(905) 906-7546Warts
Skin warts are small, benign growths on the skin caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). While usually harmless, skin warts can be bothersome and painful, especially on areas like the soles of the feet.
If you notice any of the following, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional: painful warts, persistent growths, rapid multiplication, or appearance on sensitive areas. Our experienced doctors at the Mole Institute in Hamilton can offer personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re coming to us from Ancaster, Mississauga, Oakville or St. Catherines.
What are warts?
Warts are noncancerous, benign growths and are usually harmless, although they may be bothersome or cause pain, especially on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet. They can vary in appearance and come in different types, such as common warts (raised and rough), plantar warts (hard and flat on the soles of the feet), flat warts (smooth and flat-topped), filiform warts (long and threadlike), genital warts (soft and grainy in the genital area), and mosaic warts (clusters of several warts).
Warts spread through direct skin contact or after contact with contaminated surfaces, increasing susceptibility when there are cuts, scrapes, or moist skin. Most people will develop warts at some point in their lives, especially children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Your best C.A.R.E. is our priority
To meet with our team of physicians at the Mole Institute, follow our 4 step C.A.R.E. process. Book a consultation online or by calling (905) 906-SKIN (7546).
No referral is needed.
Connect
Call our office or book a free consultation online
Assess
Your condition will be assessed by a trained physician
Remove
Procedures can be done on the same day as your consultation
Enjoy
Enjoy your results with minimal downtime
How can I prevent warts from spreading to others?
To help prevent skin warts from spreading, focus on containing the virus. Keep any existing warts covered with a bandage when you expect contact with others or shared surfaces. Avoid sharing personal items like towels, razors, or clothing that have come into contact with your warts. Practice good hand hygiene by washing frequently and cleaning affected areas thoroughly if touched. For foot warts (plantar warts), keep feet as dry as possible to reduce infection risk on moist skin. Wearing protective footwear in public places like swimming pools and communal showers can also help contain the spread.
These steps focus on reducing transmission from person-to-person or from one area of your own body to another, by minimizing contact with potentially contaminated surfaces and items.
Can I try to treat a wart at home?
While there are definitely options you can try at home – things like using duct tape or over-the-counter creams containing salicylic acid – it’s really something to think twice about without seeing a doctor. Warts might look harmless, but trying DIY wart removal treatments can sometimes lead to infections worsening the situation, especially if picking or scratching gets involved.
Also, while some warts just need patience and simple home methods, others don’t respond well or could be hiding something else that looks similar (though rare). A physician can properly evaluate it and recommend a treatment plan designed specifically for your wart type. They’re there to help you manage effectively with minimal fuss and risk, which is often the best approach.
A Permanent Solution for Stubborn Warts
Our Advanced Removal Technique
- Numb: The area is comfortably numbed with local anesthetic.
- Isolate & Lift: We gently loosen the wart’s root using specialized tools.
- Remove: The entire wart is meticulously extracted in one piece.
- Heal: The area heals smoothly, minimizing the chance of return.
Comparing Wart Removal Methods
Not all treatments are created equal. Here’s how our method ensures a better outcome:
| Method | Key Drawback |
|---|---|
| Freezing (Cryotherapy) | Multiple sessions often needed; high recurrence rate. |
| Topical Creams & Acids | Only treats the surface; cannot destroy the root. |
| Chemical Burning | Slow, layer-by-layer process; doesn't target the root. |
| Immunotherapy | Indirect approach; slow results with variable success. |
| Standard Surgery | Can leave root fragments; higher risk of scarring. |
Our Method - Electro Surgery
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Ready for a Lasting Solution?
Don’t let another temporary treatment waste your time. Schedule a consultation with our specialist to see if you are a candidate for permanent wart removal.