wart ultrasound explained

Overview

A wart is a small, rough growth on your skin caused by a common virus. A wart ultrasound is a safe, painless test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the inside of a wart and the skin around it. It helps doctors see how deep the wart has grown, which can guide treatment.

Warts are very common, but using ultrasound to look at a wart is uncommon. Most warts are diagnosed just by looking at them.

Warts can affect anyone, but they are most common in children and teenagers, and in people with weakened immune systems. Ultrasound may be used for warts that are deep, painful, or not healing with standard care.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A small, rough, raised bump on the skin
• A wart on the bottom of the foot may feel like a hard, flat spot that can be painful
• Tiny black dots (sometimes called 'wart seeds') on the surface

Symptoms in children

• Warts in children often appear on the hands, fingers, and knees
• They usually go away on their own but can spread

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts in older adults are less common and may be mistaken for other skin growths
• They can grow slowly and may need a check to rule out other conditions

Causes

Main causes

• Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)
• The virus enters the skin through small cuts or scrapes
• Warts can spread from person to person, or from one part of your body to another

Risk factors

• Children and teenagers
• People with a weakened immune system
• People who use shared pools or locker rooms (for plantar warts)
• Biting your nails or picking at the skin around your nails

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If a wart changes colour, shape, or starts bleeding
• If you have a wart that becomes suddenly painful

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a wart that does not go away with home care
• If you are over 45 and see a new skin growth

Diagnosis

In most cases, a doctor or nurse can diagnose a wart just by looking at it. Sometimes, they use a magnifying lens or a small light. If they need to see how deep the wart is, they might recommend an ultrasound.

Tests that may be done

• Visual examination
• Dermoscopy (a magnifying tool)
• Ultrasound (only if needed to check depth or blood flow)
• In rare cases, a skin biopsy (taking a small sample)

What to expect at your appointment

If an ultrasound is needed for your wart, you will lie down or sit comfortably. The provider will apply a clear gel to the area and move a small device (transducer) over your skin. The test is painless and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You can go home right after.

Treatment

Treatment for a wart may not be needed, as many warts clear up by themselves. If treatment is wanted or needed, it can be done at home or at a clinic. The goal is to remove the wart and strengthen your skin's defences.

Self-care at home

• Over-the-counter wart treatments (follow the instructions carefully)
• Soaking the wart in warm water and gently filing it with a pumice stone or file
• Keeping the wart covered to avoid spreading

Medical treatments

Doctors can offer treatments like freezing (cryotherapy), laser therapy, or topical creams. They can also advise on stronger home treatments. Talk to your provider about the options that are right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery to cut out a wart is rarely used, but it may be an option if other treatments have not worked.

Living with this condition

Warts are usually harmless, but they can be bothersome. You can live normally, but be careful not to pick at the wart or bite your nails.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands after touching a wart
• Keep your feet dry
• Wear flip-flops in public showers and locker rooms

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help support your immune system. Exercise is fine, but protect warts on your feet with a plaster if you go swimming or use a locker room.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Warts can sometimes make people feel self-conscious, especially if they are on visible areas. Remember that warts are common, and most go away with time. If you feel upset, talk to a trusted friend or your doctor.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting warts by avoiding direct contact with warts on other people, keeping your feet covered in public areas, and not picking at warts.

Vaccines

There is a vaccine for HPV, but it primarily protects against certain high-risk types that can cause cancer, not the common types that cause skin warts. Still, vaccination is recommended at the usual ages.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for warts, but it's good to check your skin and ask your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Complications

If left untreated

• Most warts go away without treatment
• Without treatment, warts can spread to other parts of the body or to other people
• Some warts may grow thicker and cause discomfort

Long-term outlook

The outlook for warts is very good. Most warts clear within months or a couple of years on their own. With treatment, they often go away faster, though they can sometimes come back.

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