Warts

What are they?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and are contagious. They can appear as small, rough bumps, or pink, grey or flesh colored bumps that can grow anywhere on the skin. Warts are usually not painful, but visible warts are unsightly and embarrassing to most people.

There are many types of warts:

• Flat warts develop after on the face and legs, and are flesh colored to pink flat topped bumps.
• Genital warts arise in the pubic area and directly on the genitals. People infected with the wart virus do not always have visible warts.
  Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, and can occasionally be painful to walk on.
• Subungual and periungual warts develop under or around the fingernails and toenails.

Symptoms?

Common warts:

• Small, bumpy mounds
• Typically flesh-colored, pink or tan but some may be other colors
• Can feel rough to the touch
• Can bleed if picked

Could this be what you have?

Children and young adults are more likely to develop common warts, but people with a weakened immune system may also be susceptible. People who share towels or other personal objects with someone who has warts or those who engage in sexual activities with someone who has warts in those areas could contract them.

Treatment Options @ Pinnacle

Many common warts disappear over the course of a few years without treatment; however, due to their unsightly appearance, many people opt to have them removed through destruction techniques including but not limited to:

• Cryotherapy (freezing) – Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the wart. May require multiple treatments.
• Minor surgery – Wart tissue is cut away surgically and the area is cauterized (burned).
• Topical treatment of medications or films.
• Injections to stimulate the body's immune system to fight the virus, and others.