Wart treatment and primary care in Ashland, Kentucky

What are Warts?

Warts are a kind of skin infection caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. These raised bumps appear when outer layers of the skin come in contact with HPV either through indirect or direct contact. The rapid overgrowth of cells causes warts to form.

Where do Warts Appear and Do They Hurt?

Warts are likely to appear on injured, moist, and soft skin. Certain warts may be painful depending on the area where they appear. For instance, if you get warts on your feet (plantar warts), those warts tend to hurt in comparison to other warts on your body. Warts can appear on your face, hands, knees, chest, and even in the genital area. While warts tend to be non-cancerous growths, it is vital to seek medical care when warts on your skin become itchy and painful. You should also seek care if you can no longer comfortably perform your daily activities. Some people, in general, are more prone to developing warts. Also, specific jobs and activities that you perform contribute to the development of warts.

Types of Warts and What Do They Look Like?

There are multiple types of warts, from anal warts to warts that grow on the neck; however, the location of the wart on your body and its appearance determines what type of wart you have and the type of treatment you need. Warts look like small hard bumps of cells. They may look grayish brown with a rough surface, but they may also be white and pink with black dots on top. Warts may look like little heads of cauliflowers with black dots on the surface.

Warts are also contagious; if you touch someone with warts, you are likely to contract the infection. Nevertheless, you are more likely to get the virus when you have cuts on your skin or other existing chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Working in wet conditions or sexually interacting with someone with HPV also increases your chances of getting warts. You should avoid giving warts to loved ones and take the precautions needed to protect yourself and your loved ones. Take your time to dry your hands and your body correctly.

Touching your own warts can also cause you to spread the infection into other areas of your body. The best way to avoid getting infected and developing warts on your skin is to take care of your immune system. People with healthy immune systems are less likely to contract the papillomavirus (HPV).

You can take the following measures to protect yourself from warts and the human papillomavirus (HPV):

• Take care of your immune system; make your immune system stronger
• Become a skin detective; analyze your skin frequently
• Take extra precaution if you have eczema and psoriasis
• Practice protected sex by wearing condoms

• Avoid using other people’s towels. This is another way the infection spreads to your body
• Do not share razors
• Don’t touch the wart of another person

Visiting a medical physician will help you get the right diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Best Treatments for Wart Removal

Although there are different ways to treat warts, cryotherapy is the most common way to remove warts from your skin. Cryotherapy involves freezing abnormal body tissue and removing it completely from your skin. There are also prescribed topical creams, lotions, and ointments that contain salicylic acid. Removing warts at home can cause further damage, especially if you have diabetes. For instance, over-the-counter products can bleach your skin, or you can cause warts to be infected.

• Cryotherapy (freezing nitrogen)
• Over the counter medications
• Prescribed medications such as gels, lotions, and ointments

Wart Treatment in Ashland, Kentucky

Dr. Basedow provides high-quality wart treatment in Ashland, Kentucky, so you can return to do the things you love. Azalea Health & Skin Treatment Center also offers in-house testing and skin biopsies to get at the root of your medical condition. No need to feel embarrassed.

primary care physician Dr. Basedow Ashland, KY

Dr. Basedow is now accepting patients from Ceredo, Kenova, South Point, Ironton, Russell, Wurtland, Green Up, and the surrounding areas.

If you believe that you or a loved one might be suffering from warts, do not wait any longer!

Call our office today at 606-467-2360 to get the help you need!