Warts

in Fargo, North Dakota

Warts happen at some point in most patients’ lives, but they can sometimes be difficult to treat. Although they’re mostly harmless, they can spread and become unsightly and distressing. However, Dr. Ness can recommend the right treatment plan for you and help you achieve clear, healthy skin.

What are Warts?

Warts are non-cancerous growths that occur because of an infection in the skin by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are different kinds of warts that can develop depending on which area of the body it affects. Warts most commonly grow on the hands and fingers, but can also grow on other areas of the body. They can be contagious through skin-to-skin contact, even spreading to other areas of your own body. For most people that experience warts, they are harmless and only require cosmetic treatment. However, in large amounts, they can weaken the immune system, so it’s important to ensure they’re treated properly before they can spread.

What Causes Warts?

Warts are caused by contact with HPV, usually from other people who have it. A wart usually forms when a cut or break in the skin is infected with HPV, although they can sometimes form on unbroken, healthy skin. People that are most prone to getting warts are those with weakened immune systems, like children. People who pick at or bite their nails or fingers are also more likely to develop warts because of the abundance of broken skin and the abundance of different things we commonly touch with our fingers.

You can get HPV from things like shared towels or clothing, although it can take a few months before a wart begins to appear and grow large enough to be visible.

How are Warts Treated?

In minor cases of warts, they can be treated at home with products like salicylic acid. In some cases, your warts may even go away on their own. However, more severe cases of warts should warrant an appointment with Dr. Ness. Dr. Ness can perform professional treatments to remove warts like cryotherapy, burning, curettage, excision, laser treatments, and candida immunotherapy. She can also prescribe oral medications or numerous other topical compounded medications. If your warts are occurring because you are immunocompromised, Dr. Ness may prescribe medications to help your body fight off the infections. In cases of severe or very large warts, it’s important to see Dr. Ness so that they can determine whether it might be cancerous activity instead. At Fargo Center for Dermatology, we have over 20 different types of wart treatments and combinations, and we individualize your wart treatment based on your age, type and number of warts, and previous failed treatments.

Wart Prevention

Warts are most effectively prevented by regular hand-washing and avoiding touching existing warts on either yours or someone else’s skin. It can be most helpful to keep them covered with a bandage to avoid spreading the virus to other areas of the body. Warts commonly form on the feet, so be sure to wear pool shoes at public areas like showers or locker rooms. It’s also important to keep warts dry since moisture can allow them to spread. To prevent warts from happening altogether, you should be sure to keep any cuts or scratches on your hands covered and free of outside substances.

Schedule A Consultation

Sometimes, warts can require treatment from Dr. Ness. To begin discussing the treatments that are best for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ness by contacting our office or booking an appointment online.