Wart Removal
Warts are caused by a virus, and are contagious to yourself and others. They spread by touch and friction, so never pick at or scratch a wart. Viruses cannot be killed because they are not living, but you can make the skin peel off faster than the virus can grow. Because of this warts often times take multiple treatments. The national average is 4 treatments at 2 week intervals.
1. Swift Wart Treatment
Swift® is an innovative skin therapy, developed in the UK, which is now available in the United States. Dr. Helton is the only provider of this treatment in Orange County.
Swift works by microwaving the wart and has an excellent success rate because it recruits the bodies immune system to attack the wart.
Swift uses microwave energy which is delivered through a special painless topical probe applied to the skin to treat the affected tissue.
SWIFT FAQ:
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Like many treatments for skin lesions, some minor discomfort may be experienced. Pain levels vary from person to person but most people undergoing Swift liken it to a pain similar to heat or a scratch, lasting 2 - 3 seconds then quickly subsiding.
may be done without anesthesia, feels like moments of hotness
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In some cases the treated area may feel sore but will not prevent you undertaking normal daily activities.
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This is dependent on how you respond to treatment. We are seeing most lesions resolved with 2-3 treatments, with gaps of 4 weeks between treatments. Your Clinician will be able to discuss this with you in more detail.
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With a few exceptions, most people with skin lesions would be able to have this treatment. Your Provider will carry out an assessment prior to treatment and be able to advise you on this.
2. Topical Treatments
In the clinic, we will discuss whether your superficial warts can be removed topically. Typically superficial warts benefit from this.
Usually covered by Health Insurance
TYPES OF TOPICAL TREATMENTS:
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A prescription which is painless but causes a crusting and peeling, best for use with children or superficial warts.
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Typically for genital warts, works by activating the immune system. This prescription can take a month to resolve the wart.
3. Liquid Nitrogen
Is a super cold liquid that is applied as a spray or with a probe that chills the skin to a therapeutic temperature that will cause the wart to blister or just slough off. Depending on the depth and severity multiple treatments are involved.
Usually covered by Health Insurance
4. Electrocautery & Desiccation
This is normally reserved of more severe thicker recalcitrant warts and requires injectable anesthesia. Has the most down time, may leave scarring but very effective in removing lesions.
Usually covered by Health Insurance
4. Regenlight Laser
Laser treatment that targets the blood vessels going to the wart, no anesthesia, feels like a moment of hotness.
