What are Warts?
Warts are caused by a virus transmitted by touch and result in small growths on the skin. They are more common in children than adults and can surface anywhere on the skin. Primarily they are found on the knees, elbows, fingers, and hands. The “common wart” is the type of wart most frequently found in children.
When is Removal Necessary?
In most cases, common warts are harmless and disappear on their own. Many people choose to get their warts removed because they are bothered by them or don’t like the look of them. If your child experiences pain with their warts, or if they are having trouble participating in activities, removal may be necessary. You should also schedule an appointment if:
- The growths change in size or appearance
- Your child’s warts spread, reoccur, or persist even after treatment
- You’re not sure if your child’s growth is a wart or a different skin condition
Prevention
Warts can be prevented by:
- Frequent handwashing
- Avoid direct contact with warts
- Refraining from nail-biting
- Avoid picking, trimming, or clipping warts that might spread the virus
- Wear socks and/or shoes in public areas
Wake Forest Pediatrics Wart Treatment
Wake Forest Pediatrics offers wart freezing with Histofreezer. This form of wart removal is an effective way to treat nine different types of skin lesions, including common and plantar warts.
What to Expect During Treatment
During the Histofreezer treatment, you will experience a cold sensation with some possible brief tingling. Most patients experience little to no pain during the treatment.
Post Treatment
After treatment, a bandage is not needed. As long as you keep the area clean, there are no limitations as far as showering, swimming, or any contact with water. A second or third Histofreezer treatment may become necessary depending on the size, type, and location of the lesion. Possible side effects include:
- Lightening of darker skin, with a recovery to normal pigmentation within a two week to six month time frame.
- Blistering or scabbing: Should either a blister or scab occur, do not pick or irritate it.
Make an Appointment
The board-certified pediatricians and staff at Wake Forest Pediatrics are dedicated to providing quality care to patients in Wake Forest and Knightdale. Our comprehensive approach focuses on teamwork and open communication with patients and parents. If you have questions about warts or wart treatment, call our Wake Forest office at 919-556-4779 or our Knightdale office at 919-266-5059 to make an appointment.
