PREVENT & REMOVE WARTS

common that over 50% of people have been exposed to HPV at some point in their life,” says Dr. Amin Esfahani of Lux Dermatology in Stockton and Manteca. “However, not every person who is exposed to the virus develops a wart.”

While there is no surefire way to avoid exposure, you can reduce the risk. Avoid biting your nails and picking at hangnails, touching other people’s warts, and scratching or shaving existing warts. “The most important way to avoid infection with high-risk HPV strains is through vaccination,” Dr. Esfahani says. “Current scientific evidence shows that HPV vaccination has significantly reduced the risk of developing genital warts and HPV-related cancers, and clinical experience suggests that it can help reduce the burden of common warts.”

Treatment

Most warts will disappear on their own within two years, but there are many over-the-counter wart treatments that can potentially speed up the process. “Over-thecounter treatments can be an effective means of treating small common or plantar warts. Generally, treatments containing salicylic acid are very effective. Covering plantar warts with Duct tape can be helpful,” says Dr. Esfahani. “You should never cut or pick off your wart. This habit can lead to the wart spreading or enlarging.” warts with certain preventative measures, but if you already have one, don’t worry. There are ways to remove them.

If you are unsure what will be the best option for removing your wart or you have several warts, painful warts, genital warts, or warts that are growing larger or faster than expected (which could be a sign you’ve mistaken a skin cancer for a wart), schedule an appointment with Dr. Esfahani. He can recommend an array of treatment options including surgery, cryotherapy (freezing), immunotherapy, and other prescription grade creams and solutions.

Prevention

HPV is easily spread through close physical contact and enters the body through cuts or other skin injuries, meaning that warts are contagious. “The HPV virus has over 200 identified strains and is so