WART ARE THOSE?!
We are amid the peak season for the spread of non-genital warts (verrucae). In order to raise awareness, the National Verruca Foundation (NVF) has designated July as Wart Awareness Month. Warts are common, benign lesions that appear on the top surface of the skin. Warts can develop anywhere but are most commonly found on hands, feet, elbows, and knees.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for these annoying verrucae. Often times, warts appear rough and skin-colored or they can present dark, flat, and smooth. They can easily be spread through contact between people and/or objects.
Not only are warts a nuisance; they’re contagious, can be embarrassing, and they’re sometimes painful especially on bottom surfaces of the feet or hands.
I think I have a wart, what should I do?
Your dermatology provider can easily diagnose and offer same-day treatment for your wart. There are several treatment options, two of which include:
- Cryotherapy
- Cantharidin
For more information regarding treatment of verrucae, visit aad.org
Tips to help you stay wart free this season:
- Wash your hands well and often
- Do not share towels
- Be sure to wear flip flops or other shoes when in public locker rooms, showers, and pool decks
- Keep your skin healthy, and free of cuts. Scratches and cuts allow the skin to be vulnerable to the HPV virus. If you do have cuts or scratches, keep them covered.
- Avoid nail-biting and picking at hangnails.
To thwart your wart, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists today!
