Medical and Surgical Dermatology
Warts and Skin Infections
Warts:
Skin Infections:
- Warts are common skin colored bumps that can be seen in people of all ages, including kids. They are usually asymptomatic but can sometimes become bothersome or painful (i.e on the bottom of the feet).
- All warts in the human body are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are over 150 subtypes of HPV and each strain causes different types of warts.
- Warts are generally harmless but some larger ones can sometimes be difficult to eliminate.
| Medical treatment: | Procedures: |
| Topical salicylic acid cream | Liquid nitrogen “freezing” |
| Topical imiquimod | Scraping or scooping out |
| Electrodessication or “burning off” | |
| Vaccination (Guardasil) |
- Superficial skin infections can be caused by a variety of infectious agents, most commonly bacteria like Staph (impetigo), fungi (ringworm) or viruses (cold sores, molluscum, etc).
- Treatment will depend on the suspected cause.
| Medical treatment: | Procedures: |
| Topical antibiotics | KOH prep |
| Topical antifungals | Bacterial, viral or fungal cultures |
| Oral antibiotics | |
| Oral antivirals |