Laser Wart Removal: How it Works at Optimum Podiatry

Laser Wart Removal in Powder Springs, GA

Dr. Alvin Cowans, our podiatrist in Powder Springs, GA offers laser wart removal using our in-office Class IV laser therapy.  But what causes warts, and how can a laser get rid of these pesky growths on your foot? Keep reading to find out more!

What is Laser Wart Removal?

The Class IV laser therapy we use in our office employs both red and near-infrared light wavelengths during laser wart removal. Now, this laser can treat many other foot conditions, and you can learn all about that here. (Some of the main conditions it addresses are foot and ankle pain; Achilles tendinitis; plantar fasciitis; and even fungal toenails. And it does so by stimulating your body’s ability to naturally reduce swelling and pain by producing ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, an internal signal designed to speed cellular healing. )

But how can this powerful machine pull off laser wart removal? This type of laser gives off heat, and those warm waves penetrate deep beneath your surface skin tissue, stimulating your body's ability to fight off the virus that causes warts, and allowing us to provide treatment without the need for any type of local anasthetic. But wait, you're asking--warts are a virus? And yes, it's true: while warts are skin lesions, they first form due to a viral infection. So, to better understand your treatment options, we really need to explain how and why warts form on your feet.

Why do Warts Form?

Anyone can develop these mostly harmless skin growths because they’re caused by a virus that can warts can spread from one area of your body to another, or from one person to the next.  Warts aren't dangerous, but they can be unsightly or even painful, especially when they form on the bpttpm of your feet, where they're classified as plantar warts.

Now, as we said a minute ago, warts are caused by a viral infection. They first form when a specific strain of human papillomavirus (HPV) gets under your skin, usually through small openings or cracks in the tissue surface. Of course, there are many different strains of papillomavirus, able to cause anything from warts to STIs and even certain forms of cancer. As a result, you can develop many different kinds of warts, meaning growths may respond better to one treatment over another, depending on where those warts form. 

Identifying Different Types of Warts by Location

With so many different types of warts, each presents with different symptoms. If you have a common wart, it could appear to be brown, gray or yellow. And the surface will feel rough. Common warts are most often found on your knees, elbows, fingers and even your face. (For this delicate area especially, many people prefer to seek laser wart removal.)

When warts form on the bottom of your feet, we call them plantar warts. If they form on the soles of your feet in large groups or clusters, we call  them mosaic warts. Now, these two types of wart are often the most painful, because you put the pressure of your body weight on them all day long. They are also very common if you walk around barefoot, especially around a pool deck or in a lockerroom, since the virus that causes warts thrives in warm, wet areas with lots of foot traffic.

In addition to being common, plantar and mosaic warts are hard to treat using over the counter methods. They can even be stubborn at responding to topical medications. Fortunately, these stubborn warts are much easier to clear with laser wart removal.

Laser Wart Removal: How It Works

This wart treatment option is so effective because it targets your plantar warts in two different ways. First, the warm waves from the laser light heats up little blood vessels living inside your wart and keeping it alive. This heat destroys those vessels, starving the wart of its blood supply. Soon, the wart 'starves.' Eventually, it will fall off.

At the same time, heat from our Class IV laser stimulates your body's healing processes. Plus, as we mentioned earlier, it can penetrate deep within your skin, where it's better able to directly target the invading HPV virus causing the wart formation. Together, this two-pronged approach is a virtually painless and effective way to get rid of pesky plantar warts. Usually, it takes a few weeks for you to see full results from this treatment option.

Other Treatment Options

If laser wart removal isn't for you, don't worry: we offer other treatment options in our podiatry practice in Powder Springs, GA in the Lost Mountain area. While every patient is different, you may prefer oral or topical wart treatments. And we will discuss all your options for wart removal when you come into the office for a consultation.

Choosing Laser Wart Removal in Powder Springs, GA

Here's one factor to consider: laser wart removal is not usually covered by insurance. As a result, some people may prefer to avoid this treatment option. Still, we encourage you to strongly consider laser therapy if you're dealing with stubborn plantar warts. It's effective, often requires fewer treatments and office visits than other wart removal options, and it's a painless path to relief.

Also? We can help you pay for treatment using your Health Savings Account (HSA) or with Care Credit. And, since laser wart removal can dramtically reduce your treatment time (and your discomfort!), all without anasthetic or other medications, choosing laser therapy could actually reduce your ultimate out of pocket expenses.

Have you been dealing with stubborn, painful plantar warts or mosaic warts that just won't go away? Are you getting desperate for lasting relief? 

Don't waste another day feeling frustrated or experiencing discomfort when you walk! Instead, call or contact our podiatrist in Powder Springs, GA. When you schedule a wart consultation, we'll review all your available treatment options, explaining how laser wart removal or other therapies can help you get rid of unwanted skin growths and get back to loving your feet!