Warts are benign skin growths caused by a virus, and are very common. There is no way to prevent warts. They have a rough surface on which tiny dark specks may be seen and may grow on any part of the body. Their appearance depends on their location. Warts in the genital or rectal area have a wet appearance and have been said to look like cauliflower. We do not know why some people get warts easily while others never get them, however ones immune status has a definite role. Warts may bleed if traumatized. Since warts are caused by a virus, they are slightly contagious and may spread on the body and seed other areas.

There is no single perfect treatment for warts, since we are unable to kill the virus without killing the cells that the virus has infected. All types of treatment can cause a permanent scar at the site of the wart. Warts can be destroyed with surgery, by freezing with liquid nitrogen, by applying chemicals or acids, and by injecting them with a drug called bleomycin. The CO2 laser and vascular lasers are an effective method for treating warts, but it is also the most expensive method. We do have this treatment available.

The treatment used on your warts depends on their location, size, and your type of skin. Warts in the genital area require special consideration. Genital warts are not cancerous, however in women they may cause precancerous changes in the cervix. Women with genital warts should have a Pap smear performed by their personal physician or gynecologist. In adults, genital warts are usually transmitted through sexual intercourse. To prevent further contagion, genital warts should be treated faithfully until they have cleared. Men with penile warts should use a condom to prevent transmission of warts to their sexual partners. Sometimes new warts will form while existing ones are being destroyed. No matter what treatment is used warts occasionally fail to disappear. They may also return weeks or months after an apparent cure. Do not become concerned if a wart recurs. Make an appointment and the treatment will be repeated, or a different method will be used to destroy the wart.

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