DESCRIPTION
Wart Removal - Adelaide
Warts are very common non-cancerous growths of the skin caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), a DNA virus. More than 100 HPV subtypes are known, giving rise to a variety of presentations. Skin infection occurs in the superficial layers of the epidermis, causing proliferation of the keratinocytes (skin cells) and hyperkeratosis.
Dr Targett has vast experience in the removal of warts as well as many other types of skin lesion removal.
How it works
What causes viral warts?
HPV is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact or autoinoculation. This means if a wart is scratched or picked, the viral particles may be spread to another area of skin. The incubation period can be as long as twelve months.
How can warts be treated?
Diathermy utilizes an electrical current to cauterize the warts tissue resulting in their destruction subsequent removal. This method is favourable when compared to liquid nitrogen as it is specifically targeted with reduces the likelihood of scarring. 1 – 2 treatments generally suffice to eradicate the wart.
Non-ablative lasers such as the Nd:YAG is becoming increasingly popular for the treatment of warts due to their ability to specifically target the warts vascular supply and burn the affected tissue within the wart, whilst minimising trauma to surrounding tissue. The laser is often the treatment of choice for warts that have been unresponsive to other treatment options. Treatment number will vary depending on the size and location of the wart generally between 2 – 3 treatments.
Either contact cooling, chilled air or topical anaesthetic is used to provide comfort during treatment.
What happens after the removal of the wart?
Following diathermy, the area is cauterised the area becomes inflamed which induces an immune response causing the wart to dry into a crust which generally falls off within 5 – 14 days after treatment. The area may require a second touch up treatment to remove all traces of the Wart, therefore preventing its reoccurrence. However, the immune reaction following treatment is usually efficient enough to remove the Wart.
The treatment of Warts with the laser has a similar effect to diathermy treatment.
What can I expect after the treatment?
There is virtually no downtime following the procedure, although it is not unusual to experience mild tenderness and in some cases light bruising in the injected areas following treatment. These effects generally subside shortly after. It is not uncommon for a top-up treatment to be performed two to four weeks following the initial treatment as this ensures the accuracy and longevity of the desired effects.
The Doctor
Dr Rahma Targett
Dr Rahma Targett is a General Practitioner(FRACGP), with a specialty in Cosmetic Medicine. She founded Advanced Cosmetic Medicine in 2016 and has since become well known as a trusted and in demand Cosmetic Physician in Adelaide. She has a Diploma in Dermoscopy and a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Dr Targett is a leader in her field and regularly attends Cosmetic conferences to keep up to date with modern aesthetic techniques. At advanced Cosmetic Medicine you can always be reassured that you will be welcomed and treated personally by Dr Rahma Targett.
No treatment is universally effective at eradicating viral warts. In children, even without treatment, 50% of warts disappear within 6 months, and 90% are gone in 2 years. They are more persistent in adults but they clear up eventually. They are likely to recur in patients that are immune suppressed.
