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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: 4008
Last updated: 3/15/2023 9:53 PM

PATIENT RATINGS

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Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent
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very good
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good
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Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
0.80%
poor
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The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
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good
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The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
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The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
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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%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
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very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
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Office comfort

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6.93%
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Parking

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15.7%
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Friendliness of the staff during appointment

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What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

everyone was very friendly and didn't make me feel self conscious.

#12011-06-01 18:06:14

the office looks great, doctor is very nice and helpful

#22022-05-05

Dr and Med Assist. listened patiently and answered all questions thoroughly.

#32022-08-19

Everything

#42022-05-31

the staff was extremely friendly, polite and worked well with my 6 year old

#52022-12-03

very professional

#62022-06-22

I was made to feel comfortable and was happy that I felt listened to and as though my needs were addressed. I feel confident that the doctor is determined to assist me with my multiple issues. The medical assistant and receptionist were also very helpful and welcoming. Thank you.

#72022-09-12

The entire staff was extremely pleasant and I appreciate being able to see the doctor on such short notice. Everything was top notch!

#82022-05-20

The people are friendly and understand.

#92022-12-26

the dr was much more insightful and knowledgeable than anyone in the past

#102023-02-15

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

Shorter wait

#12022-10-06

keep on doing excellent customer service skills

#22022-04-11

Everything was excellent

#32022-09-28

Everything was excellent.

#42022-11-25

No changes recommended at this time.

#52022-09-20

The lock on the door of the unisex bathroom is a little challenging in that you don't know whether it is locked or not. This was a little unnerving.

#62010-10-28 10:21:25

Everthing was excellent

#72010-10-27 13:58:55

I actually appreciated and was so very happy with all aspects of my visit.

#82022-05-10

couldnt be any better

#92022-08-25

There is nothing I can even think of! Wonderful Staff!!

#102011-09-09 15:04:20

Customer Rating : 4.6

Based on 402 ratings
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