Wart Removal

Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus. They are generally harmless. However, warts can be disfiguring and embarrassing, and occasionally they can itch or hurt, depending on where they're located. The typical wart is a raised round or oval growth on the skin with a rough surface. Compared with the surrounding normal skin, warts may appear light, dark or, rarely, black. Some warts will disappear without treatment, although it can sometimes take a couple of years. Treated or not, warts that go away often reappear. Genital warts are quite contagious, while common, flat, and plantar warts are much less likely to spread from person to person. All warts can spread from one part of your own body to another.

Persistent warts, or warts that do not respond to over-the-counter treatments, can be removed surgically or by freezing (cryotherapy), burning (electrocautery), or laser treatment. DO NOT attempt to remove a wart yourself by burning, cutting, tearing, or picking at it.

Immunotherapy, done by injecting a substance that causes an allergic reaction, may also be considered by your doctor.