Wart Treatment in Lawrence, KS

Warts are a common skin condition most often seen on the palms, fingers, and around the fingernails. They generally look like little, fleshy peas, but they may differ in size. It is also normal for warts to develop in clusters on the knees and elbows. Warts are brought on by HPV, also known as the human papillomavirus. Although warts are harmless for the most part, they can be unsightly and bothersome. Over-the-counter wart removal products generally don't treat warts effectively, and in many cases, professional treatment may be needed. At Lawrence Family Practice Center, our physicians offer wart removal services in Lawrence, KS. If you have a wart or skin growth you wish to have removed, please reach out to our friendly team to book an appointment.

If you have a wart, it may feel fleshy and be tender and grainy on top. Plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet. Also known as foot warts, they seem like brown or flesh-colored bumps that are marked with tiny, black spots. Flat warts are smaller and smoother compared to other kinds. Your physician will examine your wart and recommend the appropriate treatment to remove the wart and minimize future outbreaks. Freezing a wart (cryotherapy) is a common treatment that involves the use of liquid nitrogen, which causes a blister to form around the wart. The frozen cells should fall off within about a week. Another option is using cantharidin, which is placed on the skin to create a blister around the wart and causes it to fall off within a few days. In other cases, we can employ a scraping technique (curetting) to cut away warts.

Are warts contagious?

Yes, they are. Because warts are caused by a virus, it is possible to get a wart by touching another person’s skin or something that has come in contact with someone with warts (sheets, clothing, towels, bathmats, etc.)

Can warts be spread from one body area to another?

Yes, they can. Just as warts can be spread from one person to another via contact, you can spread warts to another area of your body. That’s why it is recommended that you do not pick at warts and that you wash your hands after you have touched a wart you may have.

How can you prevent warts?

In general, there is no way to completely prevent warts. However, by frequently washing your hands, avoiding biting your nails, using fresh towels in gyms and public settings, wearing shower shoes (flip-flops) in public showers, and keeping your skin moisturized and healthy, you can reduce the risk of getting warts.

Do warts go away on their own?

Yes, some warts will go away on their own; however, some will not. For common skin warts, an over-the-counter wart treatment may be enough to get rid of them. For others that are resistant to treatment or have spread, it may be recommended to schedule an appointment at Lawrence Family Practice Center for faster, more thorough wart removal.

Although most warts are harmless, you probably would like them removed as soon as possible. If you have tried home wart removal products without success, then you should have your wart examined by a trained medical professional. The experts at Lawrence Family Practice Center can diagnose warts and determine the best course of treatment for removal. We encourage you to schedule an appointment in Lawrence, KS.