The topic of warts or genital warts might seem uncomfortable, but these are skin conditions that many people have faced at some point in their lives, so this subject is nothing to be embarrassed about. Dermatology Associates of Atlanta performs effective treatment for all types of warts, but our providers want to clarify the differences between warts and genital warts.

Understanding the basics of non-genital warts

Warts are skin growths that form after exposure to certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). After the virus infects the top layer of the skin, new skin cells quickly grow in a concentrated area. A wart begins to emerge once a person has been exposed to the human papillomavirus that has made contact with a breakage, cut or scrape on their skin.

After the virus has entered an opening of the skin and caused an infection, it can still take months for a wart to show up. A wart that develops in this fashion will either be a common, plantar or another non-genital variety of wart. The following is a brief overview of common and planter warts:

• Common warts
  are small textured growths that commonly appear around a person’s fingers and hands. They’re caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus and are transmitted through physical contact. In most cases, they disappear on their own.

• Planter warts typically occur on areas of the body that bear a lot of weight and pressure. Over time, planter warts can become buried under layers of hardened skin, called callus. They are frequently formed on the heel and ball of the foot because of the amount of stress put on these areas during physical activity.

What you need to know about genital warts

Genital warts is a sexually transmitted infection that’s caused by specific strains of human papillomavirus. As the name implies, they’re found in the genital area of both men and women. Genital warts appear as tiny, flesh-colored growths in sizes that range from cauliflower-like bumps to warts that are too small to see.

Since genital warts might not always be visible, it’s important to understand the other symptoms that they cause, so you can know when to seek a professional diagnosis and treatment from one of our experienced dermatology providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. If you notice persistent itching, discomfort of bleeding during intercourse, it’s possible that you have genital warts.

The first step in treatment for non-genital and genital warts is a skin evaluation at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. This will determine the type of wart that you have and the most effective treatment for removing it. If you have any questions or to schedule a consultation, call our office at (404) 256-4457. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information about dermatology procedures and updates on our cosmetic specials!