WART REMOVAL NYC

LASER WART REMOVAL

Wart removal in NYC can treat bothersome warts and molluscum, improving the overall appearance of your skin. Warts are a viral skin condition and can appear anywhere on the body, but are commonly found on the face, hands, and feet. Untreated warts can spread to other parts of the body, creating a long-term problem for your skin complexion. Our NYC dermatologists can help remove warts and molluscum safely and efficiently.

WHAT ARE WARTS AND MOLLUSCUM?

Warts are benign viral skin infections that affect millions of people. Because warts come from a virus, cuts, scratches, and other breaks through the skin can make someone more susceptible to obtaining warts. Molluscum is a type of wart that comes from the pox family. They are viral and benign just like warts, but typically appear in clusters and are more reddish in appearance. Both warts and molluscum should be treated by a board-certified NYC dermatologist.

HOW DO WARTS DEVELOP?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, otherwise known as HPV. HPV has hundreds of forms, but warts are one of the most common. Warts are commonly found on the hands due to the virus being able to enter the skin through cuts and other open wounds.

Children are more likely to get warts than adults. Compared to adults, children’s immune systems are not as developed, so they do not have the proper immunization to fend off HPV and other viruses. Adults still can develop warts at any time. Any cuts on the face and body increase the likelihood of contracting warts. Using clean razors and washing your hands regularly can help prevent warts from developing.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR TREATING WARTS IN NYC?

It is important to get warts and molluscum treated as soon as possible to prevent spreading among yourself and other people. Warts can be treated using a variety of methods. Laser wart removal is one of the most successful ways to remove warts. During laser wart removal, a concentrated beam of light is used to target and destroy warts from their root. Depending on the severity of the wart, multiple treatments may be required to stop the wart from reappearing. Although laser wart removal may take multiple sessions, once fully treated, it is rare that the wart will return. Laser wart removal is minimally-invasive and requires little-to-no downtime. Other treatment options for wart removal include patches, topical ointments, and cryotherapy.

Another form of wart and molluscum removal is cryotherapy. This technique freezes the wart or molluscum with liquid nitrogen. If cryotherapy is not effective enough, laser treatment may be a suitable option. For mild cases, a topical medication may be used before other treatments. Patients that undergo cryotherapy, laser treatment, or other advanced forms of wart removal will receive a topical numbing ointment to feel at ease during their treatment. Our NYC dermatologists can help you choose the proper treatment method during your in-office consultation.

ARE WARTS CONTAGIOUS?

Yes. Warts can spread through physical contact directly from the wart. They can also spread through shared physical objects. Towels, washcloths, shirts, pants, or anything else that may be shared have the possibility of transmitting warts. Someone that has warts can also spread them throughout their own body. Touching warts, having warts rub against other non-infected skin, or cutting or picking warts are all ways to increase spreading.

WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO CONTRACT MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM?

Because molluscum is caused by a virus (the pox virus), those who are more susceptible to warts will also be more susceptible to molluscum contagiosum. Children, especially those ages 1 to 10, will have a higher chance of contracting molluscum. People that participate in contact sports, such as football, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and more, will also have an increased risk. Those that live in warmer climates, are immunocompromised, or have eczema may be more susceptible, as well. The best ways to decrease molluscum from spreading are similar to other viral preventions. Washing your hands regularly, not picking or scratching, and keeping the infected area covered can help contain the spread of molluscum contagiosum.

Molluscum contagiosum can be treated surgically, with cryotherapy, or with oral and topical treatments. When presented in a healthy person, molluscum contagiosum may not even require treatment.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM AND WARTS?

Molluscum contagiosum is the breakout of several warts that appear differently than common warts. Molluscum is redder, shinier, and often has divots. Common warts are usually grainier, bumpier, and coarser than molluscum. Sometimes, warts have black dots contained in them, which are small, clotted blood vessels.

HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH MOLLUSCUM AND WART REMOVAL?

The doctors and staff at Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill would be happy to discuss molluscum and wart removal in more detail. Please give us a call at 646-661-6131 or request an appointment online for a personal consultation at our New York offices.