Dermatology Wart Removal Services

Warts are common, non-cancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While warts are usually harmless, they can be uncomfortable, spread easily, and be difficult to treat without professional care. Many people seek wart removal because warts persist despite over-the-counter treatments or because they cause pain, irritation, or embarrassment.

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our dermatologists and dermatology providers offer safe, effective wart removal using medical-grade treatments designed to remove the wart, limit spread, and reduce the risk of recurrence or scarring.

What Causes Warts?

Warts develop when certain strains of HPV enter the skin through small cuts, cracks, or abrasions. Once inside the skin, the virus triggers excess skin cell growth, forming a raised, rough lesion.

HPV is highly contagious. Warts can spread through:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact
• Touching shared surfaces such as locker room floors or gym equipment
• Autoinoculation, where the virus spreads to other areas of your own body

You are more likely to develop warts if you have:

• Minor skin injuries or cracked skin
• A weakened immune system
• Frequent exposure to communal environments
• Existing skin conditions such as eczema

Because HPV can remain in the skin, warts often do not go away on their own and may continue to spread without treatment.

Wart Symptoms and Appearance

Warts can vary in size, shape, and location depending on the type and strain of HPV involved. They most commonly appear on the hands, fingers, feet, knees, and face.

Common wart characteristics include:

• A small, grainy or rough-textured bump
• Flesh-colored, white, pink, or gray appearance
• Tiny black dots within the wart (clotted blood vessels)
• Tenderness or pain, especially on weight-bearing areas

Some warts may itch or become irritated, while others are painless. Because warts can resemble corns, calluses, or even skin cancers, evaluation by a dermatologist is important before treatment.

Types of Warts

Different types of warts affect different areas of the body and may require specific treatment approaches.

Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)

Common warts typically appear on the hands, fingers, or around the nails. They have a rough, raised surface and are among the easiest warts to treat with in-office procedures.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet. Due to pressure from walking, they often grow inward and can cause significant discomfort, sometimes feeling like walking on a pebble.

Flat Warts (Verruca Plana)

Flat warts are small, smooth, and often appear in clusters. They are more common on the face, neck, arms, or legs and are frequently seen in children and teenagers.

Filiform Warts

Filiform warts are long, narrow growths that commonly appear around the eyes, mouth, or nose. They may spread quickly due to shaving or frequent touching.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by specific strains of HPV and require specialized medical evaluation. They are treated differently than non-genital warts.

Wart Removal Treatment Options

While some warts may eventually resolve, many persist for months or years without treatment. Dermatologist-guided wart removal is the most reliable way to eliminate warts and reduce recurrence.

Cryotherapy (Freezing)

Cryotherapy is one of the most common wart removal treatments. Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the wart, destroying infected tissue. A blister may form, and the wart typically falls off as the skin heals.

• Effective for most common and plantar warts
• May require multiple treatments
• Minimal downtime with temporary redness or soreness

Prescription Topical Treatments

Medical-grade topical therapies may be used alone or in combination with cryotherapy.

• Salicylic acid gradually dissolves infected skin layers
• Imiquimod stimulates the immune system to fight HPV
• Cantharidin is applied in-office to lift the wart from the skin

These treatments are especially useful for clusters of warts or sensitive areas.

Advanced In-Office Procedures

For stubborn or recurrent warts, additional treatment options may include:

• Electrosurgery or curettage to remove the wart tissue
• Laser wart removal, targeting blood vessels feeding the wart
• Immunotherapy, encouraging the body’s immune response against HPV

Your dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate approach based on wart type, location, and treatment history.

Does Wart Treatment Hurt?

Most wart removal treatments cause mild to moderate discomfort, depending on the method used and the wart’s location. Plantar wart removal may be more uncomfortable due to pressure on the foot, but pain is typically brief and manageable. Dermatology providers take steps to minimize discomfort and ensure proper healing.

Preventing Wart Spread and Recurrence

Even after successful wart removal, HPV can persist in the skin. These steps can help reduce the risk of recurrence:

• Avoid picking or scratching warts
• Wear sandals in public showers and locker rooms
• Do not share towels, razors, or nail tools
• Keep skin moisturized to prevent cracks
• Cover cuts or abrasions promptly

Maintaining overall immune health also helps reduce susceptibility to HPV-related warts.

Wart Removal at Schweiger Dermatology Group

Warts can be persistent, but professional treatment makes a difference. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our dermatologists and dermatology providers use proven medical treatments to safely remove warts and protect surrounding skin.

To find a location near you, check out our >location pages. We look forward to working together to restore clear, healthy skin. To schedule an appointment, book online or call 844-DERM-DOC.

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