wart and family life

Overview

A wart is a small, rough growth on the skin caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are very common and usually harmless. They can appear anywhere on the body, but most often on hands, feet, and face.

Yes, warts are extremely common. Most people will get at least one wart at some point in their life, especially during childhood.

Anyone can get warts, but they are most common in children and teenagers. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with certain chronic illnesses or on immune-suppressing medicines, may get warts more often and find them harder to clear.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, rough bump on the skin
• Flesh-colored, white, pink, or brown appearance
• Tiny black dots (often called wart seeds, which are actually tiny blood vessels)
• Rough or grainy texture
• May be flat or slightly raised

Symptoms in children

• Warts on hands, knees, and elbows, often from scrapes or bites
• Warts on the soles of feet (plantar warts) that can feel like a stone in the shoe
• Warts on the face, especially around the mouth or eyes

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts may be less common but still possible, especially on hands or feet
• Older adults may have warts that look like skin tags or other growths, so it is important to have a doctor check any new or changing skin spots
• Healing may take longer due to normal skin changes with age

Causes

Main causes

• Warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
• The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, scrapes, or scratches.
• Warts can spread from person to person by skin-to-skin contact or by touching surfaces the virus is on, like shower floors or towels.

Risk factors

• Having broken or damaged skin
• Using shared showers, pools, or locker rooms without footwear
• Biting nails or picking at hangnails
• Sharing towels, razors, or other personal items
• Having a weakened immune system
• Walking barefoot in public places

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If a wart is causing severe pain or bleeding
• If you see signs of infection, such as pus, swelling, or fever
• If the growth changes quickly, especially if you are over 40 or have a weakened immune system

Book a routine appointment if:

• If the wart does not go away after several months of home care
• If warts spread to many parts of your body
• If the wart is on your face, genitals, or near your eye
• If the wart is painful or interferes with daily activities
• If you are unsure whether the growth is a wart

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse can usually tell if a growth is a wart just by looking at it. They may ask about how long it has been there and whether it has changed. In rare cases, a small sample of tissue (biopsy) is taken to be sure.

Tests that may be done

• Visual examination
• Dermatoscopy (a special magnifying tool that looks at the skin closely)
• Biopsy (only if the diagnosis is uncertain or the growth looks unusual)

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment is usually quick. The healthcare provider will look at the wart, maybe with a magnifying lens. They will explain what they see and talk with you about treatment options if needed. You can ask questions and learn how to prevent spreading.

Treatment

Treatment is not always needed. Many warts clear up on their own, but this can take months or years. If the wart is painful, spreads, or bothers you, there are several effective approaches. Treatment may take several sessions, and no single method works for everyone.

Self-care at home

• Soak the wart in warm water for 10–15 minutes, then gently file it with a disposable emery board or pumice stone
• Use over-the-counter wart treatments from the pharmacy, applied exactly as directed
• Cover the wart with a plaster or bandage to reduce the chance of spreading
• Wash your hands after touching your wart
• Do not pick, scratch, or bite the wart — this can spread the virus

Medical treatments

A healthcare provider can offer treatments such as cryotherapy (freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen), topical creams or paints that work on the immune system, laser therapy, or minor procedures to remove the wart. These treatments are chosen based on the type, location, and your health. They are generally done in the clinic or hospital and may need repeat visits.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered if the wart is very large, painful, or does not respond to other treatments. Procedures include cutting the wart out or using an electric needle (electrocautery). Surgery can leave a scar, so it is usually a last choice.

Living with this condition

Warts can be managed at home with patience. Keep the affected area clean and dry. Avoid direct contact with other people’s warts, and wear flip-flops in public showers or pool areas. If you have a wart on your hand, avoid biting your nails or picking at the skin.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands often, especially after touching a wart
• Wear gloves if you work with chemicals or do rough tasks that could cut your skin
• Use your own towels, razors, and nail clippers
• Cover warts with a waterproof plaster when swimming
• Replace shoes and socks daily to keep feet dry

Diet and exercise

There is no specific diet that removes warts, but eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps keep your immune system strong, which may make warts easier for your body to clear. Regular exercise and good sleep also support immune health.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Warts can sometimes cause embarrassment or lower self-esteem, especially for children or teens. It can help to remember that warts are extremely common and not a sign of dirtiness. Talking to a parent, friend, or counselor can ease worries. If feelings of anxiety or distress become significant, speak to a healthcare provider.

Prevention

You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading warts by keeping your skin healthy and avoiding direct contact with warts. Clean any cuts with soap and water, and cover them with a bandage. Wear footwear in communal areas and do not share personal items like towels or razors.

Vaccines

There are HPV vaccines that protect against certain types of HPV, mainly the ones that cause genital warts and some cancers. These vaccines do not protect against all types of skin warts. Ask your healthcare provider about vaccination for you or your children.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for skin warts. However, if you notice any growth that is painful, bleeding, or changing, have it checked by a healthcare provider.

Complications

If left untreated

• Warts may multiply and spread to other areas of the body
• Plantar warts (on the soles) can become painful and make walking uncomfortable
• In rare cases, warts can become infected with bacteria, causing redness, pain, or pus
• For people with weak immune systems, warts can grow bigger and be harder to treat

Long-term outlook

For most people, warts go away without any treatment within a few months to two years. Even with treatment, they may return, but they are generally harmless. With proper care and patience, most warts can be cleared or managed effectively, and you can continue your normal family life without worry.

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