Warts

Warts are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), affecting millions of people worldwide. These benign but contagious growths can appear anywhere on the body, with over 100 different HPV types causing various wart types. While often harmless and sometimes disappearing on their own, warts can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and persistent. They spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces, thriving in warm, moist environments. Children and people with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible. Understanding the different types of warts, their appearance, and treatment options helps in managing these frustrating skin conditions effectively. Most warts can be successfully treated, though patience is often required as treatments may take weeks or months to work.

⚠️ Seek Medical Attention For:

  • Warts on face or genitals
  • Painful or bleeding warts
  • Rapidly spreading warts
  • Warts changing color or appearance
  • Signs of infection (pus, red streaks)
  • Diabetic with foot warts
  • Immunocompromised individuals
  • Warts not responding to treatment
  • Uncertain if growth is a wart
  • Large clusters of warts

Types of Warts

Common Warts

  • Rough, raised bumps
  • Usually on hands/fingers
  • Gray-brown color
  • Black dots (blood vessels)
  • Cauliflower-like texture
  • Most frequent type

Plantar Warts

  • On soles of feet
  • Grow inward
  • Painful when walking
  • Hard, thick skin
  • Black pinpoints
  • May form clusters

Flat Warts

  • Small, smooth
  • Pink, brown, yellow
  • Face, arms, legs
  • Appear in groups
  • Slightly raised
  • Common in children

Filiform Warts

  • Thread-like projections
  • Face, neck, eyelids
  • Skin-colored
  • Fast growing
  • Single or clusters
  • May itch

Special Types

Periungual Warts

  • Around/under nails
  • Rough, irregular
  • Can damage nail
  • Painful
  • Difficult to treat

Genital Warts

  • Sexually transmitted
  • Soft, moist growths
  • Flesh-colored
  • Single or clusters
  • Require specialist care
  • Different HPV types

Mosaic Warts

  • Clusters of plantar warts
  • Tile-like pattern
  • Large areas affected
  • More difficult to treat
  • Often recurrent

Causes and Risk Factors

How Warts Spread

  • Direct skin-to-skin contact
  • Touching contaminated surfaces
  • Sharing personal items
  • Walking barefoot in public areas
  • Auto-inoculation (spreading to self)
  • Through cuts or breaks in skin

Risk Factors

  • Children and teenagers
  • Weakened immune system
  • Skin injuries or cuts
  • Wet or damaged skin
  • Nail biting
  • Using public showers/pools
  • Handling meat (butcher's warts)
  • Atopic dermatitis

Why Some People Get Warts

  • Individual immune response
  • Genetic susceptibility
  • Skin barrier function
  • Previous HPV exposure
  • Overall health status

Diagnosis

Clinical Examination

  • Visual inspection usually sufficient
  • Dermoscopy for unclear cases
  • Location and appearance
  • Pattern of distribution
  • Patient history

When Further Testing Needed

  • Atypical appearance
  • Not responding to treatment
  • Immunocompromised patients
  • Suspected malignancy
  • Biopsy rarely needed

Treatment Options

Over-the-Counter

  • Salicylic acid (17-40%)
  • Cryotherapy kits
  • Duct tape occlusion
  • Filing/pumice stone
  • Takes 12+ weeks
  • Daily application

Medical Treatments

  • Liquid nitrogen freezing
  • Cantharidin
  • Prescription acids
  • Imiquimod cream
  • 5-fluorouracil
  • Tretinoin

Procedures

  • Electrosurgery
  • Curettage
  • Laser therapy
  • Surgical excision
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Immunotherapy injections

Alternative Approaches

  • Tea tree oil
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Garlic
  • Vitamin A
  • Zinc supplements
  • Limited evidence

Home Treatment Guidelines

Salicylic Acid Treatment

  1. Soak wart in warm water 5-10 minutes
  2. File away dead skin gently
  3. Apply acid to wart only
  4. Cover with bandage
  5. Repeat daily for weeks
  6. Be patient - takes time

What to Avoid

  • Picking or scratching warts
  • Using nail clippers on warts
  • Home surgery attempts
  • Sharing towels or tools
  • Walking barefoot in public
  • Ignoring spreading warts

When to Stop Home Treatment

  • Severe pain or bleeding
  • Signs of infection
  • No improvement after 12 weeks
  • Warts spreading
  • Skin irritation severe

Prevention Strategies

Personal Hygiene

  • Wash hands frequently
  • Keep skin clean and dry
  • Don't bite nails or cuticles
  • Cover cuts and scratches
  • Use own towels and razors
  • Change socks daily

Environmental Precautions

  • Wear flip-flops in public showers
  • Avoid walking barefoot
  • Don't share personal items
  • Disinfect shower/tub
  • Keep feet dry
  • Use clean nail tools

For Those with Warts

  • Cover warts with bandages
  • Don't touch or pick warts
  • Wash hands after contact
  • Use separate towels
  • Avoid shaving over warts
  • Keep warts dry

Living with Warts

Emotional Impact

  • Can affect self-esteem
  • Social embarrassment
  • Anxiety about spreading
  • Frustration with treatment
  • Support available

Daily Management

  • Consistent treatment routine
  • Protect others from spread
  • Monitor for changes
  • Maintain overall health
  • Be patient with treatment

Special Considerations

Children

  • Very common in school age
  • Often resolve spontaneously
  • Gentle treatments preferred
  • Address teasing/bullying
  • Teach hygiene habits

Immunocompromised

  • More extensive warts
  • Harder to treat
  • May need aggressive therapy
  • Regular monitoring
  • Preventive measures crucial

Related Symptoms

Skin Growths

Other benign skin lesions.

Foot Pain

From plantar warts.

Skin Infection

Can complicate warts.

Nail Problems

From periungual warts.