Warts

Overview

Warts are common, non-cancerous skin growths caused by certain types of a virus that affects the top layer of the skin. They can appear at any age, but they are especially common in children, teenagers, and people whose skin is frequently exposed to minor cuts or irritation.

Warts are usually harmless and may disappear on their own over time. However, they can be uncomfortable, spread to other areas of the body, or cause concern because of their appearance. Some warts may be mistaken for other skin conditions, so a dermatology evaluation can be helpful, especially if the growth changes, causes pain, or does not improve.

Warts can occur on different parts of the body, including the hands, fingers, feet, face, and genital area. Their appearance varies depending on the location and type of wart.

Symptoms

The main symptom of a wart is a small growth on the skin. Warts may look different from person to person and can be single or multiple.

• Common warts often appear as rough, raised bumps, usually on the hands, fingers, or around the nails.
• Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet and may feel painful when walking or standing, sometimes resembling a callus.
• Flat warts are usually smoother, smaller, and may appear in groups, often on the face, arms, or legs.
• Filiform warts are narrow, thread-like growths that may appear around the face, eyelids, lips, or neck.
• Genital warts occur in the genital or anal area and require medical assessment and appropriate care.

Some warts may have tiny dark dots on the surface. These are small clotted blood vessels and are commonly seen in certain types of warts. Warts may itch, bleed if irritated, or become tender, particularly when located in areas exposed to pressure or friction.

Causes and Risk Factors

Warts are caused by infection with human papillomavirus, often called HPV. There are many types of HPV, and different types tend to cause warts in different body areas. The virus enters the skin through tiny breaks, cuts, or areas of irritation.

Warts can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching surfaces that have been in contact with the virus. They can also spread from one part of a person’s body to another, especially if the skin is scratched, picked, shaved, or otherwise irritated.

Risk factors for developing warts include:

• Having small cuts, cracked skin, or frequent skin irritation
• Biting nails or picking at the skin around the nails
• Walking barefoot in shared damp areas, such as changing rooms or poolside areas
• Close contact with someone who has warts
• Having a weakened immune system
• Children and teenagers, whose immune systems may be more likely to react to the virus

Not everyone who comes into contact with the virus develops warts. A person’s immune response plays an important role in whether a wart appears and how long it lasts.

Diagnosis

Dermatologists can often diagnose warts by examining the skin. The appearance, location, and texture of the growth usually provide important clues. The doctor may ask when the growth appeared, whether it has changed, whether it is painful, and if there are similar growths elsewhere on the body.

In some cases, a doctor may gently remove a small surface layer to look for typical features of a wart. If the diagnosis is uncertain, or if the growth looks unusual, further evaluation may be recommended to rule out other skin conditions. Rarely, a small skin sample may be taken for laboratory examination.

Genital warts should be assessed by a healthcare professional because they require specific evaluation and counseling. Partners may also need medical guidance, depending on the situation.

Treatment Options

Many warts go away without treatment, but this can take time. Treatment may be considered if warts are painful, spreading, causing embarrassment, interfering with daily activities, or located in sensitive areas. The choice of treatment depends on the type, size, number, location, and the patient’s age and general health.

Common medical treatment options may include:

• Application of topical treatments by or under the guidance of a healthcare professional
• Freezing treatment performed in a clinic to destroy wart tissue
• Minor procedures to remove or reduce wart tissue when appropriate
• Laser or other device-based treatments in selected cases
• Immune-based approaches for persistent or multiple warts when recommended by a specialist

Treatment may require more than one visit, and warts can sometimes return after treatment because the virus may remain in nearby skin. It is important not to cut, burn, or aggressively remove warts at home, as this may cause infection, scarring, or spread of the virus.

To reduce the chance of spreading warts, patients may be advised to avoid picking at them, keep the area clean and dry, cover warts when appropriate, avoid sharing personal items such as towels or nail tools, and wear footwear in shared wet areas.

When to See a Doctor

A dermatologist or healthcare professional should be consulted if a skin growth is painful, bleeding, rapidly changing, spreading, or does not look like a typical wart. Medical advice is also important if the wart is on the face, near the eyes, under or around the nails, on the genitals, or on the soles of the feet and affecting walking.

People with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system should seek medical guidance before attempting any wart treatment. These conditions can increase the risk of complications from skin injury.

Any new or unusual skin growth that causes concern should be evaluated. While warts are usually harmless, proper diagnosis helps ensure that other skin conditions are not overlooked and that the most suitable care plan is chosen.