wart complications awareness
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
A wart is a small, rough growth on the skin caused by a common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are usually harmless, but they can sometimes cause problems like bleeding, pain, infection, or changes in the skin. This article explains the possible complications, when to get medical help, and how to care for your skin.
Key facts
- Warts are caused by HPV and are common at any age.
- Most warts are harmless and often go away on their own.
- Complications like infection or bleeding are rare but possible.
- Genital warts are different from common warts and need prompt medical advice.
Yes, warts are common. Most people will have at least one wart at some point in life, especially during childhood.
Warts can affect anyone, but they are most common in children, teens, and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms
- Bleeding from a wart or a pigmented skin spot that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure.
- Sudden difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, or a widespread rash after using a wart treatment — this could be a severe allergic reaction, which is very rare.
- ⚠Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling around the wart, pus, or pain that gets worse.
- ⚠A wart that changes in colour, size, or shape, especially if it becomes painful or starts bleeding without being touched.
- ⚠Warts on the genitals or around the anus — these are different from common warts and need careful evaluation.
- ⚠A wart that bleeds after a minor injury and then keeps bleeding.
Common symptoms
- A small, rough, raised bump on the skin
- Hard to the touch, sometimes with tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels)
- Found on hands, fingers, feet, face, or knees
- Can be flat, round, or cauliflower-like in shape
Symptoms in children
- Small, fleshy bumps on fingers, hands, or knees
- Flat warts on the face
- Warts that appear quickly in groups
- Usually painless
Symptoms in older adults
- Warts may look drier or more scaly
- They may take longer to go away
- They can be mistaken for skin growths or age spots
- Changes in shape or colour may need checking by a professional
Causes
Main causes
- Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
- The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or scratches.
- Once inside, it causes the top layer of skin to grow quickly and form a wart.
- Different strains of HPV cause different types of warts, such as common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, or genital warts.
Risk factors
- Direct skin contact with someone who has a wart, especially in moist areas like showers or changing rooms.
- Sharing personal items like towels, razors, or shoes with a person who has warts.
- Biting nails or picking at small cuts around fingers.
- Having a weakened immune system, for example from certain illnesses or treatments.
- Having dry, cracked skin that lets the virus enter more easily.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Wart grows quickly or changes in appearance.
- Warts cause pain, bleeding, or interfere with daily activities.
- You notice signs of infection around the wart, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Warts appear on the face, genitals, or around the anus.
- You have a weakened immune system and warts are spreading or not clearing.
Book a routine appointment if:
- Wart persists for more than two years without changing.
- Warts are cosmetically bothering you and you would like treatment options.
- You want professional removal for a wart that keeps returning after home care.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider can usually diagnose a wart by looking at its appearance. They may ask how long it has been there and whether you have had warts before.
Tests that may be done
- Visual inspection with a bright light or magnifying glass.
- Dermoscopy — a special magnifying tool that lets the provider see more detail.
- In rare cases, a skin biopsy — a small sample sent to a lab — if the diagnosis is uncertain.
What to expect at your appointment
The appointment is usually quick and painless. The provider will inspect the wart and the surrounding skin. They may ask about any pain, bleeding, or sudden changes. If needed, they will explain treatment options and help you decide the best next step.
Treatment
Most warts, especially in healthy children, do not need treatment and will disappear on their own. When treatment is desired, there are several approaches that help the body's immune system clear the virus. No single treatment works for everyone.
Self-care at home
- Cover warts with waterproof plasters to reduce spreading.
- Avoid picking, scratching, or biting warts.
- Keep the skin clean and dry.
- Use a separate towel for the wart area and wash it regularly.
- Wear flip-flops in public showers or swimming pools.
Medical treatments
Treatments include over-the-counter options that contain mild acids to peel the wart, and prescription treatments that gently destroy the wart tissue. Your healthcare provider may also offer cryotherapy (freezing), laser therapy, or prescription creams. These methods are applied in a clinic or at home. Always follow the instructions given by your provider or pharmacist.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is rarely needed for warts. It may be considered when a wart is very large, deep, painful, or does not respond to other treatments. Surgical removal can leave a small scar, so it is not the first choice.
Living with this condition
Having warts is usually not a medical problem. You can continue your normal daily activities. To stop the spread, keep the wart covered and avoid sharing personal items.
Lifestyle tips
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching a wart.
- Moisturise dry skin to reduce cracks that can let the virus in.
- Wear shoes that fit well to reduce pressure on foot warts.
- Keep treating warts until they are fully gone, not just until they look smaller.
Diet and exercise
There is no specific diet to treat warts. Eating a balanced diet supports your immune system, which helps your body fight the HPV virus. Regular exercise also supports overall health and immunity.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Warts can be embarrassing, especially on visible areas, and may affect how you feel about your appearance. It is normal to feel frustrated. Remember that warts are common, and you are not alone. Talking to a trusted friend or a health professional may help.
Prevention
You can reduce the risk of spreading and catching warts by avoiding direct skin contact with warts, keeping your skin healthy and moist, and not sharing personal items. You cannot always prevent them, but these steps help.
Vaccines
Vaccination against HPV is available in many countries and helps protect against the strains of HPV linked to genital warts and some cancers. The vaccine is recommended for pre-teens, teens, and often young adults. Ask your doctor or nurse about whether it is right for you.
Screening programmes
For people with a cervix, regular cervical screening can detect HPV-related changes early. It is not a wart test, but it helps reduce cancer risk.
Complications
If left untreated
- Untreated warts may grow larger, multiply, or become painful.
- They can spread to other parts of your body or to other people.
- Bleeding can occur if the wart is bumped or scratched.
- Secondary bacterial infection may develop if the skin breaks.
- Rarely, long-standing warts may change and develop into a type of skin growth, especially in people with weak immune systems. This is very rare for common warts.
Long-term outlook
Most warts clear without any treatment and do not cause serious problems. With appropriate care, warts can be safely managed. If you notice any worrying changes, early medical advice leads to the best outcome. You are in a good position to keep your skin healthy.
Find support
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.