Learn more about these common skin growths and their removal options.
Do you remember that old wives’ tale that said touching a toad could give you warts? As a child, you probably found yourself avoiding frogs for just this reason. most people don’t know much about these growths and how you can actually get them. Find out more about warts from your Papillion, Columbus, and Omaha, NE, dermatologist Dr. Herschel Stoller.
What is a wart?
Warts are raised skin-colored growths that can be found anywhere on the body. They are often grainy and rough to the touch. They are benign but can be uncomfortable if they develop in awkward places like the face or tip of the finger.
Where do warts come from?
Instead of blaming toads, you can blame an infection for causing your warts. Warts are caused by a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). When this virus comes in contact with a cut or opening in the skin, the person becomes infected.
Who can get warts?
Anyone can get warts; however, we tend to see more cases of children getting warts than adults since children haven’t built up an immunity to the different types of human papillomavirus. Also, those with cuts or broken skin are more likely to get warts since the virus is able to penetrate the top layer of skin more easily.
Are warts dangerous?
No, warts are not dangerous or cancerous. They are completely benign skin growths. However, they are contagious, which means that you can get warts by coming in contact with a wart on someone’s body or by sharing towels or other items with someone who has a wart.
What are my treatment options when it comes to warts?
Warts can go away on their own. However, it can often take months or years for this to happen. Healthy individuals may try over-the-counter wart removal options first, or they can simply come to us for effective removal. If your wart doesn’t go away, then you need to see your Papillion, Columbus, and Omaha, NE, dermatologist.
We offer different wart removal options, depending on the number, location, and size. We can freeze the wart off using liquid nitrogen, simply excise it or we can apply a chemical solution to the wart, which will kill it and cause it to fall off.
If you have unsightly warts that you want to remove right away, we can help. We offer the most effective and fast-acting treatment to get rid of this common skin growth. Call the Center of Dermatology in Papillion at 402-592-5140, in Columbus at 402-564-4422, and in Omaha, NE, at 402-398-9200 to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist, Dr. Stoller.