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Warts (Verrucae)

Warts (also known as verruca vulgaris) are an extraordinarily common skin condition that can affect individuals of all ages. While generally harmless, they can cause discomfort and self-consciousness. At Derma Birmingham, we provide compassionate care and customized solutions to treat these troublesome spots.

Signs and Symptoms of Common Warts

Common warts often appear as small, grainy growths on the skin. They are most frequently found on the fingers, hands, knees, and feet but can occur anywhere on the body. Key characteristics include:

Rough Texture: Warts have a bumpy surface that may feel rough to the touch.
Flesh-Colored or Grayish Appearance: They typically blend with the skin tone but can sometimes appear slightly darker.
Black Dots: These are tiny, clotted blood vessels and a hallmark feature of common warts.
Rounded Shape: Most common warts have a dome-like appearance.

If you see unusual growths on your skin that match these signs, it’s a good idea to visit a dermatologist to confirm what they are.

Treatment Options for Common Warts

At Derma Birmingham, we offer advanced and effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. From gentle approaches to more targeted therapies, our dermatologists ensure you receive the best care possible. Here are some common treatment options for warts:

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Salicylic acid and other over-the-counter treatments actively dissolve small, newly formed warts over time. However, these options may not be effective for stubborn or recurring warts.

Cryotherapy

This popular wart treatment involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, effectively destroying the abnormal tissue. Cryotherapy is a quick, in-office procedure with minimal downtime.

Topical or Prescription Medications

Certain prescription-strength creams can stimulate the immune system or chemically target the wart. Doctors often use these treatments for warts that don’t respond to initial interventions.

Surgical Removal

In some cases, a wart may require shave removal or surgical excision. Doctors typically reserve this for large or deeply rooted warts that do not respond to less invasive methods.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatment uses concentrated light to remove warts, especially those that are resistant to other methods. This precise approach minimizes damage to the surrounding skin.

Dr. Katherine Hunt is an expert on human papillomavirus which causes warts. In fact, she gives lectures on this topic to physicians in dermatology and primary care every year. At Derma Birmingham, we tailor each wart treatment plan to your needs, ensuring both effectiveness and comfort.

Common Types of Warts

Not all common warts are the same, and their appearance and location can vary. Here are the most common types:

Plantar Warts

These warts develop on the soles of the feet and are often flat due to the pressure of walking. They can be painful, especially when located on weight-bearing areas.

Periungual Warts

Periungual warts develop in the areas surrounding the fingernails and toenails. They may cause discomfort and can interfere with nail growth if left untreated.

Flat Warts

Smaller and smoother than other types, flat warts usually appear on the face, arms, or legs in clusters. They are more common in children and teenagers.

Filiform Warts

These warts are elongated and narrow, commonly appearing on the face, particularly near the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Mosaic Warts

Mosaic warts are clusters of smaller warts that grow close together, often on the hands or feet, forming a larger patch.
Understanding the type of wart you have can help determine the best treatment approach.

What Causes Common Warts?

Certain strains of HPV cause warts (i.e., verruca vulgaris lesions). This virus enters the skin through small cuts, scratches, or breaks, leading to the development of warts. Key factors contributing to the spread of common warts include:

Eczema: Having a diagnosis of eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) predisposes patients to developing warts due to micro-fissures in their skin barrier
Direct Contact: Touching a wart on someone else or yourself can spread the virus.
Shared Items: Using towels, razors, or other personal items from an infected individual increases the risk.
Weakened Immune System: People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to HPV and the development of warts.

Not all types of HPV cause common warts, but the virus spreads easily, so taking precautions and getting early care is important.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you're dealing with common warts, don't hesitate to seek professional care. At Derma Birmingham, we compassionately provide patient-focused solutions for every skin concern. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and explore the most effective treatment for warts and skin growths.

Who We Are

Katherine Hunt, MD, FAAD

Dr. Hunt grew up in Hoover, Alabama and attended Hoover High School. She started her career in business and engineering at the University of Alabama.

As an undergraduate, she gained national attention and was named "USA Today National Academic All-Star" for creating a self-sustaining peer mentoring program which measurably improved students' computer science performance at Alabama.

Her extensive work experience at Huron Consulting Group and GE Healthcare helped her realize that she would be most fulfilled in the field of medicine, helping patients one-on-one.