How to Prevent Warts

Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These often small, rough-textured bumps can appear on various body parts, including the hands, feet, and face. While generally harmless, warts can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and occasionally painful when located on pressure-bearing areas like the soles of the feet. Dr. Sharon Horton at Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery offers treatment for warts in Batavia, IL, also serving patients in Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, and St. Charles, IL.

How to Prevent Warts

Preventing warts requires diligent care and hygiene practices. At home, maintain good skin health. Regularly washing hands and avoiding direct contact with warts, whether your own or someone else’s, can significantly reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Using personal items like towels, razors, and nail clippers exclusively for yourself is essential. Additionally, keeping skin moisturized prevents cracks where the virus can enter, and wearing protective footwear in communal areas such as pools and locker rooms can help shield against infection.

Boosting your immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep also plays a vital role in warding off warts. Should warts appear, try not to pick or scratch them, as this can cause further spread.

For more persistent or troublesome warts in Batavia, Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, & St. Charles, IL, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Dermatologists can offer advanced treatments, such as cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart, or laser therapy, which uses targeted light to destroy wart tissue. They can also prescribe topical treatments that are more potent than over-the-counter options. In some cases, immunotherapy may stimulate the immune response against the virus.

Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Diagnoses and Treats Warts

Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery employ specialized techniques to diagnose and treat warts effectively. Diagnosis typically involves visual examination and may include dermatoscopy. Treatment options vary based on the wart's type and location, the patient's age, and overall health. Methods include:

• Cryotherapy (freezing the wart)
• Electrosurgery (burning the wart)
• Laser treatment
• Topical agents

For persistent or complex cases, especially in immunocompromised patients, Mohs surgery, a precise, tissue-sparing technique, excises the wart while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, ensuring comprehensive removal and reducing recurrence.

Get Help with Warts Today

Please explore our website to learn about the conditions we treat and the services provided. Prevent warts in Batavia, Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, and St. Charles, IL by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Horton at Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery. Call (630) 482-3700 today to take control of your skin health.