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Wart and Verruca Removal Dublin & Ireland Warts, sometimes referred to as papillomas, are among the most common type of skin growths, and a verruca is simply a wart that appears on the sole of the foot or the underside of the toes. Although warts and verrucae are rarely dangerous to your health, they can certainly harm your self-esteem. Fortunately, your dermatologist is experienced in the removal of these growths and can offer you several options. The exact removal method depends on the location and size of the warts. Here is further information about warts and verrucae, including their cause and nature. What are Warts? A wart is a benign skin growth. A wart is not cancerous, and it usually appears as a raised area of thickened skin. A wart may be darker or lighter in colour than the surrounding, normal skin. Some warts contain black, seed-like flecks. While warts are rarely painful on their own, they may cause discomfort when pressed or rubbed. This statement is particularly true of warts located on inconvenient areas of the body, such as the armpits or the soles of the feet. Most warts appear on the hands and feet, though warts may show up anywhere - the face, the torso, the genitals, even the crown of your head. Warts that manifest on the undersides of your feet are called verrucae or plantar warts. As you might imagine, these warts can be incredibly troublesome and interfere with walking, running, and sports. What Causes Warts? Despite false folklore that handling toads result in warts, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the true cause of warts. HPV can be transmitted sexually, but this does not mean that all warts result from sexual activity. In fact, warts that are not located on the genitals are usually not sexually-transmitted. Instead, you can contract HPV through a break or cut in your skin. There are around 130 different types of HPV, and each type can cause a different sort of wart.  Since warts are caused by a virus, they may reappear even after they are removed or resolved on their own. Your dermatologist can help with this problem, and they have treatments available to reduce or prevent wart recurrence. Risk Factors for Warts Anyone, of any age, may contract warts. However, there are some risk factors that increase your likelihood of wart problems. These risk factors include having a compromised immune system, having the skin condition eczema, and using public showers. Additionally, those who handle or work regularly with meat having a greater chance of contracting a specific sort of wart called “butcher’s warts.” Wart Prevention HPV is a robust virus, so it is difficult to prevent infection. Handwashing and avoiding public showers may help, but these measures are unlikely to prevent all warts. Common Locations for Warts As noted above, most warts arise on the hands or feet. Periungual warts appear on the fingers, alongside the fingernails. You might also notice warts on your face, neck, the palms or backs of your hands, your feet or toes, hands, wrists, knees, and elbows. On the face, warts can specifically manifest on the ear lobes, nose, eyelids, and along the lips. Verruca & Wart Removal Treatment Dublin & Ireland Many patients first attempt to deal with warts on their own before consulting their dermatologist. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, you can save much time and frustration by visiting your dermatologist first instead of making a trip to the chemist. Your dermatologist has years of experience with warts and will be able to identify your problem accurately. Once the dermatologist has made a diagnosis, they will discuss your options with you. The majority of wart treatments can be handled in the office and have a very quick recovery time. Some common treatments for warts include: Cryotherapy is a widely-used treatment that freezes the wart and allows your dermatologist to remove it with minimal discomfort. Your dermatologist will make use of liquid nitrogen or another extremely cold substance in this therapy. Your wart will freeze almost instantly and can then be removed in its entirety. Salicylic acid. This is a topical treatment applied to the surface of your wart. Salicylic acid is a weak acid and has an exfoliating effect. After your dermatologist applies salicylic acid, your wart will eventually begin to peel away. Several treatments may be necessary. Laser treatment is sometimes used, especially for large warts. The laser aids your dermatologist in surgically excising or removing your wart. The laser also helps control bleeding and speeds the procedure. Traditional surgery is also an option for stubborn or particularly large warts. The surgery can usually be carried out in the office, and you will receive complete care instructions. Whatever procedure is used to remove your warts, you can rest assured that your dermatologist will provide you with complete details of the process. You will also receive pain control as appropriate, so your procedure will be as comfortable as possible. Be sure to let your dermatologist know if you have any questions, as they are always your best source of information. Talk with Your Dermatologist Now Warts are certainly undesirable, and they can be a disheartening problem. But you are not alone. Your dermatologist has the experience, tools, and training need to help you get rid of warts. Your healthcare team understands that warts can be an embarrassing condition, but warts and verrucae are no fault of your own. They are extremely widespread problems, and dermatologists encounter warts every day. Dermatologists are ready to work with you to help you achieve the clear, attractive skin you deserve.