Warts

SkinCare in Wellesley, MA

Though patients may feel worried or embarrassed by a wart, this issue is very common and is usually easily treatable. Dr. Rashel Goodkin is a Harvard-trained dermatologist who understands the best and most effective treatments options for warts. Patients in the Boston area can benefit from her expertise and caring, patient-focused approach.

What are Warts?

Warts are small skin growths that are caused by a virus and most commonly occur on the hands. Types of warts that can be treated by a dermatologist include:

  • Common warts, which are usually found on the fingers
  • Plantar warts, which are on the feet
  • Flat warts, which can appear in places where you shave or on the hands

Usually, warts are small, grainy, and rough to the touch. They may be pink, white, or tan. Some warts may also have small black pinpoints, which are clotted blood vessels.

Children or teens are commonly affected by warts, because their bodies have not yet developed an immunity to the viruses that cause warts. However, adults can develop warts as well.

How are Warts Treated?

Warts can resolve on their own, but will sometimes require treatment from your dermatologist. If necessary, Dr. Goodkin may remove a small section of the wart for laboratory analysis to make sure you’re not dealing with another type of skin issue. However, most warts can be diagnosed through a simple visual exam.

To treat your wart, Dr. Goodkin may suggest home treatments which often include using a salicylic acid preparation along with other products, which will remove the wart layer-by-layer.

Cryotherapy, or wart freezing, involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart. This causes a blister to form around the wart, which then sloughs off within several weeks after the treatment. Freezing can also stimulate the immune system to better protect against future warts.

Cantharidin (an extract from a blister beetle) along with several other medications can also be applied in the office to treat the wart. There are also prescription creams which are used to treat warts.

When to See a Dermatologist for Warts

You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Goodkin if your warts are persistent and do not respond to at-home treatment, are spreading or growing, become painful, change in appearance or color, or if you’re not sure whether you have a wart and require a professional diagnosis. Numerous warts on an adult can also indicate a larger immune system problem, and Dr. Goodkin can determine whether the size, symptoms, or number of your warts are cause for concern. Finally, you can always seek treatment from Dr. Goodkin if a wart leaves you feeling self-conscious or disrupts your normal activities.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule your appointment with Dr. Goodkin, call our office at 781.227.7977. You can also request an appointment through our online form.