What are Warts?
The common wart is due to a viral infection of the skin by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
They are mostly quite easy to diagnose, but this can be confirmed if you see little black dots in the wart if it is pared back.
Many treatments are available but can be time consuming, disappointing or difficult, for example, ‘freezing’ them with liquid nitrogen, or applying wart paste (salicylic acid) and paring them back.
Treatments for Warts
Erbium Laser Spot Treatment
The ablative erbium laser is a second option for wart removal. It works by vaporising the wart, and may require local anaesthetic cream or injection prior to treatment. We use this method for resistant warts. It typically needs a number of treatment sessions. On occasion a combination of this and YAG laser is used. Our doctor will also advise if home-based application of topical creams may be useful – the most common recommendation is for a prescription-grade salicylic acid ointment.
YAG Laser
Treating Warts with Laser
Laser treatment of warts is an excellent option that we have a long experience with at Skin Resus.
The YAG laser works to eliminate the wart in two ways, depending on the pulse duration and energy density settings chosen, resulting in a disruption of the wart’s blood supply via coagulation (photodermal effect) or via the abrasive (photomechanical) effect, weakening the structure and allowing it to simply fade away.
The same laser is used at Skin Resus to treat red birthmarks and angiomas.
How many treatments will I need?
In some cases, just a single laser treatment is all that is required. Larger warts do often require multiple treatments though.
Other information about Warts
Wart examples
Wart anatomy
Understanding the anatomy of warts is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. The specific structure and appearance can help differentiate warts from other skin conditions and guide appropriate management strategies.
