Are warts running your good looks and confidence? Or perhaps a loved one is dealing with them? Research published by the National Library of Medicine has found that roughly 10 percent of the global population suffers from warts, so you're not alone. Fortunately, this condition is treatable. If you're interested in treating warts and live near Lake Orion, MI, you can speak with Dr. John Arsen or Dr. Kristi Schons at North Oakland Foot & Ankle.

What Are Warts Anyway? What Causes Them?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV as it’s often called. The idea that frogs or similar creatures spread warts is actually false and the risk of an animal transmitting HPV is extremely low. 

That said, the virus can spread from person to person. If someone in your household is suffering from warts, you’ll want to exercise caution. Skin to skin contact is the most common way for people to contract HPV and thus warts.

Generally speaking, warts are benign and won’t cause much pain or other complications. However, warts can certainly impact your image and may result in anxiety and a loss of confidence.

So what specifically are warts? When HPV infects the skin, the skin cells begin to grow rapidly and out of control. As a result, the skin becomes thicker, tougher, and rougher. The outcome? Warts.

Have questions regarding warts and live near Lake Orion, MI? Dr. Arsen or Dr. Schons at North Oakland Foot & Ankle can help.

Fortunately, warts are treatable and a dermatologist can use a wide variety of medications to treat them. Let’s take a look.

Effective Wart Treatment Explained

First, many warts will eventually go away without treatment. However, it may take a long time for your body to bring warts and HPV under control and there’s always a risk that the virus will spread, causing warts elsewhere on your body. You might also spread the virus to friends and family.

In other words, it’s important to bring warts under control quickly. So how can you accomplish that? Your podiatrist may recommend a few different treatment options depending on your situation. 

Cantharidin is one popular option. Your doctor will coat the wart with Cantharidin, which will then penetrate the wart and skin underneath. A blister will form and then your doctor can remove both the blister and the wart. Cryotherapy is another popular way to treat warts. Essentially, the doctors will “freeze” the wart off the skin. 

There are various other types of wart treatment. Which method is right for you? That depends on a lot of individual circumstances.

If you live in or near Lake Orion, MI, you can discuss warts and treatment options by dialing (248) 693-7700 to speak with Dr. Arsen or Dr. Schons.