wart specialist tests overview

Overview

Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus. They are usually harmless and often go away on their own over time.

Yes, warts are very common, especially in children and young adults.

Anyone can get warts, but they occur most often in children, people with weakened immune systems, and those who frequently use public showers or pools.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, rough bump on the skin
• Flesh-colored, white, pink, or tan
• May have tiny black dots that look like seeds (clotted blood vessels)
• Usually painless, but may be tender if on a pressure area like the foot

Symptoms in children

• Same as common symptoms
• Often appear on hands, face, and knees
• Can spread easily if scratched or picked

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts are less common after age 50
• May take longer to go away
• Any new skin growth should be checked by a doctor to rule out other conditions

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Direct skin-to-skin contact with a wart
• Touching surfaces that have the virus, such as gym floors, towels, or razors

Risk factors

• Weakened immune system (due to illness or medication)
• Cuts, scratches, or bites on the skin
• Biting nails or picking at hangnails
• Walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools or locker rooms

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A wart that changes color, shape, or size
• A wart that bleeds or becomes very painful
• A wart that does not go away after home treatment

Book a routine appointment if:

• Warts that are bothersome or embarrassing
• Multiple warts that spread to other areas
• Warts on the face, genitals, or other sensitive areas

Diagnosis

Your doctor can usually diagnose a wart by looking at it. Sometimes they use a special magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. If there is uncertainty, they may remove a small piece of the wart (biopsy) and send it to a lab.

Tests that may be done

• Visual examination
• Dermatoscopy (using a magnifying lens to see the skin in detail)
• Skin biopsy (removing a small sample for lab testing)

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine the wart. No special preparation is needed. The exam is quick and painless. If a biopsy is needed, you will receive a numbing injection so you feel minimal discomfort.

Treatment

Most warts go away without treatment, but it can take months or years. Treatments aim to remove the wart or stimulate your immune system to fight the virus. No single treatment works for everyone.

Self-care at home

• Over-the-counter wart removal products (follow package directions carefully)
• Covering the wart with duct tape for several days (some studies suggest it may help)
• Keeping the area clean and dry to prevent spread

Medical treatments

A doctor can apply treatments such as cryotherapy (freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen), laser therapy, or prescription creams that boost the immune system. These may require multiple visits. No specific brand or dosage is recommended here.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. A doctor may consider minor surgery if other treatments have failed and the wart is causing significant symptoms.

Living with this condition

Warts are not usually a serious health issue. You can continue your normal activities. Avoid picking or scratching warts to prevent them from spreading to other parts of your body or to other people.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching a wart
• Do not share towels, razors, socks, or shoes with others
• Wear flip-flops or water shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and pool areas

Diet and exercise

Eating a healthy, balanced diet supports your immune system, which may help your body fight the virus. No specific diet has been proven to cure warts.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Warts can be embarrassing, especially when they appear on visible areas like the hands or face. This is normal. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if warts affect your confidence or daily life.

Prevention

It is not always possible to prevent warts, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding direct contact with warts, keeping your skin healthy and free of cuts, and practicing good hygiene.

Vaccines

There is a vaccine that protects against some types of HPV that cause genital warts and certain cancers. It does not prevent common skin warts. Ask your doctor if the HPV vaccine is right for you or your children.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for common skin warts.

Complications

If left untreated

• Warts may spread to other parts of your own body
• Warts may spread to other people through contact
• Very rarely, a wart may become infected or, in extremely rare cases, develop into a type of skin cancer (this is not a concern for typical warts)

Long-term outlook

Most warts go away on their own within a few years even without treatment. Treatments can speed up removal. Warts are usually harmless and do not cause serious health problems. The outlook is excellent.

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