wart overview for patients

Overview

Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on any part of the body and are usually harmless.

Yes, warts are very common. Most people will have at least one wart at some point in their lives.

Anyone can get warts, but they are most common in children, teenagers, and people with weakened immune systems. People who frequently use communal showers or walk barefoot in public areas may also be at higher risk for warts on their feet (plantar warts).

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, rough bump on the skin
• Fleshy, white, pink, or brown color
• Pinpoint black dots (sometimes called wart seeds) which are tiny clotted blood vessels
• Dry, scaly, or crusty surface
• Pain or tenderness when on a weight-bearing area like the sole of the foot

Symptoms in children

• Warts in children often appear on the hands, fingers, knees, and face.
• They are usually painless and may go unnoticed.
• Children may feel self-conscious about visible warts.

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts in older adults may be less common, but they can still occur.
• New skin growths in older adults should be checked by a doctor to rule out other conditions.
• Older adults may have drier skin, making warts easier to irritate or crack.

Causes

Main causes

• One of more than 100 strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters the skin through tiny cuts or scrapes.
• The virus causes the top layer of skin to grow rapidly, forming a wart.
• Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with a wart or with contaminated surfaces, like shower floors.

Risk factors

• Having cuts or scratches on your skin.
• Using shared towels, shoes, or walking barefoot in damp public places (for example, swimming pools or gym showers).
• Having a weakened immune system, such as from an illness or certain medications.
• Biting your nails or picking at hangnails, which can create entry points for the virus.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if you have a wart that is very painful, shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, fever), or is bleeding heavily.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment if a wart is persistent, spreading, painful, or if it appears on your face, genitals, or near your fingernails.
• Also seek a routine check if you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or if you are unsure whether a growth is actually a wart.

Diagnosis

Most warts can be diagnosed with a simple visual examination by a doctor or nurse. They look at the area, often with a magnifying lens, to identify the typical surface pattern.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed.
• If the diagnosis is unclear, the doctor may scrape a small amount of the surface to look for dark dots.
• In rare cases, a small skin sample (biopsy) may be taken to rule out other conditions.

What to expect at your appointment

Your appointment will likely be quick. The doctor will ask how long the growth has been there, whether it causes symptoms, and if you have had warts before. They may use a bright light or magnifier to look closely at the skin.

Treatment

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for warts. In many cases, warts clear up without treatment, especially in children. If you choose to treat a wart, over-the-counter options and professional procedures are available. All treatments take time – sometimes weeks or months – and the goal is to remove the wart and stimulate the immune system.

Self-care at home

• Wash your hands before and after touching a wart.
• Cover the wart with a waterproof plaster or bandage during the day, especially if you swim or come into contact with others.
• Use a pumice stone or emery board to gently file away the hard top layer (but do not share it), and apply plenty of moisturiser.
• Never pick at or scratch a wart, as this can spread the virus to other areas.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments are usually arranged by a healthcare professional and may include freezing therapy (cryotherapy), special topical solutions or creams that remove the wart layer by layer, laser therapy for stubborn warts, or treatments that stimulate the immune system. Your doctor or nurse will match the treatment to the type and location of the wart and your age. Some treatments can be uncomfortable, so they will explain what to expect and how many sessions you might need.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for warts. It may be considered if the wart is very large, has not responded to other treatments, or is causing significant pain. If surgery is suggested, it is usually done under local anaesthetic in a clinic or day care unit.

Living with this condition

For the most part, warts do not interfere with daily life. You can keep covering them if you wish and carry on with your normal routine. Be mindful that warts can spread to other parts of your body, so avoid picking or scratching them.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep the wart and surrounding skin clean and dry.
• Wear flip-flops or water shoes in communal showers and pool areas.
• Do not share towels, socks, shoes, or nail clippers.
• Avoid biting your nails or chewing the skin around your nails.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular physical activity support your overall immune system, which may help your body fight off the virus that causes warts. There is no specific food or exercise that directly removes warts, but staying healthy is always a good idea.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Warts can sometimes cause embarrassment, especially if they are visible on the hands, face, or neck. It is normal to feel self-conscious. Remember that warts are extremely common and not a sign of poor hygiene. If the appearance of a wart is bothering you, speak to your doctor about treatment options.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent warts, but you can lower your risk by practicing good skin hygiene, keeping cuts clean and covered, and avoiding direct contact with warts on other people.

Vaccines

Vaccines against HPV protect against certain high-risk strains that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. They do not protect against the common strains that cause skin warts on the hands and feet. The HPV vaccine is offered in many countries as part of routine childhood immunisation – speak to your doctor or local health service for more information.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for common skin warts. However, routine skin checks (such as a mole check by a dermatologist) can help identify any new or changing growths that need attention. This is especially relevant for older adults.

Complications

If left untreated

• Warts can spread to other areas of the body or to other people.
• Plantar warts may become painful if left untreated because of the pressure from walking.
• Rarely, a wart can become infected or bleed, especially if it is picked at or irritated.
• Some warts may persist for months or years, but they are not dangerous in themselves.

Long-term outlook

Most warts eventually clear up without treatment, usually within a few months to a couple of years. Treatment can help them disappear faster and reduce the chance of spreading. With time and patience, the outlook is very good. If a wart does not respond to treatment, your healthcare team can discuss other options.

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