Warts are the result of a virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV), and they can easily be spread from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items such as towels or clothes with the infected individual. While warts of the hands may be unsightly or embarrassing, it’s important to note that these growths are benign and harmless. Here’s what you should know about treating warts, including how a dermatologist will treat this common skin problem.

How do I know that it’s a wart?

If you’ve never had a wart before then you may not know what this little growth is at first. Warts are raised, skin-colored bumps that may be rough to the touch and grainy in appearance. If you look closely at the bump you may notice little black dots. These are small blood vessels. Since warts can be confused for cysts and other lesions, it may be a good idea to see a dermatologist first before you begin treatment.

How are warts treated?

Some people simply wait until their body fights the infection and the wart eventually goes away, but this can take months or even years. People who are dealing with warts in more sensitive and visible places such as their hands are more likely to want to get rid of the wart a lot sooner. Many healthy individuals turn to over-the-counter remedies first. There are salicylic acid solutions that you can apply directly to the wart and will need to continue to reapply regularly. This solution will shed layers of the wart until gone.

While no study tests the effectiveness of duct tape for removing warts, it not an unsafe practice or option (and if it works for you, great!). If you’ve given it a valiant effort to treat the wart on your own but it just doesn’t seem to respond to over-the-counter treatment options, or it returns, then it’s time to see your dermatologist. A dermatologist offers a variety of ways to remove a wart, including,

• Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart off is a common method for removing warts
• Cantharidin: A chemical is applied to the wart, which causes it to blister and fall off
• Surgical excision: If the bumps do not respond to other treatment options or are in hard-to-treat areas, this may be the ideal method for removal

We understand that warts can develop in rather awkward and sometimes uncomfortable places like the hands. If this happens to you and you don’t want to wait until your body clears the infection to get rid of your wart, then a dermatologist can provide you with the treatment you need to remove the wart more quickly.

• A is for asymmetry: A healthy mole will be perfectly circular and symmetrical. If you find that half of the mole is shaped differently from the other half, this could be a sign of pre-cancerous growth.
• B is for a border: A healthy mole will have a clearly defined border. If the mole has a jagged or an even or poorly defined border, it’s time to visit your dermatologist.
• C is for color: A healthy mole will remain a singular color throughout your life. If the mole changes color or develops multiple colors this could be a sign of skin cancer.
• D is for diameter: A healthy mole is typically smaller than a pencil eraser (under 5mm). Moles over 5mm, or larger than a pencil eraser, may be cause for concern. Large moles warrant seeing a dermatologist.
• E is for evolving: A healthy mole will remain the same over the course of your lifetime. So, if you notice it changing at all then it’s worth having a dermatologist look at it.

• New moles: Just because you develop a new mole doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s cancerous; however, if you start noticing any new moles developing past the age of 20 (particularly on the face, neck, shoulder, or other sun-exposed areas), this warrants an evaluation with a skincare professional.
• Troublesome moles: Do you have a mole that bleeds, itches, crusts over, or is painful or tender? If so, the mole should be checked out.

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that leads to widespread inflammation and pain. Lupus can affect multiple systems and organs in the body, but the skin tends to be one of the most common organs affected by this chronic disease. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, around two-thirds of people with lupus will experience some kind of lupus-related skin issue. Some people are dealing with cutaneous lupus only, while others are dealing with cutaneous lupus along with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (the most common form of lupus).

• Sores in the mouth and nose (mucous membrane sores)
• Hair loss, sometimes caused by discoid lesions
• Purple spots (due to broken blood vessels) on the legs

How your dermatologist in San Antonio, TX, can help you fight the signs of aging

If you are starting to see fine lines and wrinkles, you are not alone! In fact, anti-aging procedures are some of the most sought-after services from dermatologists.

Fine lines and wrinkles are one of the first signs of aging but don’t worry, your dermatologist can help! Dr. Linda Banta of Stone Oak Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, offers a wide range of dermatology services, including treatment for fine lines and wrinkles.

Fine lines and wrinkles form on the lines of expression. That means when you frown, laugh, or show other expressions, your skin doesn’t snap back the way it did when you were younger. As you age, you lose collagen, elastin, and moisture, key ingredients for younger-looking skin.

There are many ways you and your dermatologist can help you say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles. For shallow, fine lines, consider using:

• Antioxidant and vitamin creams to help smooth out the lines
• Products with vitamin A to even out skin tone
• Alpha-hydroxy acid products to help reduce lines and wrinkles

If you have deep wrinkles and lines, don’t despair! Professional treatment from your dermatologist can do wonders. Dr. Banta may recommend:

• Dermal fillers to fill in wrinkles, making your skin appear plump, smooth, and younger. Common dermal fillers include Juvederm.
• Wrinkle relaxers temporarily freeze the nerves and muscles, making your skin look smooth and revitalized. Botox is a very common wrinkle relaxer.

There are many other treatments and products including chemical peels, facials, and cosmetics that can help you look years younger.

To find out more about anti-aging treatments and other services from your dermatologist, call Dr. Linda Banta of Stone Oak Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, at (210) 494-0504. Call now and say goodbye to your fine lines and wrinkles, and hello to a younger-looking face!

Cold sores are small, painful blisters that develop on the lips and around the mouth. These sores are caused by a viral infection known as herpes simplex. More specifically, Herpes Simplex Type 1 is typically the cause of cold sores. This condition is very common, affecting around 67% of the global population. Here’s what you should know about cold sores, including how to treat them when they surface.

• Kissing an infected person
• Sharing utensils and drinking from the same glass as an infected person
• Oral sex