Many different types of warts exist, due to the many different types of human papillomavirus (HPV). These noncancerous skin growths are most commonly found in children but can develop at any age. Warts can be transmitted by touch, can spread on your body, and can take two to six months to develop after your skin was exposed to the virus.
While many warts go away without treatment, the experts at Rochester Regional Health can help you conquer warts if they are painful, bothersome, or mysterious.
There are several kinds of warts caused by the papillomavirus that may appear on your body. Each has a slightly different appearance and common location, and your provider will help you find the right treatment for any/all.
Filiform warts are small, long, narrow growths that typically appear on your face, eyelids, or neck. While harmless, many people prefer to have their filiform warts removed, which should be done by a trusted doctor.
Flat warts are smooth, small growths that grow in groups (of up to 100 at a time), and most commonly appear on the faces of children. Flat warts are smaller than other warts and are often hardly noticeable. Children tend to get flat warts because they often have scratches or cuts on their skin and are in close contact with other children, giving HPV a perfect entry point.
Hand and foot warts are commonly located on the soles of the feet (called plantar warts) or the palms of your hand (called palmar warts). These growths have black dots inside them, which were once clotted blood vessels. Hand and foot warts can be painful because standing, walking, or holding things in your hands tends to force warts into the skin, which causes pain to the affected area. Often, our bodies form calluses to stop the spread of warts, which can also cause pain.
Unlike other common warts, genital warts are soft and do not have a rough surface texture. The moist tissues of your genital area are affected by genital warts. They often look like small, flesh-colored bumps that may have a cauliflower-type appearance.
You may be struggling with genital warts if you are experiencing itching or discomfort in your genital area, or have bleeding with intercourse. Your dermatologist can help diagnose and treat your genital warts.
You should schedule a full skin exam with your Rochester Regional Health dermatologist if your growths are painful or have changed in appearance or color. Similarly, if your growths are proving bothersome or interfere with activities, you should see your doctor.
It’s also important to seek a medical professional’s opinion if numerous warts begin appearing as an adult. Sometimes, this is a symptom of your immune system malfunctioning, and only a knowledgeable expert can help make that diagnosis.
There are several factors that your dermatologists will evaluate before recommending a personalized treatment option. Those include:
Many warts disappear without treatment. Your provider will assess how long they’ve been on your skin, their type, the severity, and the location before making their recommendations.
Your provider may suggest the following treatment types:
If your warts are growing despite leaving them alone or treating them with at-home treatments, it’s time to seek help. The dermatologists at Rochester Regional Health will find you an individualized treatment that takes your health and needs into account and get you wart-less in no time.
