Wart Removal

Same Day Appointment (858) 292-7595

Committed to the health of your hands and feet, Dr. Shega, dermatologist San Diego, focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing hand and foot problems, such as warts. Dr. Shega is highly trained through years of study and clinical practice, including a bachelor’s degree program and four years of medical school. In treating your hands and feet, Dr. Shega may also work with your other health care providers to give you appropriate and comprehensive care.

What Are Warts?

A wart is an infection caused by a virus, which can invade your skin through small cuts or breaks. Over time, the wart develops into a hard, rough growth on the surface of the skin. A wart is most commonly seen on the bottom of the foot (plantar wart), but can also appear on the top. Children, teens, and people with allergies or weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to the wart virus.

Symptoms

Warts may appear spongy, with tiny red, brown, or black spots. They can grow up to an inch or more across, occurring alone (solitary) or with smaller warts clustered nearby (mosaic). Warts are sometimes mistaken for corns or calluses. They can persist for years and recur in the same spot. If left untreated, warts can spread to other parts of the foot or even to the hands or other areas of the body.

Evaluation

Your dermatologist examines your wart carefully to determine that it is not a corn or a callus. A wart will usually fell painful when your dermatologist squeezes it from side to side. To examine the wart further, the hard skin layer around it may need to be trimmed. A wart will have certain spots that bleed when trimmed; a callus will not.

What Can I Do About Warts?

After your dermatologist in San Diego treats your warts, protect your feet from future infection by keeping them clean and dry. If you’re thinking of using over-the-counter medications for warts, ask your dermatologist first. Some of these treatments can damage skin-and may be dangerous if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

Avoid going barefoot in public places like showers, gyms, and locker rooms. The wart virus may spread easily in moist settings like these. Wear sandals on your feet. For more information or to schedule same-day appointment call (858) 292-7525.