wart lifestyle tips for patients

Overview

Warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are usually harmless and often go away on their own, but they can be bothersome or embarrassing.

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

Warts can affect anyone, but they are more common in children and teenagers, and in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, rough bump on the skin
• Skin-colored, pink, or brown in color
• May have tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels)
• Often on hands, feet, or face
• Usually painless, but may hurt if on a weight-bearing area like the sole of the foot

Symptoms in children

• Warts in children are usually harmless and often disappear without treatment.
• They may appear on hands, knees, or face.

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts in older adults may take longer to clear and might need treatment.
• Some skin growths in older adults may resemble warts but need a doctor's review to rule out other conditions.

Causes

Main causes

• The human papillomavirus (HPV) enters through a break in the skin and causes the top layer to grow quickly, forming a wart.

Risk factors

• Having cuts or scrapes
• Picking at existing warts
• Walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools or locker rooms
• Using shared towels, razors, or other personal items
• Having a weakened immune system

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe pain, rapid growth, signs of infection, or a growth that bleeds easily.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If a wart persists for more than 2 years, changes color or shape, or you are concerned about a diagnosis, see a healthcare provider in a routine appointment.

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse can usually tell if a skin growth is a wart just by looking at it. In some cases, they may need to examine it with a special lens or take a small sample (biopsy) if the diagnosis is unclear.

Tests that may be done

• Visual examination
• Dermatoscopy (using a magnifying tool)
• Biopsy (taking a small tissue sample)

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis is quick and painless. The doctor will ask about your medical history and examine the skin growth.

Treatment

Treatment aims to remove the wart and boost the skin's immune response. Many warts clear without treatment, but if they are painful, spreading, or affecting your confidence, you can try home care or see a healthcare provider.

Self-care at home

• Wash your hands after touching a wart
• Cover warts with a plaster or bandage when swimming or doing sports
• Avoid picking, scratching, or cutting warts
• Try over-the-counter wart treatments from your pharmacy, following the instructions on the product
• Soak the wart in warm water and gently file with an emery board between treatments

Medical treatments

A healthcare provider can offer treatments such as freezing (cryotherapy), laser therapy, or prescribed topical medicines. Some people may have injections or immunotherapy to help the body fight the virus. Your provider will discuss the best option for your situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed, but it may be considered for warts that do not respond to other treatments. A provider can remove the wart using a small procedure under local anaesthetic.

Living with this condition

Living with warts is usually manageable. You can continue normal activities while taking steps to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep warts dry and clean
• Wear flip-flops in communal showers
• Don't share towels, razors, or shoes
• Use a separate towel for the affected area
• Be patient, as treatment can take weeks or months

Diet and exercise

There is no proven diet to cure warts, but eating a balanced diet and staying active supports your immune system, which helps fight off the virus.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Warts can sometimes cause embarrassment or worry. Remember they are very common and usually harmless. If you feel upset about how warts affect your appearance, talk to a healthcare provider or a trusted person. Support is available.

Prevention

You can lower your chances of getting or spreading warts by practicing good hygiene, avoiding skin contact with warts, and keeping your skin healthy and free of cuts.

Vaccines

There is a vaccine that protects against certain types of HPV that cause anal and genital warts, as well as some cancers. It is usually offered to teenagers, but you can ask your healthcare provider about it.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for skin warts. However, regular skin checks can help you notice any changes.

Complications

If left untreated

• Warts may spread to other parts of the body or to other people
• They may become painful or bleed
• Some warts can grow large and look unsightly

Long-term outlook

Most warts clear up on their own within a year or two. Even with treatment, they sometimes come back because the virus remains in the skin. However, most adults clear the virus over time. With patience and the right advice, you can manage warts effectively.

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