Wart Removal

Warts are fleshy bumps that can develop nearly anywhere on your body. Board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Walter Williams, MD, offers several wart removal treatments at Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Clarkson, Washington. If you have warts that are causing discomfort, spreading, or affecting your self-confidence, call the dermatology clinic or schedule an appointment online today. 

What is wart removal?

Warts are grainy, fleshy bumps that grow on the skin. These cauliflower-like growths tend to appear on the hands, feet, elbows, and knees, but they can develop anywhere on your body. Children and adults can get warts. While many home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can effectively remove some warts, others are more persistent.

Dr. Williams offers many medical wart removal treatments to eliminate warts and prevent them from returning.

Does at-home wart removal work?

At-home treatments can remove common warts, but Dr. Williams recommends using these OTC remedies with caution. Removing the entire wart is essential to prevent complications and reduce the risk of recurrence. Common at-home wart removal treatments include:

• Salicylic acid (peeling)
• Liquid nitrogen (freezing)
• Duct tape
• Apple cider vinegar

Some warts also disappear on their own with time. However, they can be contagious and spread through skin-to-skin contact. The sooner you treat a wart, the more likely you will preserve your skin and improve your comfort.

Who should consider professional wart removal?

Anybody with warts can benefit from professional care. If you have large, painful, or persistent warts, professional removal can help provide much-needed relief. Immunocompromised individuals and those with warts in sensitive areas should also consider professional care. Dr. Williams can effectively remove warts with safe, nonsurgical interventions.

I’m getting wart removal. What can I expect?

When performing wart removal, Dr. Williams considers many factors, including the size, location, and type of wart you have. Common wart removal treatments at Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center include:

Cryotherapy

This technique involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing it to blister and eventually fall off.

Topical medications

Dr. Williams can apply certain creams or solutions directly to the wart to gradually dissolve it over time.

Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery effectively burns off warts using a precise electrical current.

Laser therapy

Laser treatment targets the blood vessels supplying the wart, effectively destroying it.

Dr. Williams works with you to ensure he safely and comfortably removes your wart while reducing your risk of recurrence. Call Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.