Warts

What Are Warts?

Warts are small, rough, skin-colored growths caused by certain strains of HPV that enter the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Although they are generally harmless, warts can spread, become painful, or cause cosmetic concerns if left untreated.

Common types of warts include:

• Common warts – Rough bumps often found on fingers, hands, and elbows
  
  
• Plantar warts – Painful growths on the bottoms of the feet
  
  
• Flat warts – Smooth, small patches often seen on the face or legs
  
  
• Filiform warts – Long, thread-like warts around the nose, mouth, or eyes
  
  
• Genital warts – A sexually transmitted form of HPV requiring specialized treatment
  
  

Our dermatologists diagnose the type of wart you have and create a customized treatment plan based on its size, location, and severity.

What Causes Warts?

Warts develop when HPV enters the skin through tiny breaks or scratches. You can get HPV from:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact
  
  
• Walking barefoot in public spaces like pools or locker rooms
  
  
• Sharing razors, towels, or grooming tools
  
  
• Nail-biting or picking at hangnails
  
  

Certain people are more prone to warts, including children, those with weakened immune systems, and anyone affected by eczema or frequent skin irritation.

Signs You Should See a Dermatologist for Warts

While some warts go away on their own, many persist for months—or even years. Consider scheduling an appointment if:

• The wart is painful or bleeding
  
  
• Warts are spreading
  
  
• Over-the-counter treatments are not working
  
  
• The wart is on your face, genitals, or another sensitive area
  
  
• You are unsure if the growth is a wart or something more serious
  
  

Our dermatologists provide accurate diagnosis to ensure your condition isn’t a look-alike skin concern, such as a callus or skin cancer.

Wart Treatment Options at Integrated Dermatology of Newton-Brighton

We offer the latest, most effective treatments to remove warts safely and minimize recurrence. Your dermatologist may recommend one or a combination of:

Cryotherapy

A quick in-office procedure using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy wart tissue.

Prescription Topicals

Customized salicylic acid or retinoid creams that exfoliate and rebuild healthy skin.

Immunotherapy

Stimulates the immune system to target and eliminate wart-causing HPV.

Electrosurgery & Curettage

A minor procedure where the wart is gently scraped away and remaining cells are cauterized.

Laser Therapy

Targets wart blood vessels to destroy the wart from the inside out.

Chemical Peels for Flat Warts

Ideal for widespread facial or body warts.

Your dermatologist will walk you through the best treatment based on your skin type, wart type, and response to past treatments.

Can Warts Come Back?

Yes — because warts are caused by a virus, they can return even after removal. Our specialists provide ongoing support and preventive guidance, such as:

• Avoiding skin picking or shaving over warts
  
  
• Keeping hands and feet dry
  
  
• Wearing sandals in public wet areas
  
  
• Boosting immune health
  
  
• Using prescription-strength antiviral treatments when needed
  
  

Schedule Wart Treatment in Brighton, Mashpee & Needham

You don’t have to live with stubborn or painful warts. At Integrated Dermatology of Newton-Brighton, our experienced dermatology team offers safe, effective solutions tailored to your skin and needs.