long lasting wart

Overview

A wart is a small, rough bump on the skin caused by a virus. A long-lasting wart is one that does not go away within a few months or keeps coming back after treatment. Warts are usually harmless, but they can be unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable.

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

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

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Small, rough, raised bump on the skin
• Hard, thickened skin with tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels)
• Pain or tenderness when pressed
• A wart on the sole of the foot may feel like a hard lump and can be painful when walking
• Warts may be flat (especially on the face or legs) or thread-like (around the eyes or neck)

Symptoms in children

• Warts often appear on the hands, fingers, or knees
• They may go unnoticed if they are not painful
• Children may feel embarrassed or bothered by the appearance

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts may appear on the face, neck, or hands
• Skin is thinner and healing may be slower
• Older adults may also develop other skin growths, so a doctor should check any new growth

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or surface
• Entering the virus through a scratch, cut, or wet, damaged skin

Risk factors

• Having cuts or scrapes on the skin
• Walking barefoot in pools, gyms, or locker rooms (for plantar warts)
• Sharing towels, razors, or other personal items
• Having a weakened immune system from illness or medication

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Seek same-day care if a wart becomes very painful, infected, or changes rapidly.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment if a wart has not gone away after a few months of home care
• If it spreads to other parts of the body
• If it causes embarrassment or interferes with daily activities
• If you are not sure the growth is actually a wart

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose a wart by looking at it. They will check the site, shape, and texture of the growth. Sometimes they use a small handheld lens called a dermatoscope to see the skin clearly.

Tests that may be done

• Visual examination is usually enough
• A skin biopsy (taking a tiny sample of the wart) may be done if the doctor is uncertain or if there is any concern about skin cancer

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will examine the wart and ask about your symptoms and health. They may look for other warts and recommend treatment based on your age, skin type, and where the wart is. You can ask questions and discuss your options.

Treatment

Treatment for a long-lasting wart aims to remove the wart and encourage your immune system to fight the virus. No single treatment works for everyone, and it may take several sessions. You should never try to cut off a wart yourself or apply strong acids without medical advice.

Self-care at home

• Keep the area clean and dry
• Do not pick, scratch, or bite the wart
• Wash your hands after touching a wart
• Cover the wart with a plaster if you are likely to bump it
• Ask your pharmacist about methods that freeze or soften warts — these are often available without a prescription

Medical treatments

A doctor can offer treatments such as freezing (cryotherapy), laser therapy, or prescription creams that help the immune system clear the wart. They may also use a minor electrical or chemical procedure. Always talk to your healthcare provider about which approach is safest and most suitable for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. If warts do not respond to other treatments, a doctor may recommend a minor procedure to cut out the wart or remove it with a laser. This is done under local anaesthetic, meaning the area is numbed and you remain awake.

Living with this condition

Living with a wart can be frustrating, but most warts are not harmful. If you are having treatment, follow the instructions given by your clinician and attend follow-up appointments. Be patient — warts can take weeks or months to clear.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid sharing towels, socks, shoes, or razors
• Wear flip-flops in communal showers and gym lockers
• Moisturise your skin to prevent cracks that let the virus in
• If you have a wart on your hand, wearing gloves may help during tasks that expose your skin

Diet and exercise

There is no proven diet that cures warts. Eating a balanced diet and staying active can help keep your immune system strong, which is your body’s best defence against the HPV virus.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Warts can be embarrassing and may affect your confidence, especially if they are visible. It is normal to feel self-conscious. Remember that warts are common and treatable. If you are feeling upset, stressed, or anxious about a wart, talk to your doctor or a trusted person about your feelings.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting a wart by avoiding direct skin contact with warts, keeping your skin healthy, and not sharing personal items. If you already have a wart, do not touch it — this can help stop it from spreading.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for common skin warts. However, the HPV vaccine, given to teenagers in some countries, protects against certain high-risk HPV types and genital warts. Ask your healthcare provider if it is suitable for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for common warts. Checking your skin regularly and seeing a doctor for any new or unusual growth is a good habit.

Complications

If left untreated

• Warts may spread to other parts of the body
• They may cause pain if located on the sole of the foot or near a nail
• In rare cases, a growth that looks like a wart could be something else — such as a mole or skin cancer — which is why a doctor should check it

Long-term outlook

Most long-lasting warts eventually clear up on their own, even without treatment, and many respond well to medical treatment. It may take time, but if you work with your healthcare provider, you have a very good chance of removal. Warts do not usually cause long-term health problems.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.