Facial Wart.

[Buhle]

Hello.

I have had raised brown bumps on my cheek for two years now. They itch occasionally but never hurt. I went to see the dermatologist my PCP referred me to and she diagnosed them as viral warts. Her recommendation was to avoid shaving for at least a year, unfortunately, my work precludes this option. She said the warts could be removed with a simple over the counter freezing solution.She seemed terribly cavalier about the whole thing. What are the chances of that area of skin being discolored post-treatment? Are there any other safe viable options?
The following is a link to photographs of said bumps:
http://img683.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=img0841v.jpg
I would very much appreciate your kind input.

Thank you in advance.

Best regards,

Matt.


This discussion is related to Stretchable wart?.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,

Thanks a lot for the kind words. Merry Christamas and a happy new year.

[Buhle]

I am grateful for all your help. Thank you. You are doing the community a great service.

Regards,

Matt.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I had seen the photographs and thus gave the two differentials. You can consult a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon, whoever is easily approacahable and get them treated. For small warts, several medications(like podophyllum resin, Podofilox (Condylox), Trichloroacetic and bichloroacetic acids, Imiquimod 5% cream and interferons) are available, which can be applied directly to the surface of the warts. Other treatment options include electrical cautery, surgical removal, Carbon dioxide laser treatment and electrodesiccation.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Buhle]

Thank you Dr. Kaur.

Just saw your response. Did you by any chance see the linked photographs? They can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Would it be better for me to talk to the dermatologist as she's already diagnosed them as viral warts and recommending freezing them off, or would I be better off consulting a plastic surgeon as they're on my face?

Thank you again.

Regards,

Matt.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms, it is very difficult to confirm anything without examination but it can be seborrheic keratosis or a plain HPV wart. Seborrheic keratosis is caused by benign skin growth of keratinocytes. They can vary in color from light tan to black. Excision and cautery may be needed to remove them. Please discuss these options with a dermatologist and get a biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis before opting for any treatment.
I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and regards.