Warts
Warts are skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Common warts are usually found on the fingers and backs of the hands. Plantar warts are found only on the plantar aspect of the feet. These can be single or multiple (mosaic warts). If they grow over pressure areas, they can be painful. Warts are highly contagious and there is a risk of the warts spreading to other parts of the body especially if they are irritated or scratched.
Depending on the type and location of the wart, there are different treatment options available to remove them. Some topical agents and Carbon Dioxide Laser (CO2) are useful for single, large plantar warts or common warts. These types of treatments can sometimes be uncomfortable and often require 2-3 treatments with variable success.
Typically, patients who show little to no response to CO2, will then have Pulsed Dye Laser with Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves injecting the wart with an antigen (usually Candida) to promote the creation of antibodies that target and destroy the HPV virus. The Pulsed Dye Laser emits a powerful beam of light into the wart resulting in damage to the vessels that supply the wart with blood. In combination, both procedures work well in removing most warts.
Before and After
Photos are for educational purposes only.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are warts caused by?
Benign warts that appear on hands and feet are caused by the human papillomavirus. This is a latent disease, meaning that it can appear suddenly then go dormant.
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How can I remove a wart?
Warts come in all shapes, sizes, and degrees of stubbornness – while some may be highly receptive to topical treatments, others require a more invasive, professional approach by a dermatologist. At our dermatology practice in Oakville, our experienced specialist Dr. Sapra offers several different forms of non-surgical alternatives, including cryotherapy and laser treatment in order to remove stubborn warts.
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Will a wart come back after it’s removed?
For some, once the wart is removed it is gone forever. For others, warts may re-emerge months or even years after they’ve been removed. The best way to help reduce the likelihood of reappearance is by boosting your immune system with plenty of exercise and vitamin C intake. For patients with frequent wart outbreaks, our specialist may work with you to identify a topical maintenance treatment.
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How much does it cost to remove a wart?
At ICLS, we offer a range of effective treatments for warts, tailored to your specific needs. Here are the options available:
- CO2 Laser Treatment for Warts: $420 – $685
- Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL): $85 per follow-up treatment
- PDL & Immunotherapy: $250 for the first treatment; $85 for subsequent treatments
- SADBE Therapy: $115 for the first treatment; $85 for additional treatments. Often used in conjunction with PDL when PDL alone is insufficient.
The pricing depends on the recommended treatment protocol tailored to your condition. Contact ICLS to find out which treatment solution would work best for you.