Warts
Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection in the skin or mucous membranes. There are several different kinds of warts including: common warts, planter warts, flat warts, and genital warts. Warts are usually skin-colored and feel rough to the touch, but they can be dark, flat and smooth. Warts are likely passed from person to person, sometimes indirectly. Wart viruses occur more easily if the skin has been damaged in some way, which explains the high frequency of warts in children who bite their nails or pick at hangnails. Patients with a weakened immune system also are more prone to a wart virus infection. Treatment options include topical medications, freezing, electrodesiccation, laser therapy and surgery.

Nail Fungus
Fungal infections make up approximately 50 percent of all nail disorders and can be difficult to treat. More common in toenails than fingernails, (because they are confined in a warm, moist environment) they often cause the end of the nail to separate from the nail bed.

In the past, treatment of nail fungus was lengthy and often ineffective. Now the new antifungal oral drugs are safe and effective in clearing this embarrassing and painful affliction.

Cold Sores/Fever Blisters
A cold sore, also known as a fever blister, is a highly contagious lesion. The lesions usually occur around the lips or nostrils. Cold sores are generally caused by a virus called herpes simplex type 1. This virus is most often caught in childhood through contact with a friend or relative who has the cold sore virus and does not realize how contagious the disease is. Once infected with this virus it will remain in the body forever and may cause future outbreaks. Stages of a cold sore: tingle/redness stage (days 1-2); blister stage (days 2-4); ulcer stage (day 4); scabbing phase (days 5-8); healing phase (days 8-10). New medications can greatly speed healing or, if taken regularly, can prevent a reoccurrence.

Shingles
Although this condition, (another viral infection also known as zoster), can occur at any age, it is more common in advancing years. The lesions appear as a trail of painful blisters extending around one-half of the body without ever crossing the mid-line. It may also occur on the face and legs. The rash will clear after several weeks but pain may linger. If medication is taken early during this condition, the lesions will heal quickly with less chance of persistent pain. A vaccine is now available which protects against getting shingles and is currently available in our office.