Warts - whether on the feet as plantar warts or on the fingers - are a harmless but often annoying skin change caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear in various places on the body and do not usually pose a serious threat. Nevertheless, warts can be perceived as annoying due to their appearance and risk of infection.
In the past, the available treatment methods were often painful or left scars. Nowadays, laser wart removal offers a gentle and highly effective alternative.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the laser treatment of warts.
Removing warts with a laser
Laser treatment of warts is an advanced method of eliminating these unpleasant skin lesions. It offers a painless, precise and effective solution for people who want to get rid of warts. Below you can see an example from one of our patients.
In this section, we will explain the process of wart removal with a laser in more detail.
How does laser treatment work?
Laser treatment of warts is based on the use of high-energy laser light, which is directed specifically at the wart. This laser light penetrates the upper layers of the skin and heats the wart tissue. This coagulates and ultimately destroys the infected tissue.
The laser treatment is extremely precise and targets only the affected areas of skin without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.
How do lasers remove warts?
The laser treatment of warts is carried out in several steps:
- Preparation: First, the wart is carefully cleaned and disinfected. This is crucial to prevent infection and ensure that the laser treatment is effective.
- Laser treatment: The laser beam is directed at the wart, causing the infected tissue to heat up and coagulate. This process can take several minutes, depending on the size and depth of the wart.
- Follow-up treatment: After laser treatment, subsequent cryotherapy (icing) may be used to ensure that all remaining wart cells are destroyed. This additional step may be particularly necessary for stubborn warts.
- Care: Your dermatologist may prescribe a lotion to continue the treatment at home. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully to achieve the best possible results.
What types of lasers are used?
There are different types of lasers that can be used to remove warts. The choice of the appropriate laser depends on various factors, including the type of wart, its size and location. Here are some of the most common types of lasers:
- Erbium: This laser generates a continuous beam of infrared light. It is often used for the removal of warts.
- Neodymium:YAG laser: This laser produces an infrared laser beam and is used to remove warts on the hands and feet. The treatment is quite painful and is therefore rarely used.
- Swift: Swift uses microwave energy delivered to the skin via a special probe to treat the affected tissue. There may be slight, stinging pain, but only for 1-2 seconds.
Each of these lasers has its own advantages and areas of application. Your dermatologist will select the most suitable laser for your specific situation.
Is the laser treatment painful?
Laser treatment of warts is generally well tolerated and is perceived as painless. A slight tingling or warm sensation may occur during treatment, but this is not usually uncomfortable. If necessary, your doctor can apply a local anaesthetic before treatment to further minimize any discomfort.
Is laser treatment suitable for children?
Yes, laser treatment for warts is also suitable for children. In fact, this can be a particularly good option as children are often anxious about painful procedures. Laser treatment is gentle and in most cases can be carried out without any major discomfort.
Your dermatologist will assess the suitability of the treatment for your child and take appropriate measures to ensure that the experience is as comfortable as possible.
Advantages of laser treatment
Laser treatment of warts offers several advantages:
- Effectiveness: Lasers can remove warts precisely and have a high success rate. They target the infected tissue directly, effectively destroying the wart.
- Precision: The treatment is extremely precise and does not damage the surrounding healthy tissue.
- Less scarring: Compared to some other wart removal procedures, such as cryotherapy, laser treatment usually leaves fewer scars.
- Quick recovery: The recovery time after laser treatment is usually short. You can usually return to your normal activities immediately.
- Suitable for children: The painless nature of laser treatment also makes it suitable for children.
- Versatility: Lasers can remove warts from various parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet and other areas.
Where can warts be removed with a laser?
Laser treatment of warts can be performed on various parts of the body. Here are some of the most common areas:
- Face: Warts on the face are often particularly annoying as they are easily visible. Lasers can be used to precisely remove facial warts.
- Hands and feet: Warts on the hands and feet are also common. These areas are often prone to friction and pressure, which can encourage the formation of warts. They can be effectively removed with a laser.
- Other areas: Warts on other parts of the body can also be treated with a laser, depending on their size and location.
Conclusion
Laser treatment for warts is an advanced and effective method of wart removal that requires minimal pain and a quick recovery. If you suffer from troublesome warts and are looking for a gentle and precise solution, laser treatment may be the right option for you. However, it is advisable to seek advice from an experienced dermatologist to determine whether this method is suitable for your individual case.
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