Warts are very common, soft growths on the skin. These are due to the infection of the skin by a virus – Human papilloma virus (HPV). These can be seen on the face, beard area, hands or feet. They usually have a tendency to spread from one area to another, and from one person to another.
Warts are usually removed for cosmetic reasons. However, unlike skin tags, warts may spread and cause more infection, and need to be treated more aggressively.
Warts are removed by a simple procedure using a ablative laser or a cautery machine. A thin layer of skin numbing cream is applied over the affected areas. Then the warts are cauterised with the laser. Then an antibiotic cream is applied over the treated areas. The warts usually drop off in three to five days. Do use an immunomodulatory cream as prescribed by your dermatologist to prevent recurrence of warts.
Warts are a viral infection, and the treatment of cautery or laser only removes the visible part of the wart. However, the root of the wart may persist and cause recurrences which is very troublesome to the patient. The recurrence of the wart can be prevented by the use of some immunomodulatory creams. Do ask your dermatologist about the same.
A wart is a viral infection of the skin, and can spread in the same person and also to others. Skin tags on the other hand, are harmless growths of the skin. To know more about Wart removal, consult Dr. Rasya Dixit today.
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The information provided in Dr. Dixit's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.