2018 - Page 10 of 12 - Zel Skin & Laser Specialists
wart treatments minneapolis

July is Wart Awareness Month: The Truth about Warts

Warts are common, benign skin growths that appear in the top layer of the skin. Most often, warts develop on the hands, feet, elbows or knees; however, warts can appear anywhere. They are commonly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Why did I get a wart?!

Anyone can get warts. They are contagious and can be spread by coming into contact with a wart or something that touched a wart. If the skin is damaged or cut, it can result in a wart coming through the surface in that location. Children and teens commonly get warts as well as those with a weakened immune system.

How do I know if I have warts?!

Warts can look like anything from a cauliflower growth on a finger to a flat, skin colored bump on a knee. They can be dark brown or grey and often times will feel rough. Most warts will be slightly bumpy and raised; however, warts on the feet (called plantar warts) will often be smooth and flat. Sometimes warts, especially plantar warts, may be sensitive or even painful with movement. Health site wartsorg has published many articles that show HPV is the cause for all warts.

I think I have a wart – what should I do?

Your dermatology provider will be able to quickly diagnose your wart and offer same-day treatment. Sometimes, warts go away on their own; however, since warts are contagious and can spread, we always recommend that you make an appointment if you think you have warts.

How do you treat warts in the office?

We offer several different options for the treatment of warts including Cryotherapy and cantharidin. During your office visit, your provider will be able to review in detail the available treatments.

Can I prevent warts?

If you think you have a wart already, try not to pick or scratch it because this can potentially spread the virus on your skin. Do not touch someone else’s wart, and make sure you always wear footwear in public places like locker rooms or pools.

If you’re ready to thwart the wart, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

acne myths

Acne Myths

For most of us, acne is nothing new. Maybe we experienced breakouts as a teenager, or maybe it was just a single pimple that came up at the very worst time. Either way, the part of acne that most people struggle with is the aesthetics. Nobody tends to like what it looks like and people who suffer want rid as soon as possible. Everyone has their own preconceived notions about acne and what to do about it. For Acne Awareness month, we’re busting some of the acne myths that float around and sharing the truth about this frustrating condition.

Myth: Acne only occurs in teenagers.

Acne can develop at any time, and one of the most common times we see acne is actually during the 20’s and 30’s, particularly in women. There are many treatments that address both aging skin AND acne, so do not hesitate to seek treatment if you develop adult acne or have acne scars that don’t go away on their own. We all dread the thought of spots and we do all we can to avoid jawline breakouts! But are they really that bad? If you think so, you could check out a custom skincare company who can help with your breakouts in your need of crisis.

Myth: Popping a pimple makes it go away more quickly.

It’s actually the opposite that is true! Popping a pimple can lead to increased inflammation, which can make the blemish stick around longer. This increased inflammation may also increase your chance of developing a scar from the acne lesion. Leave the ‘pimple popping’ to the experts. We often have same day appointments available and can carefully extract the pimple and put a tiny bit of an anti-inflammatory medicine right into the pimple, which helps it to flatten within a couple of days.

Myth: Greasy food causes pimples.

In recent years, there have been studies that link some dairy products and diets with a high glycemic index (foods that raise your blood sugar) to the development of acne. Thankfully, greasy foods haven’t been shown to contribute to acne. Still, we recommend everything in moderation.

If you have acne or are experiencing a new acne breakout, that isn’t improving with over-the-counter treatments, we recommend coming into the office to meet with a Dermatology provider, who can examine your skin and determine the most effective treatment regimen for you. A simple routine can often make a dramatic difference in the appearance and health of your skin. Some people have found that hemp seed oil has a positive effect on the reduction of acne.

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Plymouth, MN 55447

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