Warts are small, rough, skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the hands and feet. Warts are non-cancerous but can spread through skin contact or contaminated surfaces.
Warts are caused by direct infection with certain strains of HPV, which enter the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions. Once inside, the virus causes cells to grow rapidly, forming a wart.
Warts are not dangerous but can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and contagious. They can spread to other parts of the body or to other people, especially in communal environments like pools or gyms.
Warts are diagnosed through a physical examination. A dermatologist may scrape off the top of the wart to confirm it or examine it under magnification.
We offer various treatments for warts, including cryotherapy (freezing off the wart), laser treatment, or prescription medications to remove or reduce the wart. The method chosen depends on the type, size, and location of the wart.
Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas, refrain from touching or picking at warts, and use separate towels if you have a wart to prevent spreading.
Corns are thickened, hardened areas of skin that develop on the feet or hands due to friction or pressure. They are often small, round, and can be painful when pressed.
Corns form when the skin attempts to protect itself from pressure or friction, usually from ill-fitting shoes, repetitive activities, or areas where bones rub against the skin.
Corns are not dangerous but can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty walking if left untreated. In some cases, they can become infected, especially in individuals with diabetes or poor circulation.
Corns are diagnosed through a physical examination. A doctor may ask about your footwear, activities, or any underlying health conditions to identify the cause of the corn.
We provide treatments to safely remove corns, including trimming away thickened skin, applying prescription pads or medications, and recommending protective footwear. For persistent corns, surgical removal may be required.
Wearing properly fitting shoes, using padding to reduce pressure, and regularly moisturizing your feet can help prevent the development of corns.
Skin tags are small, benign growths that hang off the skin, often found in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the neck, armpits, or eyelids. They are harmless but can be removed for cosmetic reasons.
Skin tags develop from excess collagen and blood vessels in the thicker parts of the skin. Friction, obesity, pregnancy, and certain hormonal changes can increase the likelihood of developing them.
Skin tags are not dangerous and do not become cancerous. However, they can be irritating or painful if caught on clothing or jewelry.
Skin tags are diagnosed visually by a dermatologist. In rare cases, a biopsy may be done to confirm that the growth is benign.
We offer several methods for skin tag removal, including cutting them off, freezing (cryotherapy), or using laser treatment. These are quick and effective procedures done under local anesthesia.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent skin tags, but reducing friction in areas where they commonly form and maintaining a healthy weight may help.
Calluses are thickened, rough patches of skin that form in response to repeated pressure or friction. They are usually found on the hands, feet, or other areas subject to wear and tear.
Calluses form when the skin thickens to protect itself from constant friction or pressure, often due to tight shoes, manual labor, or repetitive motion.
Calluses are generally harmless but can become painful or lead to cracking if not treated. In rare cases, severe calluses can affect mobility or lead to infections, especially in individuals with diabetes.
A doctor will diagnose calluses through a physical examination and may inquire about your footwear or daily activities to determine the cause of the friction.
Treatment involves safely reducing the thickness of the callus, moisturizing the area, and suggesting changes in footwear or activities to prevent recurrence. We may also recommend custom orthotics for individuals with foot calluses.
Wearing well-fitting shoes, using cushioned insoles, and moisturizing your skin can help prevent the formation of calluses.
