Warts are harmless skin growths caused by infection by the human papillomavirus. They appear as raised lumps with a rough surface, which can be painful, especially on the soles of the feet. They are contagious. As a result, infection usually occurs due to contact with contaminated surfaces around a swimming pool, as well as via the floors of showers and public locker rooms.
Common areas and types are:
- Palmar-plantar warts that occur on palms and soles
- Plane warts that are usually on face or arms
- Genital warts which are sexually transmitted
Treatment could be done with carbon dioxide laser, electrocautery, or liquid nitrogen. Genital warts can be treated using imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil.
At the Lifestyle Clinic, we treat mostly plantar and plane warts using a carbon dioxide laser, as it is more precise and the depth of penetration is definite.
