A wart may seem to clear, only to reappear in the same spot or show up somewhere nearby. This can happen because warts are caused by human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can remain in the skin and spread through direct contact. At Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa in Swansea, Illinois, Dr. Steven Musick is a board-certified dermatologist who provides medical and surgical care for skin, hair, and nail conditions. Our medical dermatology team recommends wart treatment based on the location, number, and appearance of the affected areas.
How Warts Spread After They Appear
HPV can move from one part of the body to another. Picking, scratching, shaving over, or repeatedly touching an affected spot can transfer the virus to nearby skin. It can also pass between people through direct skin contact.
Some cases clear after one round of care, while others take several visits or a combination of in-office and at-home treatment. A long-standing wart or a cluster of growths may take more time to resolve.
What Makes Certain Warts Harder to Clear?
Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, where pressure from standing and walking can push them deeper into the skin. They may become tender, develop a rough surface, or appear in groups known as mosaic warts.
Periungual warts form around or beneath a fingernail or toenail. Their location can make them difficult to treat, and they may disrupt normal nail growth. Since several conditions can affect this area, our nail disorder care begins with identifying what is causing the change.
How Our Medical Team Treats Warts
The right approach depends on your medical history and the type of wart present. Options available through our office may include:
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen
- Salicylic acid paste
- Injections
- Topical medication that encourages an immune response against the virus
Raised or irritated areas are not always warts. A bump could resemble a cyst, while clusters of unexplained skin changes may call for a broader rash evaluation. An examination helps determine what you are dealing with before treatment begins.
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
Consider professional medical dermatology care when a spot is painful, spreading, bleeding, changing in appearance, difficult to identify, or not improving with home care. It is also a good idea to seek an evaluation when growths return repeatedly or develop around the nails or on weight-bearing areas of the feet.
Recurring warts can be stubborn, but the right diagnosis and treatment plan can help. For an evaluation with Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa in Swansea, IL, contact us or call 618-628-2588.