At Regency Specialties in Phoenix, our dermatology team provides effective wart treatment to help you reclaim healthy skin. Warts are one of the most common skin concerns we treat – and while they’re rarely dangerous, they can be persistent, uncomfortable, and affect your confidence. Our board-certified specialists use proven techniques to eliminate warts and help prevent their return.
Warts are small, rough growths that develop on the skin’s surface when the human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the top layer of skin. They can appear virtually anywhere on the body – hands, feet, face, and elsewhere – and range from a single isolated bump to clusters that spread across a wider area.
Although warts are benign, they can be stubborn. Without treatment, they may persist for months or even years, and they can spread to other areas of your body or to other people through direct contact.
Not all warts look or behave the same. Understanding the type you’re dealing with helps our team design the most effective treatment plan.
Warts are caused by various strains of HPV, which enter the body through tiny cuts, scrapes, or weakened areas of skin. The virus thrives in warm, moist environments – making gym floors, pool decks, and shared showers common points of exposure. Transmission occurs through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. You can also spread warts from one part of your body to another by scratching or picking at an existing wart.
Children, individuals with weakened immune systems, and people who bite their nails or pick at hangnails tend to be more susceptible. Skin injuries and excessive moisture can also increase susceptibility.
Our dermatology team draws from a full spectrum of evidence-based treatments, including topical medications, in-office procedures such as cryotherapy, surgical removal, and advanced laser treatments. The goal is always the same: complete wart removal with minimal discomfort and the lowest chance of recurrence.
Cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen directly to the wart, freezing the tissue, and triggering a blister beneath the growth. Over the following days, the wart lifts away as new, healthy skin forms underneath. This is one of the most widely used in-office treatments – quick, effective, and requiring no downtime.
For stubborn or larger warts, electrosurgery uses a small electrical current to burn the wart tissue, followed by curettage (scraping) to remove the remaining growth. This combination is especially effective for common and filiform warts.
Pulsed-dye laser therapy targets the blood vessels that feed the wart, cutting off its blood supply and causing it to shrink and resolve. Laser treatment is particularly useful for warts that haven’t responded to other methods and often results in minimal scarring.
For isolated or deep warts – especially plantar warts – surgical excision may be recommended. The wart is carefully removed under local anesthesia, and the area is treated to minimize scarring.
When warts are widespread or resistant, immunotherapy techniques such as intralesional injections of Candida antigen can stimulate a robust immune response, training the body to attack not only the treated wart but also others.
Prescription-strength topical treatments may include salicylic acid preparations, retinoids, or immune-stimulating agents, such as imiquimod. These are applied over a series of weeks to gradually break down the wart and encourage your body’s natural defenses to clear the virus. In select cases, oral medications that support immune response may also be incorporated into your treatment plan.
Almost anyone bothered by warts can benefit from professional treatment. You may be an ideal candidate if you have warts that are spreading, painful, cosmetically bothersome, or unresponsive to over-the-counter remedies.
No special preparation is typically required. Come to your appointment with clean skin in the treatment area. Avoid applying lotions or creams to the wart on the day of your visit unless specifically instructed. If you’ve been using any over-the-counter wart remedies, let your dermatologist know. Bring a list of current medications, any relevant medical history, and any questions you may have regarding the procedure or aftercare.
Most in-office wart treatments take just 15 to 30 minutes. Cryotherapy involves brief contact with liquid nitrogen – you’ll feel a cold, stinging sensation that subsides quickly. Electrosurgery and curettage are performed under local anesthesia, so the area is numb during treatment. Laser treatments are similarly well-tolerated. Your provider will walk you through every step so there are no surprises.
Recovery depends on the method used. After cryotherapy, a small blister may form and resolve within 1-2 weeks. Electrosurgery sites may be tender for a few days with a small bandage covering the area. Most patients return to normal activities immediately. Your dermatologist will provide specific wound care instructions – including keeping the treated area clean and dry, applying bandages, and using any prescribed topical medications – to support healing and minimize scarring.
Because the underlying virus can remain dormant in the skin, recurrence is possible. You can reduce the risk by:
If a wart returns, prompt retreatment is recommended to prevent spread.
Choosing to have warts professionally removed offers more than just cosmetic improvement. It’s a proactive step toward better skin health and overall well-being. Key benefits include:
Eliminating painful warts, especially plantar warts on the feet, can restore comfort during walking and daily activities.
Wart treatment at Regency Specialties in Phoenix, AZ, typically ranges from $150 to $500 per session, depending on the number of warts, the treatment method, and the complexity of the case. Pricing varies based on your individual treatment plan and the approach your dermatologist recommends.
Contact our team to schedule a consultation and receive a personalized quote tailored to your needs.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans cover wart treatment when it is deemed medically necessary – for example, when warts cause pain, interfere with function, or are at risk of spreading. While Regency Specialties does not directly accept insurance, our team can help you understand your coverage, navigate the insurance verification process, and provide necessary documentation to assist with your claim. Reach out to us for assistance.
Regency Specialties brings together a distinguished team of board-certified dermatologists and skin care specialists with deep expertise in medical dermatology. Led by Dr. Betty Hinderks Davis, a nationally recognized, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, our dermatology division has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications – a testament to our commitment to evidence-based, innovative care.
When you seek care at Regency Specialties, you become part of the Regency family. Our promise is to always offer effective treatments while continually striving for better outcomes. With cutting-edge treatments, compassionate care, and multiple convenient locations across the Phoenix metro area, we make it easy to get the expert skin care you deserve.
Are warts contagious?
Yes. Warts spread through direct contact with the virus or contaminated surfaces. Treating warts promptly helps reduce the risk of transmitting them to others or spreading them to other areas of your body.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
Many warts clear after one to three sessions, but stubborn or multiple warts may require additional visits. Your dermatologist will outline a realistic timeline during your consultation.
Do wart treatments hurt?
Most treatments cause only mild, temporary discomfort. Cryotherapy produces a brief stinging sensation, and procedures involving electrosurgery or surgical removal are performed under local anesthesia for your comfort.
Can I treat warts at home before seeing a dermatologist?
Over-the-counter salicylic acid products can be tried for mild cases, but professional treatment is recommended when warts persist, spread, or cause pain. A dermatologist can also confirm that the growth is indeed a wart and not another condition.
How long does wart treatment take to work?
The time varies by method and the individual wart. Some warts may disappear after a single treatment, while others – particularly larger or more stubborn ones – may require several weeks or multiple sessions to fully resolve.
Will my warts come back after treatment?
Recurrence is possible because HPV can remain dormant in the skin. Following your dermatologist’s aftercare guidance and taking preventive measures significantly lowers the risk. Our team can advise on strategies to minimize recurrence.
What should I avoid after wart treatment?
Avoid picking at the treated area, as this can lead to infection or scarring. Follow all specific aftercare instructions provided by your specialist, including keeping the area clean and protected and avoiding harsh chemicals or excessive moisture.
Ready to get rid of stubborn warts for good? Contact Regency Specialties today or visit us at 10240 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, to help you achieve clear, healthy skin.
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