Warts

Warts are a very common benign growth that are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. Usually warts will appear as a scaly growth with tiny black specks within the skin which is dried blood. Flat warts are a subtype of wart that often occur on the face and legs and can be widely spread. Sun exposure actually helps warts grow so we see an increase in patients coming for treatment during the summer months. Treatment modalities are varied and may include: freezing, shaving, injection with Candida or Bleomycin, Cantharone (beetle juice) application, and topical acid preparations. Recurrence is a problem for most of our patients since we do not have a cure to treat viral infections in medicine yet. We try to get rid of the infected skin and then let your own immune system fight off the remaining virus present.

Molluscum are different from warts in that they are not caused by HPV but a different virus, Pox. Treatment is similar and we also tend to see them recur due to the viral etiology.

Warts Reference

Warts - bottom of foot