Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery is here for all your skincare needs. Dr. Sharon Horton helps patients struggling with warts in Batavia, IL. Keep reading about warts and come see us to find out which treatment method is recommended for your case.

What is a wart?

A wart is a benign (noncancerous) growth that appears when the human (HPV) infects the top layer of the skin. They are skin-colored growths but can also turn dark like brown or gray. Warts can be rough or smooth to the touch. This infection is more likely if you have a cut or abrasion on your skin. Warts can form anywhere, but it's very common to see them on hands. They are contagious and can be spread by contact so even though they are benign you'll want to have them taken care of.

Warts can be unsightly and embarrassing, but they are generally harmless and there are several ways to treat them, so come see us to start looking and feeling better!

Treating warts

When you get treatment for warts in Batavia, IL, your doctor's recommendations will depend on the number of warts you want to remove, and their size and location.

Topical treatment with salicylic acid causes warts to gradually peel off within weeks with repeated application. This method shouldn't be used on certain parts of the body like the face, neck, or genitals.

Cantharidin is a chemical that removes warts by causing a blister to form under the wart. This is also applied topically by your doctor.

Freezing warts off is a method that kills the tissue and then it falls off within several days of freezing.

Laser treatment works by burning the tiny blood vessels that lead to the wart. The infected tissue then dies and falls off.

Surgery is typically only recommended to remove warts if they haven't responded to other treatments. Dr. Sharon Horton helps patients with warts in Batavia, IL. To make an appointment, call Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery at (630) 482-3700.