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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Warts

Warts - Overview

Warts are benign tumors that can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on hands and feet. The most common type of wart is asymptomatic; it is skin-colored and has a slightly raised rippled surface. Plantar warts on the soles of the feet often cause pain if they are near pressure points. If many plantar warts grow together, they are referred to as mosaic warts. Warts on the face tend to appear flat but may easily spread through shaving or waxing. Genital warts are skin-colored or brown and pose a significant health problem as some of the subtypes cause cervical cancer. Almost all warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), with many different subtypes being responsible for warts forming in various areas of the body. An individual can acquire warts from any object that harbors the virus such as dirty towels or shoes, but commonly people infect others through touch.

Warts - Diagnosis

In most instances, the diagnosis is made through recognition of characteristic features on physical examination. Rarely, a biopsy is needed especially if a cancerous transformation is suspected.

Warts - Treatment

Asymptomatic warts in non-genital areas do not need to be treated as the body will resolve them within 2-5 years. When warts are painful, bleeding, or even spreading, treatment is recommended. Unfortunately, there is no iron-clad treatment known to eradicate the human papillomavirus. Younger warts seem to respond to treatment faster than long-standing warts.

Most methodologies aim at triggering the body to recognize the root virus as a foreign object and resolve it with its own immune response. Treatment can be performed at home with keratolytic agents such as daily application of salicylic acid solution or tape, as well as duct tape. In addition, there are immune-system stimulating agents such as imiquimod or toxic agents such as podophyllin or glutaraldehyde.

If at-home treatments are ineffective, in-office treatments can booster the effects. They include monthly application of liquid nitrogen, podophyllin, cantharidin, trichloracetic acid, or pulsed dye laser. Rarely, chemotherapeutic or immune modifying substances are injected into the wart, or sensitization with DNCB or squaric acid is performed. Simple excision is as ineffective as any of the other methods yet may leave the virus behind in a scar, complicating treatment further. Therefore it has largely been abandoned for warts on hands and feet.

Coping with Warts

Fortunately, warts are fairly inconspicuous and most people will not notice them even while in public. Warts on the feet are usually concealed by shoes and even warts on the hand are not large enough to draw attention. Seeking immediate treatment can eliminate the wart in as little as two weeks. Genital warts often pose a strain on any relationship. Recurrences of warts are common as the human papillomavirus is not always eliminated at the time of clinical resolution of warts.

Warts - Prevention

Since the wart is caused by a virus, eliminating sources will prevent contracting the disease. Also, if a wart is spotted, avoid frequent touching or picking because the virus can shed from the skin and then pass to surrounding skin or other people. Open wounds and moist skin promote the contraction of the virus. So bandage all wounds and avoid wearing wet socks. Since the virus is most commonly transmitted from person to person, wearing sandals in public locker rooms decreases the risk of contracting plantar warts. Condoms should be used if genital warts are present.

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SKIN

# of surveys: 4187
Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

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Compare our service to other similar practices

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Overall doctor performance

excellent
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4.89%
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The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
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The doctor took time to answer your questions

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The doctor explained treatment options

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The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
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5.69%
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Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
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10.2%
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3.66%
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Aesthetician performance

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Office comfort

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Friendliness of the staff during appointment

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What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

yES, THERE WAS A DELAY IN SEEING THE DOCTOR AND THE MEDICAL ASST. ACTUALLY APOLOGIZED AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM. THAT RARELY HAPPENS IN ANY DOCTORS OFFICE I HAVE EVER BEEN IN.

#12010-11-11 10:41:38

It was very timely

#22024-09-01

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONVENIENT AND EVERYONE WAS EXTREMELY FRIENDLY. ALSO IMPORTANT WAS YOU SERVE YOUR PATIENTS RIGHT ON TIME WITH NO DELAYS WHICH IS ALWAYS A PLUS!

#32012-06-14 10:23:51

Everyone was attentive and friendly. The music in the waiting room was beautiful.

#42024-10-17

The amount of time the doctor spent and the medical assistant. I didn't feel rushed

#52025-02-05

The medical assistant was very helpful.

#62024-04-05

Clean, bright, well appointed office

#72024-05-07

I found the office pleasant and staff, medical assistant, and doctor very friendly, yet very efficient, well-informed, professional, and knowledgeable. A very satisfying experience!

#82024-12-01

nope. i've been to a lot of dermas and i never felt so positive, hopeful. thank you!!!

#92024-12-16

The doctor and her Medical Assistant are very thorough and they take time to explain everything that you need to understand.

#102024-09-29

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

My next appointment could not be scheduled for 6 weeks. I wish I could be seen sooner!

#12010-12-16 10:06:03

Everything was great!

#22024-07-07

frankly, everything was excellent

#32011-08-01 16:26:25

super happy with visit

#42025-01-17

more than adequate service!

#52025-03-05

Everything was great! and everyone was very nice.

#62010-10-19 10:16:48

Please send out paperwork in advance for pediatric patients

#72024-10-11

You can't improve upon excellence.

#82024-12-28

It was a very good visit! Thank You!

#92024-10-24

I can't think of anything.

#102010-08-25 14:18:06

Customer Rating : 4.7

Based on 637 ratings
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