Living with wart

Overview

A wart is a small, harmless growth on the skin caused by a virus called HPV. It often feels rough and can appear anywhere on the body. Most warts are painless and go away with time.

Very common. Warts affect millions of people around the world, especially children and teens.

Anyone can get warts, but they are most common in children, young adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A small, raised, rough bump on the skin
• A flat or round growth that may be lighter or darker than your skin
• Tiny black dots on the surface, which are small clotted blood vessels
• Warts may appear on hands, feet, face, or other areas

Symptoms in children

• Warts often appear on the hands, knees, or face
• They are usually painless and may go away without treatment
• Children may feel self-conscious, but warts do not indicate poor hygiene

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts can be slower to clear as the immune system ages
• New growths should be checked by a doctor to make sure they are harmless
• Some skin changes in older adults may look like warts but can be something else

Causes

Main causes

• Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)
• The virus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or damaged skin
• Direct contact with a wart or contaminated surfaces can spread the virus

Risk factors

• Having cuts, scratches, or bites on the skin
• Wet, damaged skin, like feet in damp showers or swim areas
• Using shared towels, razors, nail clippers, or walking barefoot in public places
• Nail biting or picking at hangnails
• Having a weakened immune system due to illness or some medications

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If a wart is painful, spreading quickly, or you are concerned it could be skin cancer
• If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system
• If a wart changes in appearance or bleeds

Book a routine appointment if:

• If a wart bothers you, you can bring it up at your next health visit
• If you would like treatment for cosmetic reasons
• If you are unsure whether the growth is a wart or something else

Diagnosis

A doctor usually diagnoses a wart simply by looking at the skin. In rare cases, they may check it more closely with a special tool.

Tests that may be done

• Visual inspection by a doctor or nurse
• A handheld device called a dermatoscope to get a closer view
• In rare cases, a biopsy – a tiny skin sample sent to a lab – if the diagnosis is unclear

What to expect at your appointment

A quick examination during a normal appointment. No special tests are usually needed. Your doctor will explain next steps if any.

Treatment

Treatment often starts with home care and patience. If a wart does not go away, a doctor can offer a range of safe, proven treatments. Some people choose not to treat warts because they often clear on their own.

Self-care at home

• Wash your hands after touching a wart
• Cover the wart with a bandage or plaster to reduce spreading
• Do not pick, scratch, or bite warts
• Keep your feet clean and dry if you have warts on them
• Avoid sharing towels, razors, and nail clippers

Medical treatments

Doctors can use freezing treatments, laser therapy, or prescription creams to remove warts. These are general approaches, and the choice depends on the wart's location, size, and your overall health. No specific medication is named here.

When is surgery considered?

Minor surgery may be an option for warts that do not respond to other treatments. This is done in a clinic and usually involves numbing the area and removing the wart.

Living with this condition

Most warts do not affect daily life. You can swim, work, and play as normal. Keep the area covered if you choose, and be gentle with your skin.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often
• Avoid walking barefoot in public showers or changing rooms
• Use a separate towel for your face and body
• Do not share personal items like razors or nail clippers

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise help keep your immune system strong, which may help your body clear the virus.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Warts can feel embarrassing, especially for children, but they are common and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Talking to someone you trust can help you feel better.

Prevention

You can lower the risk, but it is not always possible to prevent warts. Avoid direct contact with warts and keep your skin healthy.

Vaccines

The HPV vaccine protects against some strains of the virus that cause certain cancers and warts. Talk to your health team about whether it is right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for ordinary warts. If you notice a new or changing skin growth, show it to a healthcare professional.

Complications

If left untreated

• Warts may spread to other parts of your body or to other people
• Some warts may become painful or bleed
• In rare cases, certain types of HPV are linked to cancer, but the common warts seen on the skin are usually harmless

Long-term outlook

For most people, warts go away within months to a few years. Even if they return, treatments can help. Your body's immune system is your best ally.

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