Warts are skin growths that often appear out of nowhere, and this leaves many patients confused about what they are and how they can be treated. While the vast majority of warts are not dangerous, many find them to be unsightly or even uncomfortable depending on where they are located. With modern cryotherapy treatments, patients can have their warts removed in as little as a few weeks and reduce the risk of one or more warts coming back. Here is a look at exactly what warts are and how cryotherapy can help you remove these growths quickly and safely.
Getting Common Warts
The average wart is incredibly misunderstood, and many people are completely unaware of where they come from and how harmful they are. While genital warts and common skin warts do come from related viruses, their similarities stop there. Skin warts are the result of a virus that an individual contracts from another human. This may sound menacing or even dangerous, but the virus is not even remotely harmful in most situations. It is often transferred through shaking hands with someone that has warts, sharing clothing, or using the same towel. Once the individual has contracted the virus, it will linger in their body forever.
After the virus has invaded the body, there is no telling when or where warts will pop up. A patient’s immune system may actively suppress the virus for the rest of their life, or they may have warts within a week. The visible growths take place when there is a scratch on the skin that opens an area for the virus-laden cells. After these cells are in place, roots will grow deeper into the skin and the wart will grow upwards.
Cryotherapy
There are some methods that can be used to remove warts including a wide variety of homeopathic options. Unfortunately, there are countless rumors circulating about exactly what will remove warts, but few have the medical backing of cryotherapy. This is a term given to any form of wart removal treatment that uses a cold material known as a cryogen. Frozen carbon dioxide was the most popular option for many years, but modern cryotherapy specialists use liquid nitrogen.
What to Expect
Depending on the location and size of the wart, the cryogen can be applied with either a spray bottle or a cotton swab. A local numbing agent may be placed around the wart beforehand to remove any dead skin that is on the growth itself. After the cryogen settles for 60 seconds, it is allowed to thaw, and the wart should die off within the next few weeks. Some patients require multiple cryotherapy treatments while others will notice results after a single treatment. There is the possibility of some discomfort, but patients can speak with the specialist and discuss their options for painkillers. While the wart and its roots die off, the area may become red or form a small blister that can be remove once it is dried out. Contact Doctors Approach today to schedule your consultation. Our medical team will review your treatment options with you and determine the most effective treatment for your needs.
