wart X ray explained
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). An X-ray is an imaging test that creates a picture of the inside of your body. For most warts, an X-ray is not needed — doctors can usually tell a wart from a quick look. Occasionally, an X-ray may be used to rule out other conditions, such as a foreign object like a splinter, or a bone problem under the skin.
Key facts
- Most warts are harmless and get better on their own.
- Doctors usually diagnose a wart by looking at it — no scan is needed.
- An X-ray for a wart is rare and is used to check what is underneath the skin.
Warts are very common, but X-rays for warts are not. Only in a small number of cases will a doctor suggest an X-ray to make sure there isn't another problem underneath.
Warts can affect people of all ages, especially children and teenagers. An X-ray for a wart is more likely in adults, particularly if a growth on the foot — called a verruca or plantar wart — is painful, deep, or not improving with treatment.
Symptoms
- Bleeding from a skin growth that will not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure
- A skin growth with spreading redness, heat, fever, or severe pain
- ⚠A skin growth that changes colour, shape, or size rapidly
- ⚠An open sore that does not heal within a few weeks
- ⚠Pain that stops you from walking or using your hands normally
Common symptoms
- Small, rough, raised bump on the skin
- Skin-coloured, grey, or brown rough surface
- Tiny black dots in the wart (these are small blood vessels)
- Pain or tenderness when the wart is squeezed, especially on the foot
Symptoms in children
- Small, round bumps on the hands or knees
- Flat, smooth warts on the face that appear in clusters
- Warts on the soles of the feet that may be tender when walking
Symptoms in older adults
- Growths that look like warts but need checking because skin changes are common with age
- Warts that bleed, change shape, or grow quickly
- Warts on the feet that cause pain when walking
Causes
Main causes
- Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus.
- The virus enters through small cuts, scrapes, or dry, cracked skin.
- An X-ray does not cause warts; it is only a test to look at structures beneath the skin.
Risk factors
- Having cuts, scratches, or biting your nails
- Sharing towels, razors, or footwear with someone who has a wart
- Walking barefoot in warm, damp places like communal showers or pools
- Having a weakened immune system
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- A growth that is bleeding, painful, or spreading quickly
- A growth that looks like a wart but is on the genitals, mouth, or anus — see a doctor for assessment
- A wart that returns immediately after treatment
Book a routine appointment if:
- A wart that has not gone away after several months
- A wart that is painful, especially on the foot
- You need reassurance that the growth is a wart and not something else
Diagnosis
A doctor usually diagnoses a wart by looking at it, and in some cases by gently scraping the top layer with a small tool. X-rays are not used to diagnose a typical wart. Your doctor might order an X-ray if the wart is deep in the foot and they want to rule out a foreign body, a bone spur, or a cyst, or if the growth does not behave like a typical wart.
Tests that may be done
- Visual examination by a doctor or nurse
- Gently scraping the surface to look for the tiny black dots that indicate a wart
- An X-ray, only if your doctor suspects something beneath the surface
- Rarely, a biopsy — taking a tiny sample of tissue — if the doctor is still unsure
What to expect at your appointment
An X-ray is painless. You will sit, stand, or lie in a certain position while a small machine takes a picture. The test takes only a few minutes. A protective lead apron may be placed over the rest of your body, though this is not always needed for an arm or foot X-ray.
Treatment
Most warts disappear on their own, but this can take months or years. If the wart bothers you, doctors can offer several options. For a foot wart, an X-ray is not a treatment — it is only a diagnostic tool.
Self-care at home
- Keep the wart covered with a plaster to avoid spreading the virus to others
- Soak the wart in warm water and gently rub the top layer with a pumice stone — do not share the stone with anyone else
- Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter wart treatments, such as creams, gels, or freezing kits
Medical treatments
A doctor or nurse can offer several treatment approaches, depending on the size, location, and type of wart. These may include prescription-strength topical solutions applied in a clinic, cryotherapy — freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen over a small number of sessions — laser treatment, or other minor procedures. Never try to cut off a wart at home.
When is surgery considered?
Surgical removal is rarely needed and is only considered if other treatments do not work and the wart continues to cause significant pain. If surgery is needed, this usually means a small procedure to shave or remove the growth under a local anaesthetic, which is a numbing medicine.
Living with this condition
Most warts are cosmetic and do not affect daily activities. If you have a plantar wart, or verruca, walking may be uncomfortable. Protective pads designed for verrucas can cushion the foot — ask your pharmacist for suitable options.
Lifestyle tips
- Wash your hands after touching a wart
- Do not pick, scratch, or bite warts
- Wear flip-flops in public pools, changing rooms, and showers
- Change socks daily and keep your feet dry
Diet and exercise
A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables helps keep your immune system strong, which may help your body fight off the virus. Exercise is fine. If walking is painful, choose low-impact activities like swimming or cycling until the wart improves.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Warts can be upsetting, especially if they are visible on the hands or face, and they may cause embarrassment or anxiety. It helps to remember that warts are very common and usually harmless. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or your doctor can provide reassurance.
Prevention
Warts are very common and cannot always be prevented, but some steps can reduce your chances.
Vaccines
There is a vaccine against certain types of HPV — the ones that cause most cervical cancers and some other cancers. This vaccine does not specifically prevent common hand or foot warts, but it is important for protection against high-risk HPV types. Talk to your doctor or local health service about what is recommended in your area.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening for warts. If you notice a new growth, keep an eye on it and get it looked at if it changes or bothers you.
Complications
If left untreated
- Warts can spread to other parts of your body or to other people, especially with direct contact
- Warts may grow larger or become more painful, particularly verrucas on the feet
- In very rare cases, a growth that does not heal could turn out to be another skin condition — which is why getting it checked is worthwhile
Long-term outlook
The outlook is very positive. Most warts clear up on their own within a few months to a couple of years, and many treatment options exist if they do not. Warts do not usually cause serious health problems, and most people are completely free of them in time.
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.