Removal of common warts and viral warts at OpenMed Warsaw and Płock

Common warts and skin warts are among the most frequently occurring dermatological lesions. Although in many cases they are benign, they can cause discomfort and pain and pose an aesthetic problem. If you have noticed a worrying lesion on your skin or struggle with recurring warts, we invite you to OpenMed in Warsaw and OpenMed in Płock. The doctor carries out the diagnosis of skin lesions and selects the appropriate method of removing common warts and viral warts, adapted to the type of lesion and its location.

Common warts are skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the body through microdamage to the epidermis and causes excessive proliferation of skin cells. Warts can appear singly or in larger clusters, and the risk of infection increases, among others, at swimming pools, in changing rooms, or in other public places where a bare foot comes into contact with a damp surface.

Types of common warts and viral warts

Viral warts can take various forms and locations, depending on the type of HPV and the site of infection. The individual types of lesions differ in appearance, size, and method of treatment, which is why a correct dermatological diagnosis is necessary before starting therapy.

The most frequently occurring types of warts include:

common warts (verrucae) - most often appear on the hands, fingers, and around the nails. They have a rough surface, are slightly raised above the skin, and usually take on a colour close to that of the surrounding tissue,
plantar warts - occur on the soles of the feet. Due to the pressure while walking, they often grow deep into the skin and can cause pain resembling the feeling of walking on a stone,
mosaic warts - are a variety of plantar warts. They form clusters of many small lesions that merge into larger foci on the feet,
flat warts - small, smooth, and slightly raised lesions, most often appearing on the face, neck, hands, and limbs. They often occur in large numbers, especially in children and young adults,
filiform warts - have a characteristic elongated shape and are most often located around the mouth, nose, eyelids, and on the neck,
periungual warts - develop around the nails of the hands or feet. They can cause deformation of the nail plate and tend to be more difficult to treat than other types of common warts.

Not every skin lesion resembling a common wart is a viral wart. Some moles, fibromas, calluses, or other dermatological conditions can have a similar appearance. For this reason, before starting treatment, it is worth consulting a dermatologist, who will assess the nature of the lesion and select the appropriate method of therapy.

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Symptoms and when to see a doctor?

Common warts and viral warts usually take the form of small, raised lesions with a rough surface. They may have a colour close to that of the skin or a slightly brownish one. Plantar warts often cause pain while walking, because they develop under the influence of pressure inside the skin of the foot. Some lesions may enlarge, spread to further areas of the body, or recur despite previous treatment.

A dermatological consultation is always advisable whenever a lesion raises doubts, grows quickly, changes appearance, or makes everyday functioning difficult. Early diagnosis makes it possible not only to remove the wart more effectively but also to rule out other skin conditions.

Diagnosis of skin lesions at OpenMed

Treatment begins with a medical consultation. The doctor assesses the appearance, location, and nature of the lesion. In most cases, a diagnosis is possible already during the clinical examination. If there are diagnostic doubts, the doctor may recommend an additional dermatological assessment or further diagnostics.

The correct identification of the lesion is of great importance for the choice of treatment method. Not every skin lesion resembling a common wart is a viral wart, which is why removing lesions on your own without a prior consultation is not recommended.

What does the removal of common warts and viral warts look like?

The treatment method is selected individually according to the type, size, and location of the lesion. The doctor discusses the available options and helps choose the solution that provides the best therapeutic effect. Depending on the indications, treatment may include:

cryotherapy, that is, the removal of lesions using liquid nitrogen,
electrocoagulation procedures, which use the action of electric current,
topical pharmacological treatment,
other procedural methods recommended by the doctor after assessing the lesion.

The aim of the therapy is not only to remove the visible wart but also to limit the risk of recurrence and of the lesions spreading to other areas of the skin.

Prevention and follow-up after treatment

After removing a common wart or viral wart, it is important to follow the recommendations regarding skin care. The doctor explains how to care for the site after the procedure and how to reduce the risk of re-infection with HPV. It is also important to avoid removing lesions on your own and to use appropriate foot protection in public places.

Wart removal - FAQ

: Yes. Common warts are caused by HPV and can spread through direct contact with a lesion or with contaminated surfaces.
: The sensations depend on the chosen treatment method and the location of the lesion. Most procedures are well tolerated by patients.
: Yes, especially if the virus remains present in the skin. That is why it is important to follow the post-procedure recommendations and to regularly monitor the lesions.
: If the lesion grows, causes pain, recurs, or raises diagnostic doubts, it is worth consulting a specialist.
: Not always. Depending on the type and size of the lesion, it may be necessary to perform several procedures or carry out prior diagnostics.