Warts (HPV) Treatments at IDI

Warts are benign skin growths that appear when a virus infects the top layer of the skin. Viruses that cause warts are called human papillomavirus (HPV). You are more likely to get one of these viruses if you cut or damage your skin in some way. Anyone may be affected, though people with deficiencies or suppression of their immune systems are especially predisposed. The virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Wart viruses are contagious. Warts can spread by contact with the wart or something that touched the wart.

Warts are often skin-colored and feel rough, but they can be dark (brown or gray-black), flat, and smooth.

Warts can be treated with a variety of modalities, from less aggressive topical therapies to more invasive surgical approaches, depending on various factors including the number and location of lesions and response to prior therapy. Recently, a new immunostimulant product called Imiquimod (Aldara) has been used in conjunction with conventional treatments with some success.

Plantar warts are quite common skin infections. They are usually acquired at the swimming pool or in a public shower. They can become painful, especially if they grow or multiply.

Since Imiquimod (Aldara or Zyclara) became available, it has been somewhat easier to treat plantar warts and avoid their recurrence.

Plantar warts can be destroyed with Liquid Nitrogen (Freezing), an Electric needle or Laser (Burning), or Cantharidin (blistering). The latter is not painful.

Injection of Candida Antigen in a wart is done in order to stimulate the local immune system into killing the wart virus.

Another way to stimulate the local immune system is to apply Imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) to the wart.

At IDI, we often use Imiquimod a few days after using Cantharidin (blistering of the wart).

To discuss your Warts (HPV) treatment with a Board Certified Dermatologist or a Licensed Healthcare Professional please make an online appointment or call today.