Have you ever had a wart? If you have, you probably know that they can be challenging to get rid of. While warts are harmless, they can be embarrassing and you may not like their appearance. If you’re in need of wart treatment in Nashville, the team at Advanced Skin and Laser Center in Brentwood, TN can help.
What Causes Warts?
Warts are caused by certain strains of HPV or the human papilloma virus. This virus produces excess keratin in the skin, resulting in a wart. Because HPV is contagious, warts are also contagious and can spread through direct or indirect contact, like a shared towel or shoes.
How Can You Prevent Warts?
Warts can be more common in children, people with weakened immune systems, or other lifestyle factors. If you are prone to warts, here are a few tips to help prevent them and avoid needing wart treatment in Nashville:
- Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching warts on others.
- Avoid sharing personal items: Don’t share towels, razors, or other items that may come into contact with warts.
- Strengthen your immune system: A healthy immune system can help fight off HPV infections.
Can You Treat Warts at Home?
There are several home remedies that can be effective for treating warts.
- Over-the-counter treatments: Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in over-the-counter wart removal products. You’ll find it in liquid form, pads, or gel so you can choose the option that works best for you. Look for 17% salicylic acid solution for best results. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks to see results.
- Freezing: Applying liquid nitrogen to the wart can freeze and destroy it. However, this method can be painful and is not ideal for children.
- Duct Tape: Covering the wart with duct tape for several days can help remove it. You may need several rounds of treatment to remove the wart.
Before beginning any home treatment, its best to consult with a dermatologist to confirm that you do have a wart and not something else.
*You should always see a doctor for genital warts. Do not try to remove them with home treatments.
Do I Need to See A Dermatologist for Wart Treatment in Nashville
While home remedies can get rid of your warts, they are only about 50% effective. For persistent, recurrent, or painful warts it’s best to see a dermatologist. They may be able to offer laser treatment or even surgical removal if necessary.
If you have warts that need a doctors help for diagnosis and treatment, the team at Advanced Skin and Laser Center can help. Call us today at 615-843-SKIN for wart treatment in Nashville.