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Wart Removal

Wart Removal at Midwest Express Clinic

Your trusted source for professional and friendly medical services. In this section, we’ll provide you with essential information about our wart removal services, covering common warts, plantar warts, and genital warts. Our goal is to help you understand the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for these conditions, so you can make informed decisions about your healthcare.

Common Warts: Understanding the Basics

What are Common Warts?

Common warts, also known as Verruca vulgaris, are skin growths caused by an infection in the top layer of the skin, typically resulting from human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s important to note that having common warts does not indicate the presence of the sexually-transmitted infection (STI) responsible for genital warts. HPV encompasses various strains, and common warts are usually spread through person-to-person contact or contact with contaminated objects like towels or gym equipment.

Recognizing Common Warts:

Common warts often appear fleshy, grainy, and small.
They can be white, pink, or tan in color.
The texture is rough to the touch.
They are usually raised above the skin’s surface and are mostly round.
Common warts are typically painless unless located on the bottom of the foot, where they are known as plantar warts.

Plantar Warts: A Closer Look

What are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts differ from common warts in that they grow inward, creating hard and thick growths on the bottom of the foot or at the base of the toes. These warts are often contracted indirectly, such as by using communal showers without protective footwear or sharing shoes with others. In some cases, plantar warts may contain “black seeds,” which are clotted blood vessels.

Identifying Plantar Warts:

Plantar warts are typically hard and thick, with a flat surface.
They may include “black seeds” within them.
People with plantar warts may experience pain or tenderness while walking or running.

Genital Warts: A Critical Concern

What are Genital Warts?

Genital warts are caused by a sexually-transmitted infection and can vary in size and location. These warts may not always cause symptoms but can lead to pain depending on their size and location. Genital warts are primarily spread through sexual contact with an infected person.

Where Genital Warts Appear:

Genital warts may be found in specific areas, including:

Around the vaginal canal opening in women.
Under the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis.
On the shaft of a circumcised penis.
Cervix, vagina, urethra, perineum, perianal skin, scrotum.
Within the anus (typically in individuals with a history of anal contact).

Treatment and Prevention:

While genital warts can be treated and removed, it does not guarantee freedom from the HPV infection. Treatment may reduce viral DNA, and spontaneous resolution is possible. It is essential to work with your medical provider to prevent HPV spread to other sexual partners.

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Treatment Options at Midwest Express Clinic

We offer comprehensive treatment options for common, plantar, and genital warts, including:

Medication (Prescription strength salicylic acid)
Freezing (Cryotherapy)
Immune therapy
Specific treatment regimens for genital warts

When to Seek Treatment

Common and plantar warts are typically more of a nuisance than an immediate health threat. Still, many people prefer to have them removed for comfort and aesthetics. Genital warts, however, pose a health risk and should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible.

If you’re considering wart removal or have questions about your warts, don’t hesitate to consult with our medical providers. You can visit any of our Midwest Express Clinic urgent care locations for guidance and treatment. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common warts, and how do they differ from genital warts?

Common warts, also known as Verruca vulgaris, are non-sexually transmitted growths caused by an infection in the top layer of skin, typically from human papillomavirus (HPV). They are different from genital warts, which are caused by a sexually-transmitted infection (STI). Common warts and genital warts are distinct conditions caused by various HPV strains.

How are common warts typically spread?

Common warts are usually spread from person to person through direct contact or contact with contaminated objects such as towels or gym equipment. They commonly affect individuals with cuts or scrapes, where the skin is broken.

What are the characteristics of common warts?

Common warts often have the following characteristics:

They can be fleshy, grainy, and small.
Colors may vary and include white, pink, or tan.
They have a rough texture.
Common warts are usually raised above the skin and are typically round in shape.
In most cases, they are painless.

What are plantar warts, and how are they contracted?

Plantar warts are a type of wart that grows inward on the bottom of the foot or at the base of the toes. They are commonly contracted through indirect transmission, such as using communal showers without protective footwear or sharing shoes with others. Some plantar warts may contain “black seeds,” which are clotted blood vessels.

What are the key characteristics of plantar warts?

Plantar warts typically have the following characteristics:

They are hard and thick, with a flat surface.
Some plantar warts may include “black seeds.”
People with plantar warts may experience pain or tenderness while walking or running.

How are genital warts transmitted, and where do they appear?

Genital warts are caused by a sexually-transmitted infection (STI) and are primarily spread through sexual contact with an infected person. They can appear in specific areas of the body, including:

Around the vaginal canal opening in women.
Under the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis.
On the shaft of a circumcised penis.
Cervix, vagina, urethra, perineum, perianal skin, scrotum.
Within the anus (typically in individuals with a history of anal contact).

Can genital warts be completely removed, and how is the HPV infection managed?

While genital warts can be treated and removed, treatment does not guarantee freedom from the HPV infection. However, it may reduce viral DNA, and spontaneous resolution is possible. It’s essential to work with a medical provider to prevent HPV spread to other sexual partners.

What wart removal treatments are available at Midwest Express Clinic?

Midwest Express Clinic offers various wart removal treatments, including:

Medication (Prescription strength salicylic acid)
Freezing (Cryotherapy)
Immune therapy
Specific treatment regimens for genital warts

When should I seek treatment for common, plantar, or genital warts?

Common and plantar warts are often considered more of a nuisance than an immediate health threat. However, many people opt for removal for comfort and aesthetics. On the other hand, genital warts pose a health risk and should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible to prevent complications.

How can I access wart removal services at Midwest Express Clinic?

If you’re considering wart removal or have questions about your warts, you can visit any of our Midwest Express Clinic locations. Our medical providers are available to offer guidance and treatment to address your specific needs. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to assist you.

Wart removal is available at these locations:

Chicago
Gage Park
Garfield Ridge (coming soon)
Lakeview
Logan Square (coming soon)
Mt. Greenwood
Mayfair
Portage Park
River North
Roscoe Village
West Loop
Wicker Park

Indiana
Cedar Lake
Crown Point on Burr & 30
Crown Point on 109th & Broadway
Dyer
Griffith
Griffith next to Walgreens
Hammond on 5th Avenue
Hammond on Sibley
Hobart
Merrillville
Merrillville next to Walgreens (coming soon)
Michigan City
Munster
Portage
Portage next to Walgreens (coming soon)
Schererville