In most cases, warts resolve themselves without treatment, however, this process can take several years, and new warts may develop near the original site. Whether it’s a cosmetic concern, uncomfortable, or spreading concerningly, a trained healthcare profession can treat and remove stubborn warts that can’t be resolved by alternative means.

What are warts?

Warts are just one type of skin growth that can develop on the skin and in the mouth caused by the HPV virus. Warts are benign skin growth but can serve as an indicator of another medical condition. There are multiple different types of warts, including plantar warts, flat warts, and more. While they may be troublesome to get rid of, they pose little risk to our overall health.

Identifying Warts

Different types of warts may present with their own characteristics. Some warts are raised or dome-shaped while others are flat. Their texture can be bumpy, rough (some describe them as cauliflower-like), smooth, or thread-like. Warts can look skin colored, brown, grey, or black and some have small black or brown spots. Warts can measure anywhere from one millimeter across to a few centimeters and can also appear in clusters on the skin.

Given the variety in appearance, it can be difficult to identify warts without professional input. If you’re concerned about new or old skin growth, it’s a good idea to get it checked by a trained and trusted health professional to rule out any other dangerous conditions.

Warts vs. Skin Cancer

Unfortunately, skin cancer and warts have commonalities that could be misleading to the layperson. Similar to warts, skin cancer is an abnormal growth that can present on the skin, however the consequences of leaving skin cancer unaddressed are far more serious than warts. So how can we tell the difference?

Skin cancer can be categorized into three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Unfortunately, warts and skin cancer share some similar characteristics. For instance, both warts and basal cell carcinoma look alike and can appear in similar areas of the body. Even still, there are some key differences that can help you differentiate the conditions. Differences include:

  • Location on the body

Since the condition is often a result of an overabundance of UV exposure, skin cancer will often appear in areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, like the back, shoulders, face, neck, arms, and legs. Warts, on the other hand, are typically present on the hands, feet, and genitals. Even still both conditions can occur on any part of the body, so location alone is not enough to rule out or diagnose one of these conditions.

  • Texture

Often, warts have a raised, almost cauliflower-like texture. Alternatively, skin cancer lesions can be scaly, scabbed, or smooth on the skin.

  • Growth and change over time

While warts may multiple near their original site, they tend to remain relatively stable in size, color, and shape over time. If you notice any change in color, size, shape, or if the area begins to bleed, this may be a sign of skin cancer and should prompt follow-up with a physician.

Wart Removal

While often harmless, warts can pose an issue for comfort and cosmetic appeal. Treatment for warts can vary depending on the type of wart, what caused them, and other factors. For many, treatment for warts first begins with over-the-counter products, such as Compound W, using chemicals to dissolve the wart on the skin, a process that can take several months, but may not prove effective for all patients. If over-the-counter medications aren’t effective, the next step may be topical treatments or cryotherapy (a procedure involving liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart and then remove). These treatments may require time and a follow-up to fully resolve the warts.

Is wart removal worth it?

If you’re experiencing discomfort due to a wart, know that TPMG can help you find relief.

If you are in need of Wart Removal, please contact one of our office locations.

TPMG Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology – Virginia Beach
Phone: 757-917-5101

TPMG Hampton Roads Center for Dermatology – Newport News
Phone: 757-232-8856