wart result meanings for patients

Overview

A wart is a small, rough growth on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is usually harmless and often goes away on its own over time.

Yes, warts are very common. Many people get them at some point in their lives.

Warts can affect people of all ages, but they are most common in children and teenagers. People with weakened immune systems may get warts more often.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, raised, rough bump on the skin
• Flesh-colored, white, pink, or tan
• May have tiny black dots (seeds) that are actually small clotted blood vessels
• Painless, unless located on a pressure point like the sole of the foot

Symptoms in children

• Warts in children often appear on the hands, fingers, and knees
• They may also appear on the face and around the nails

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts may be larger or more persistent in older adults
• Can be more likely to bleed or become irritated due to thinner skin

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or scrapes

Risk factors

• Direct skin contact with a wart on another person
• Walking barefoot in public places like pools or locker rooms
• Having a weakened immune system (due to illness or medication)
• Biting your nails or picking at hangnails

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Wart that becomes very painful, changes color, or starts bleeding
• Wart that grows rapidly or spreads to many areas

Book a routine appointment if:

• If a wart bothers you, causes embarrassment, or does not go away after a few months
• If you are not sure the growth is a wart (for example, it could be a skin tag or mole)

Diagnosis

Healthcare providers usually diagnose warts just by looking at them. In rare cases, a small piece of the wart may be taken and checked under a microscope (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other skin growths.

Tests that may be done

• Visual examination
• Dermatoscopy (using a special magnifying tool)
• Biopsy (rarely needed)

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis is quick and painless. Your doctor will look at the wart and ask about your symptoms. If a biopsy is done, the area will be numbed first.

Treatment

Many warts go away without treatment, but if a wart is painful, spreading, or bothersome, treatments are available. Talk to your healthcare provider about which option might be best for you.

Self-care at home

• Use over-the-counter wart treatments containing salicylic acid (follow the instructions carefully)
• Soak the wart in warm water before applying treatment
• File the top of the wart gently with a pumice stone or emery board between treatments
• Keep the area clean and avoid touching the wart to stop it from spreading

Medical treatments

A healthcare provider can treat warts with cryotherapy (freezing), laser treatment, or prescription creams that help the immune system fight the virus. These treatments may need multiple sessions.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery to cut out a wart is rarely needed. It may be considered for very large or stubborn warts that do not respond to other treatments.

Living with this condition

Most people with warts can go about their normal lives without any changes. Avoid picking at the wart to prevent spreading the virus to other parts of your body or to other people.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands after touching a wart
• Do not share towels, razors, or shoes with others if you have a wart
• Keep warts covered with a bandage if you are in contact with shared surfaces

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and staying active can help keep your immune system strong, which may help your body fight the wart virus more effectively.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a wart, especially on a visible area, can sometimes make people feel self-conscious. Remember that warts are very common and usually not a sign of anything serious. If it bothers you, treatment may help.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of warts by avoiding direct contact with warts on other people, not walking barefoot in public places, and keeping your skin clean and dry. If you have a wart, do not pick it or bite your nails.

Vaccines

The HPV vaccine protects against some types of HPV that cause genital warts and certain cancers. It is not routinely used for common skin warts.

Screening programmes

There is no screening test for common skin warts. If you notice a new growth on your skin that looks like a wart, you can show it to your doctor during a regular checkup.

Complications

If left untreated

• Warts can spread to other parts of your body or to other people
• Some warts may become painful or irritated, especially if they are on a pressure area

Long-term outlook

The outlook for warts is very good. Most warts, even if not treated, will eventually go away on their own. Treatment can speed up this process. Very few warts lead to any serious health problems.

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