Warts Treated by Board Certified Dermatologists in Baltimore

Warts are benign (not cancerous) skin growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV, and they can be contagious and can spread by contact with the wart or something that touched the wart. You are more likely to get one of these viruses if you cut or damage your skin in some way.

Warts appear on the body as small bumps. They may be flesh colored, white or pink, and are typically rough to the touch. They often contain clotted blood vessels that appear as tiny black dots.

Warts usually occur on the fingers or hands, but may appear on other areas of the body. You may experience multiple warts at once.

Your dermatologist can typically diagnose a wart with a physical examination.

Warts do not always require treatment. In some cases, the wart may disappear on its own over time. Some patients may elect to treat warts if they are bothersome, cause discomfort or if they are embarrassing. More stubborn warts that do not disappear on their own may also benefit from treatment.

Your doctor may use liquid nitrogen to destroy your wart by freezing it. The procedure causes mild discomfort and may need several treatments. In very rare cases, minor surgery may be needed to remove a wart. Mercy’s dermatologists will help you determine if this is necessary.