wart risk reduction

Overview

A wart is a small, rough growth on the skin, caused by a virus. They are usually harmless and often go away on their own. The virus enters through tiny cuts or broken skin, and most people will have one at some point in their lives.

Yes, warts are extremely common. Most people will develop at least one wart at some point.

Anyone can get warts, but they are most common in children, young adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, rough, raised bumps on the skin.
• Skin growths that can appear on hands, fingers, feet, knees, or face.
• Tiny black dots on the surface (these are small blood vessels).
• A hard, thickened area of skin on the sole of the foot (plantar wart), which can be painful when walking.

Symptoms in children

• Warts in children usually appear on the hands, knees, or face.
• They often shrink or disappear on their own without treatment.
• Children may be more likely to pick at warts, which can spread them.

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts may look smoother or flatter in older adults.
• They can appear on the face, neck, or hands.
• Older skin may take longer to heal, so warts may persist longer.

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
• The virus enters the skin through small cuts, scrapes, or cracks.
• Direct skin-to-skin contact with a wart or the virus shed from a wart.
• Walking barefoot in warm, damp public places like swimming pools or shared showers.

Risk factors

• Having broken or damaged skin.
• Being a child or teenager.
• Biting nails or picking at skin around the fingers.
• Sharing towels, razors, or other personal items with someone who has a wart.
• Using public showers or walking barefoot in communal areas.
• Having a weakened immune system (for example, after an organ transplant or while on certain medications).

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A wart that becomes painful, bleeds easily, or shows signs of infection.
• A wart that changes its appearance, especially in an older adult.
• If you are not sure the growth is actually a wart.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If a wart is causing embarrassment or affecting your daily life.
• If a wart persists for more than two years despite home care.
• If you have a weakened immune system and develop warts.

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse can usually diagnose a wart just by looking at it. Occasionally, they may use a small handheld magnifying device called a dermatoscope to see the skin more clearly.

Tests that may be done

• Usually there are no tests needed.
• In rare cases, if the growth looks unusual, a small sample (biopsy) may be sent to a lab.

What to expect at your appointment

The examination is quick and painless. The doctor will look at the area, ask a few questions about how long the growth has been there, and let you know if it is a wart or something else.

Treatment

There is no treatment that works for every wart, but many warts clear on their own. Treatment can help them go away faster, but it may take several weeks or months. Your healthcare provider can recommend the most suitable approach based on the type, location, and your skin history.

Self-care at home

• Do not pick, scratch, or bite a wart, as this can spread the virus to other parts of your body.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Cover the wart with a plaster or tape to help prevent spreading.
• Wash your hands after touching a wart.
• Use over-the-counter wart treatments from a pharmacist, but always follow the instructions carefully and ask the pharmacist if you are unsure.

Medical treatments

Doctors can offer treatments such as cryotherapy (freezing), prescription creams or solutions that help remove the wart, laser therapy, or treatments that boost the skin's immune response. These are done by a qualified healthcare professional and are chosen depending on the age of the person and the size, location, and number of warts. Your doctor will explain the options and any possible side effects.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for warts. It may be considered if a wart is very large, painful, or has not responded to other treatments. Surgical removal should always be performed by a qualified dermatologist or surgeon.

Living with this condition

Living with a wart is usually straightforward. The most important things are to keep your hands clean, avoid picking or scratching the wart, and protect others by not sharing towels, shoes, or other personal items. You can still go swimming, but wear flip-flops in communal showers to protect both others and yourself.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and pool decks.
• Do not share towels, socks, or shoes with anyone.
• Keep skin well moisturised to avoid cracks and cuts.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching a wart.

Diet and exercise

There is no specific diet to make warts go away, but eating a balanced diet and staying physically active helps keep your immune system strong, which may help your body clear the virus on its own.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

For some people, warts can cause embarrassment or self-consciousness, especially when they are on visible areas like the hands or face. Remember that warts are very common, not a sign of poor hygiene, and most are treatable. If you feel worried, talking to your doctor can help you find a solution.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting warts by avoiding direct skin contact with warts, keeping your skin healthy and free of cuts, wearing footwear in public showers, and not sharing personal items. There is no way to completely prevent them, but these steps help.

Vaccines

The HPV vaccine protects against some types of HPV that cause cervical cancers and can also help protect against the strains linked to genital warts. However, it does not protect against all strains that cause common skin warts. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether the HPV vaccine is appropriate for you or your child.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for common skin warts. If you notice a new growth, it is a good idea to have it checked by a doctor to be sure it is not something else.

Complications

If left untreated

• Warts may spread to other parts of the body.
• They can be passed to other people through skin contact.
• Plantar warts (on the soles of your feet) can become painful when left untreated.
• In people with a weakened immune system, warts may grow larger, multiply, and be harder to clear.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. Most warts go away on their own within two years, and almost all warts can be successfully removed with treatment if they are causing problems. Even if they come back, they usually remain harmless and can be treated again.

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