What Are Warts?
Understanding Viral Warts
Warts occur when HPV enters the skin through small cuts or breaks, leading to abnormal cell growth. While many warts go away on their own, some can persist for years or return after treatment. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through skin contact or shared surfaces. Early treatment is often the best way to prevent recurrence and transmission.
Common Types of Warts
Common Warts
Usually found on fingers, knuckles, and around nails. These warts are firm, rough, and may appear grayish or flesh-colored.
Plantar Warts
Located on the soles of the feet, often under pressure points. These can be painful when walking and may have tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels).
Flat Warts
Smaller and smoother than other types. They often appear in large numbers on the face, neck, or backs of hands.
Periungual Warts
Long, thin growths that protrude from the skin, typically around the mouth, nose, or chin. These are more common in children.
Wart Treatment Options at Altitude Dermatology
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy wart tissue. This treatment is quick, done in-office, and works for most common or plantar warts. It may require multiple sessions for full clearance.
Topical Treatments
We offer prescription-grade topical solutions like salicylic acid or imiquimod that work over time to peel away wart tissue and stimulate immune response. These may be used at home or in combination with in-office treatments.
Curettage & Destruction
In cases where warts are deeply rooted or resistant to other treatments, our providers can perform minor procedures to carefully remove the wart using a surgical blade followed by cauterization to prevent regrowth.
Immunotherapy
This option is especially helpful for patients with multiple or recurring warts. It works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy the virus causing the wart.
What Causes Warts to Spread?
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Touching your own or another person’s wart can transmit the virus, especially if the skin is broken.
Contaminated Surfaces
HPV can live on surfaces like locker room floors, showers, and gym equipment—making foot protection essential.
Shaving or Scratching
This can spread the virus to nearby skin or introduce it into cuts, causing new warts to form.
Why Choose Altitude Dermatology for Wart Treatment?
Specialists in Skin Growth Removal
Our board-certified dermatology team has extensive experience treating all wart types—especially stubborn or recurring cases.
Tailored Treatment Plans
We match each patient with the right treatment for their skin type, health history, and lifestyle.
Safe & Advanced Therapies
We use the latest medical technologies and offer gentle care for children and adults alike.
