts do not protrude from the skin, instead appearing smooth and discolored. Flat warts are typically small and they will look yellow, tan, or pink.
  • Plantar warts develop on the bottom of the foot, the area called the plantar surface. A plantar wart may look like a callous, but will grow and become more like a common wart in appearance. Depending on the size of a plantar wart, discomfort may occur when walking.
  • Filiform warts are finger-shaped, skin-colored growths that may develop around the nose and mouth or on the eyelids.

Warts may respond to over-the-counter treatments or cryotherapy, but, often, laser therapy is the ideal solution to eliminate ugly, uncomfortable warts. Laser therapy works by destroying the tiny blood vessels in a wart, which feeds the abnormal tissue. Without internal blood vessels, a wart will gradually fade away.

A wart does not have to rob you of your comfort or sense of confidence in your appearance. Contact Washington Dermatology Consultants for your consultation and see how easy it is to eliminate unwanted warts.