15045 Warts

Overview

Warts are small, rough skin growths caused by a common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). They are usually harmless and not cancerous.

Yes, warts are extremely common. Most people will experience at least one wart during their lifetime.

Warts can affect people of all ages, but they are more common in children and teenagers, and in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, rough, raised bumps on the skin
• A cauliflower-like surface
• Skin-colored, white, pink, or brown
• Tiny black dots in the center (clotted blood vessels)
• Usually painless, except on the soles of the feet, where they can feel like a stone bruise

Symptoms in children

• Warts often appear on hands, knees, and face.
• Children may get warts more easily because they often have small cuts and frequent contact with others.
• Warts in children usually go away without treatment, but can spread by scratching.

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts may be less common in older adults, but they can be more persistent.
• The immune system may not clear the wart virus as quickly, so warts may last longer.
• Older adults should get any new skin growth checked by a doctor to be sure it is a wart.

Causes

Main causes

• Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• The virus enters through tiny breaks in the skin.
• Each person's immune system responds differently, which is why some people get warts and others do not.

Risk factors

• Touching warts on yourself or others
• Walking barefoot in public pools, gyms, or locker rooms
• Having small cuts or scratches on the skin
• Biting nails or picking at skin
• Having a weakened immune system, such as from illness or certain medicines

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If a wart changes color, shape, or size quickly
• If it bleeds without injury or becomes painful
• If you notice signs of infection like red streaks or pus

Book a routine appointment if:

• If a wart has not gone away after two years
• If it appears on your face, genitals, or another sensitive area
• If you are not sure whether it is a wart

Diagnosis

A doctor usually diagnoses a wart simply by looking at it. They may use a small magnifying tool to check its surface.

Tests that may be done

• No special tests are needed in most cases.
• A skin biopsy (taking a tiny sample) is only done if the lesion looks unusual.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long you have had the wart, and any contact with warts. They will examine the skin and explain your options. If you decide to treat it, they can suggest a plan or refer you to a specialist.

Treatment

Treatment is not always necessary. Many warts disappear without any treatment. If you want to remove a wart, several safe approaches are available. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose.

Self-care at home

• Wash your hands after touching a wart.
• Keep the wart covered with a waterproof plaster, especially when swimming or using public facilities.
• Do not pick, scratch, or bite the wart.
• Use separate towels and avoid sharing personal items.
• If using a pharmacy wart treatment, follow the instructions carefully.

Medical treatments

A doctor may offer prescription creams, freezing (cryotherapy), laser treatment, or other minor procedures to remove the wart. The best choice depends on the type, location, and number of warts, as well as your preferences. If a wart is very stubborn, your doctor may suggest a stronger treatment or refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist).

When is surgery considered?

Surgery (cutting the wart out) is rarely needed. It may be considered for warts that do not respond to other treatments, but it can leave a scar and is not usually the first option.

Living with this condition

In daily life, try not to focus on the wart. Keep your skin clean and dry, and wash your hands frequently. You can continue all normal activities.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear flip-flops in public showers and pool areas
• Avoid biting your nails or picking at hangnails
• Change socks and shoes daily if you have plantar (foot) warts
• Consider covering warts with a plaster when using shared spaces

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and staying active supports your immune system. A healthy immune system can help clear the virus that causes warts, though there is no special diet that treats warts directly.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Warts can sometimes cause embarrassment or self-consciousness, especially if they are on visible areas. These feelings are normal. Talking to a doctor or a trusted friend can help. Remember that warts are common and not something to be ashamed of.

Prevention

You can reduce the risk of getting warts by avoiding direct skin contact with warts, keeping feet covered in communal areas, not sharing towels or personal items, and taking care of any cuts or scrapes.

Vaccines

The HPV vaccine used in many countries protects against specific strains of the virus linked to cervical and other cancers. It does not protect against the common skin warts on hands and feet.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for common skin warts. You can check your skin yourself and see a doctor if you notice any new growth or changes.

Complications

If left untreated

• Most warts go away without treatment.
• Some warts may spread to other parts of the body or to other people.
• Rarely, a wart can become infected or bleed, but this is uncommon.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for warts is generally excellent. Even without treatment, most warts clear within a few months to a couple of years. Treatments can help speed this up, but warts may still return because the virus can remain in the skin. That is normal and not dangerous. If a wart bothers you, talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage it.

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