Treating viral warts, Molluscum contagiosum, and plantar warts

Viral warts, Molluscum contagiosum, and plantar warts are caused by different kinds of viral infections. They are contagious and spread over the skin, and can be transmitted at any age. When not treated, they tend to multiply, be generally unappealing, and cause significant discomfort.

There are many ways to treat warts – such as burning them with acid, an electric current or liquid nitrogen. However, the most effective treatment with minimal side effects and the fastest recovery time is laser treatment.

Both Er:Yag and Nd:Yag laser beams can be used to remove viral warts. The first type of laser evaporates the wart layer by layer until it is completely cleared, posing no risk of scarring. With the second type, the beams penetrate deeply into the skin and heat the viral particles, destroying the blood vessels the wart uses to “feed” without forming an actual wound.
Using laser treatment to remove viral warts is the most advanced therapy available. It is also suitable for children.

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Specially trained and certified physicians make sure the procedure goes well and observe the patient’s safety. AestheLine Dermatology Clinic uses a high-quality device by the leading laser manufacturer in the field of dermatology and aesthetics, Fotona®.

Viral warts are usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

They usually look like hardened raised growths which are neither itchy nor painful. The virus is transmitted when a portion of the skin’s surface has been broken and comes into contact with the virus. That’s why warts usually develop on the hands and feet which are more prone to small injuries. Once into the skin, the virus remains underneath the surface and can easily spread to other sections of the body.

The warts are removed using an Er:Yag laser. The procedure is quick and relatively painless; for larger warts, we inject a local anesthetic.

The therapy is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women, people with light sensitivity, and those more likely to develop abnormal scars and keloids.

During the first 24 hours after the procedure, it is recommended to avoid wetting the area and to use sunscreen until you have fully recovered. Recovering after wart treatment usually takes between 7 and 10 days.

Laser wart removal is permanent, but it cannot prevent the occurrence of new warts.

Molluscum contagiosum is a type of viral wart that is easily transmitted in populated, closed spaces such as child corners, swimming pools, etc. In adults, it is usually sexually transmitted.

The skin displays small pink pimples or off-white pearly lesions. Some might turn red and disappear over time. Poor hygiene and a humid climate tend to be favorable conditions for getting infected with Molluscum contagiosum.

Molluscum contagiosum is removed using an Er:Yag laser. The procedure is painless and does not require an anesthetic.

During the first 24 hours after the procedure, it is recommended to avoid wetting the treated area. 2-3 days after the procedure, the treated wart will scab over, and the scab will fall off around the 4th-5th day.

Laser removal of Molluscum contagiosum is permanent, but it cannot prevent the occurrence of new warts.

Plantar warts are another manifestation of the human papillomavirus, this time when it enters the sole. It is characterized by hardened skin and pain when stepping on that foot. The wart is well protected by the thick layered skin covering the foot sole which makes it very resistant to treatments.

The Nd:Yag laser is one of the most effective methods used to treat this type of wart. The laser beam penetrates as deeply as necessary and destroys the infected cells, severing the blood vessels which “feed” them. Usually, this type of treatment doesn’t form a surface wound, and the skin “pushes” the wart out on its own. Treating the wart usually takes just a couple of seconds, and you will experience brief, momentary pain. After the procedure, the treated area may be red and swollen for about a week.

There is no specific post-procedure care necessary.

You will be able to notice the treatment’s effect 4 to 6 weeks later – that’s how long it takes for the skin to “push” the viral wart out. In most cases, one procedure is enough, though deeper warts may require 2 or 3 procedures.