Warts
Learn about warts, a common skin condition caused by a viral infection. Understand their causes, types, and why they may require professional care for effective management and prevention.
What are warts?
Warts are troubling, small bumps on the skin, caused by a virus called the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are many strains of the HPV virus, with only a couple being related to warts on the skin. They commonly occur on fingers, knees and feet. Warts are very common, with estimates of about a third of children experiencing them at some time, perhaps because a child’s immune system isn’t as strong at fighting the virus when they contract it.There are different types of warts, including palmar warts (on hands) and plantar warts (on feet). Warts should not be confused with seborrhoeic keratoses, which are sometimes called seborrhoeic warts or age warts, though these are more likely to be caused by sun damage.
Do warts need to be treated?
Many warts, if left untreated, will eventually go away on their own, usually over a period of months to years. However, some may not go, even after a few years. Therefore, many people choose to treat their warts as soon as they appear, because it is creating a cosmetic concern for them or they do not wish to spread the virus.
Treatment for warts
There are many different ways to treat warts. Over-the-counter preparations containing salicylic acid are often the first treatment that many people try. Some respond well to this form of treatment, others do not.
They can be frozen, using liquid nitrogen by your doctor. It is important to understand that you may require more than one treatment session with liquid nitrogen. Warts can also be treated with a chemotherapy agent called bleomycin. This medicine is injected into the wart. It is imperative to choose a doctor who has experience in injecting this medication, because side effects can include nerve damage.
Lasers can be an effective treatment also. Both the VBeam Pulsed Dye laser and the ablative CO2 laser can effectively used.
How long will it take for treatment to work?
Regardless of which treatment method is chosen, there are no quick fixes. Other treatments, like freezing or laser, may need several treatment sessions, which will need to be several weeks apart.
How do I contract wart virus?
Warts are caused by strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread by skin contact with someone who has the virus, or where the virus has been left behind on a surface, such as a shower. For this reason, we advise always wearing thongs in public showers and around swimming pools, to minimise the risk of picking up the wart virus.
Corrective Treatments
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Our Practitioners
The doctors at Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic are highly trained medical professionals, with a caring and compassionate outlook, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for our patients.
Dr. Terence Poon is the medical director of Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic. He is a dermatologist and laser specialist. He has trained extensively in Australia and internationally, in the laser-responsive cosmetic aspects of dermatology.
He undertook a fellowship with Dr Jim Walter, who pioneered the use of lasers in dermatology in Australia and who founded our clinic, which was the first full time laser dermatology clinic in Sydney.
Dr Marianne Nolan has been with the clinic for over two decades and is very experienced in all aspects of laser treatments and related cosmetic procedures. Her meticulous record of safety and competence has earned her a huge following of dedicated cosmetic skin care patients, who also enjoy warm, caring manner. She trained extensively with our founder, Dr James Walter, and has attended regular training programmes and conferences in Australia, Europe and the USA. Together with Dr Walter, she is co-developer of our bespoke rejuvenation treatments, the Walter Nolan Multi-Laser Procedures.
Dr Helena Torpinski has been with our clinic for nearly two decades. Her bright and lively manner continues to ensure she is popular with our patients. Helena works as a GP in Newtown when she is not at our clinic and this adds a great breadth of knowledge and understanding to her engagement with patients. She has expertise in all forms of laser and light-based treatments and has a commitment to ongoing education, training and regular conference attendance.
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