Warts are common skin infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Because HPV is contagious, you can catch it through person-to-person contact or simply by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. And if you don’t treat the warts you do have, the virus can quickly spread to other parts of your own body.
While most warts are non-serious and may clear on their own, they can cause a patient discomfort and embarrassment. However, the sooner your warts are diagnosed and treated, the lower the risk that your growth will turn into painful lesion. Dermatologist Dr. Carrie Cobb at Cobb Dermatology & Aesthetics offers a variety of options that can successfully remove your warts, including topic salicylic acid, cryotherapy, curettage (scraping off the wart), and prescription medications.
Dr. Cobb treats many types of warts:
The best way to stop warts from spreading is to wash your hands frequently – especially if you touch a wart you already have on your body. Also, never share objects, like hand towels or washcloths, with someone you know is having an outbreak and always wear shoes in high-risk locations, such as public showers, locker rooms and pool decks.
For many patients, warts eventually go away on their own, but it can take months. In the meantime, you can spread HPV to others and re-infect yourself. Rather than waiting, schedule your consultation today with Dr. Cobb. She can help you get rid of embarrassing warts safely and permanently with a care plan customized around the type of wart you have and where it’s located. To learn more, contact Cobb Dermatology & Aesthetics in Lynchburg at 434-947-5321.
