Warts

Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center

Dermatologists & Mohs Surgery located in Elgin, Huntley & Crystal Lake, IL

You can try a home remedy for warts, but these methods often aren’t effective or can take a long time. Meanwhile, warts are highly contagious — you may even spread them on your own body — so professional wart removal may be a better option. The doctors at the Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center have numerous treatment techniques, including therapies that work for hard-to-treat or recurring warts. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking tool or call one of the offices in Elgin, Huntley, Crystal Lake, and Fox Lake, Illinois.

Warts Q & A

What are the Different Types of Warts?

Warts are noncancerous growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV spreads through direct contact with another person who has the virus, sharing an item they touched or walking barefoot in areas where the virus thrives, such as dirt or damp places like pools.

The virus gets into your skin through a small cut or wound, then it takes 2-6 months for the wart to appear.

Common Warts: Common warts most often affect your hands and fingers, but they can grow anywhere. They feel scaly or rough, appear gray or brown, and can grow to be as large as a pea.
Plantar Warts: These warts grow on the soles of your feet. They may grow in clusters and can become large and painful, as they tend to grow inward rather than outward.
Flat Warts: Flat warts are smaller and smoother than other types of warts, but they grow in large numbers, often 20-100. They’re most often found on the forehead, cheeks, arms, and legs.
Filiform Warts: Filiform warts have a unique appearance, resembling long threads that may have a spiky appearance. They grow on your face, including around the eyelids, lips, and nose.

When Should I See a Dermatologist for Warts?

Warts may go away on their own, but while you wait, you may spread the virus to someone else or transfer it to another location on your body.

Schedule an appointment when you want the wart removed or when your warts:

Cause pain
Change in appearance or color
Continue spreading
Keep recurring

It’s also important to have your warts evaluated if you’re not sure whether they’re warts or when a large number of warts suddenly appear.

How are Warts Treated?

The doctors at the Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center may use one of the following treatments to remove your wart:

Cryotherapy: freezes the wart off
Excision: the wart is cut off
Electrosurgery and curettage: the wart is treated with heat then scraped off
Blistering agent: topical medication makes a blister form under the wart, then your doctor cuts it off

If your warts resist treatment or recur, your doctor may consider laser therapy, a chemical peel, or immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, which is often a topical medication, stimulates your immune system to fight warts.

If you’re ready to get rid of your warts, call Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center or book an appointment online.

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