Outbreak

The other day I saw my Doctor.  I pointed out to him a very little clear like pimple on my hand.  He said it looks like  a wart.  And stated that I could have it frozen which I elected to do.

Now before this visit I hardly even new it was there and didn't notice them on any other parts of my body. Nor, did it ever borther me.

About a day after the procedure I notice my fingers on both hands especially the thumbs started irritating me.  Also parts of my palm were irritating.  Now the itching comes and goes but now to my amazement it looks like warts are starting to form on both hands.  A few days ago they were nevere there.

My Questions are:

1.Can by freezing the two warts caused dormant warts to mainfest and spread?  (my doctor said NO)

2. How contagious are warts, can they spread to the Genitals, are my family and others at risk?  (my Doctor said I shouldn't worry about this)

3.  What are the best treatments?

4.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Your doctor is correct--freezing cannot activate dormant warts.  Also, warts do not spread by direct contact, to yourself or others.  If they did, we would all be covered with warts just from taking showers, and it's very uncommon in my experience for other family members to have warts at the same time.

The best treatments for warts are freezing, or burning with an electric needle, or applying over the counter salicylic acid.  But in your case it seems extremely unlikely that you are suddenly covered with warts.  More probable is that the session of freezing made you aware of minor imperfections and raised areas.

Rather than treat these and get on an endless merry-go-round of treatments, I strongly urge you to follow your doctor's advice and only treat warts if he sees what he's sure are new ones.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff