Warts

What are warts?

Warts are common, noncancerous skin growths that develop on your skin due to an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are usually skin-colored but may appear gray or brown. They may feel smooth or rough to the touch or appear flat or raised.

The four primary types of warts include:

• Common warts: usually appear on the fingers
• Plantar warts: typically develop on the soles of the feet
• Flat warts: most often affect areas of skin that are shaved
• Genital warts: develop on the genitals and spread through sexual activity

The virus can enter your skin from a small cut or damaged area of skin, and they’re contagious, so they can be passed to others through skin-to-skin contact.

The Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. medical team is skilled in diagnosing and treating common and plantar warts, especially those that interfere with walking or other activities.

How are warts diagnosed?

If warts become painful or get in your way, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. to discuss your options for treatment.

In many cases, the podiatrists identify warts through a physical exam. During your diagnosis, your provider evaluates the severity and location of your wart to determine the best course of treatment.

How are warts treated?

Generally, warts that aren’t painful or disruptive to your lifestyle can be left to heal on their own. Your podiatrist can monitor any changes in the warts and recommend additional treatment if you need it.

For moderate-to-severe warts, the team offers customized treatment plans to increase your comfort. They may prescribe a topical or oral medication to treat the virus causing the wart.

If you have large or painful warts, especially plantar warts that develop on the soles of your feet, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive wart removal procedure. The staff at Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. offers several in-office procedures to remove bothersome warts, including surgical excision and cryotherapy, a technology that freezes and destroys the wart.

If you have large or painful warts, schedule a consultation at the Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. office nearest you by calling the office or by requesting an appointment online now.