Help! I Think I Have a Wart

Do you have a growth on your skin that’s formed a raised bump? It could be a wart. For any new skin growth, you should make an appointment with a skin specialist. 

At Seacoast Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists promptly diagnose your skin growth to determine the most effective course of treatment. 

What causes warts? 

A wart is a growth on your skin due to the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that most people contract at some point over a lifetime, but often with no symptoms. There are over 100 forms of the virus, and warts are the most common symptom. 

HPV causes formation of excess keratin, a skin protein, which, in turn, causes the raised bump. 

Warts are almost always benign growths (noncancerous). They aren’t the result of the type of HPV that causes cervical cancer. While they’re almost always not dangerous, they can be itchy or painful. 

Warts can appear anywhere on your body, but they often develop on the hands, in the crook of the elbow, on the feet, or on your face. In addition to possible discomfort, they can be unsightly and mar smooth skin. 

What does a wart look like? 

There are several types of warts. They can be bumpy or smooth, and dome-shaped or flat. They can be tan, brown, gray, or black. Some of them have tiny black or brown dots. You might have just one or a cluster in one area. 

How did I get a wart? 

Just as with other types of infections, warts can develop on moist or injured skin. You might get a plantar wart on the sole of your foot if you go barefoot at a public pool. A skin injury or infection can introduce the virus. 

Scratching your warts can spread them to other parts of your body. Sweaty hands or feet pose a risk for getting a wart. 

Why should I have a wart removed promptly? 

Warts are contagious through both direct and indirect contact. If someone accidentally touches your wart, they could contract the virus. If someone uses your towel or razor, they could develop warts as well. 

Treatment for warts 

At Seacoast Dermatology, we examine your skin and decide which treatment would be best: prescription solutions, freezing with liquid nitrogen, antiviral medication, or laser or electrosurgery. 

Call us at one of our four convenient offices or book an appointment through our online portal today if you see a growth on your skin. We’re located in Portsmouth, Exeter, and Dover, New Hampshire.