Wart Removal in Tampa

Warts are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they're usually harmless, they can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and stubborn to treat with over-the-counter remedies. If you've been struggling to get rid of warts, whether they're on your hands, feet, or other areas, professional removal by a dermatologist is often the most effective solution. Dr. Joshua Brady offers several evidence-based wart removal treatments that work much better than home treatments, often providing faster results and reducing the chance of recurrence.

Warts are benign skin growths that occur when HPV infects the skin. They're contagious but not serious, though some types require more attention. Common warts typically appear on the hands with a bumpy, grainy surface. Plantar warts develop on the bottom of the feet and can be painful when walking because of pressure. Flat warts are smooth and small, usually appearing on the face or legs. Most warts eventually disappear on their own, but this can take years, and professional treatment accelerates the process significantly.

Types of Warts

Common warts appear most frequently on the hands and have a characteristic bumpy appearance with black dots (which are actually tiny blood vessels). Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet and point inward, making them painful when you walk. The surrounding skin often becomes callused as your body tries to protect the wart. Flat warts are smaller and smoother, typically appearing in clusters on the face, neck, or forearms, particularly in children and young adults. Periungual warts grow around or under the fingernails and toenails and can be particularly stubborn to treat. Genital warts are a special consideration and are caused by sexually transmitted HPV types.

Why Over-the-Counter Treatments Often Fail

Over-the-counter wart treatments contain salicylic acid, which works by breaking down the wart tissue. While effective for some people, these treatments often fail because they don't penetrate deeply enough or don't fully remove the wart root. Home treatments are also easy to use inconsistently, and they can irritate surrounding skin. Professional removal treatments are much more powerful and precise, targeting the entire wart including any hidden roots. This is why dermatologist treatments have significantly higher success rates.

Professional Wart Removal Options

Cryotherapy is one of the most popular and effective wart removal methods. We use liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, which destroys the cells and causes the wart to fall off over the next week or two. The procedure is quick, requires minimal downtime, and can be repeated if needed. A blister typically forms under the wart as the body heals, and the wart eventually sloughs off. Salicylic acid in combination with 5-fluorouracil is sometimes applied under occlusion for persistent warts.

What to Expect During Treatment

Most wart removal treatments are quick office procedures. Cryotherapy causes a brief stinging sensation that lasts only seconds. You may experience mild soreness afterward, similar to a sunburn. A blister or darkened area will appear under the wart as it dies, and the wart typically falls off within one to three weeks. Other treatments have similar recovery profiles with minimal downtime.

Some warts require multiple treatments for complete removal, depending on their size and type. During your consultation, Dr. Brady will examine your warts, discuss which treatment is best suited to your situation, and explain what to expect. If you're struggling with warts that won't go away, professional removal is typically faster and more effective than waiting for them to disappear on their own.

Book Appointment