wart on one side

Overview

A wart is a small, rough growth on the skin caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts can appear on any part of the body, including the hands, feet, and face. The phrase 'wart on one side' may refer to a wart that appears on one side of your body, such as one foot or one hand. This is common and does not mean anything unusual. Warts are usually harmless and often go away on their own, but they can be treated if they bother you.

Yes, warts are very common. Many people get warts at some point in their lives, especially children and teenagers.

Warts can affect anyone, but they are most common in children, young adults, and people with weakened immune systems. They also happen more often in people who use public showers or pools, or who have close contact with someone who has warts.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A small, rough, raised bump on the skin
• A wart may have tiny black dots (these are tiny blood vessels)
• Warts can be flesh-colored, white, pink, or brown
• Pain or tenderness when you press on the wart, especially on the feet
• Warts can appear singly or in groups

Symptoms in children

• Warts are very common in children, especially on the hands and knees
• Kids may pick at warts, which can spread them to other parts of the body
• Most warts in children go away without treatment within two years

Symptoms in older adults

• Warts may be less common in older adults, but they can still occur
• Older adults may have slower skin healing, so warts may last longer
• Any new or changing skin growth should be checked by a doctor to rule out other skin conditions

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Direct contact with the skin of someone who has a wart
• Walking barefoot on dirty surfaces like locker room floors or around public pools
• Minor cuts or scrapes on the skin that let the virus enter

Risk factors

• Being a child or teenager
• Having a weakened immune system (from illness or medicines)
• Using shared showers or bathhouses
• Having skin-to-skin contact with someone who has warts
• Biting your nails or picking at hangnails, which can expose skin to the virus

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A wart that causes extreme pain or interferes with walking
• A wart with signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever)
• A wart that changes in size, shape, or color in a concerning way

Book a routine appointment if:

• A wart that does not go away after home treatment or after a long time
• A wart that spreads to other parts of the body
• A wart on your face, genitals, or mouth
• A wart that is bothersome for cosmetic reasons

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose a wart by looking at it. They may use a magnifying lens and may gently scrape the surface to look for tiny black dots, which are common in warts.

Tests that may be done

• Visual examination of the growth
• Sometimes a skin biopsy (removing a small piece of the wart for lab testing) if there is any doubt
• Tests for HPV DNA are not usually needed for typical skin warts

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and how long the growth has been there. They will inspect the area and may feel the surface. This is a quick, painless office visit. If a biopsy is needed, you will receive local anesthesia and be sent home with care instructions.

Treatment

Many warts go away without treatment, especially in children. But treatment can help speed up removal and reduce spreading. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Treatments work by removing the wart or boosting your immune system to fight the virus. A doctor may recommend a combination of methods.

Self-care at home

• Wash your hands well after touching a wart
• Keep the wart and the skin around it clean and dry
• Avoid picking or scratching the wart, which can spread the virus
• Cover the wart with a bandage or tape to reduce spread to others
• Wear socks or flip-flops in public showers and pools to avoid plantar warts

Medical treatments

A doctor can offer treatments such as freezing the wart (cryotherapy), using a mild acid solution, laser treatment, or topical creams that help the immune system clear the wart. Your doctor might also suggest applying a chemical that causes a blister, or removing the wart with a small procedure. The choice depends on the type, location, and size of the wart, and your preferences. Always ask your doctor about the risks and benefits.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually not needed for most warts. It may be considered for warts that have not responded to other treatments, or if a wart is very large and causing pain. Surgical options include cutting the wart out or using a laser. Discuss these with your dermatologist.

Living with this condition

You can live normally with a wart. The key is to avoid spreading it to other parts of your body or to other people. Wash your hands often, keep the wart covered, and do not share towels, razors, or socks.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not bite your nails or pick at the wart
• Wear clean socks and shoes, especially if you have plantar warts
• Use a separate towel for the wart and wash it in hot water
• After touching the wart, sanitize your hands or wash with soap and water

Diet and exercise

There is no specific diet that cures warts. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables helps keep your immune system strong, which may help your body fight the virus. Continue with your normal exercise routine; just keep any wart covered if it is on an area prone to rubbing.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Warts can cause embarrassment or self-consciousness, especially when they are visible. It is normal to feel this way. Remember that warts are common, harmless, and treatable. If a wart is affecting your confidence, talk to a doctor about treatment options or counseling for body image concerns.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting warts by avoiding direct contact with warts on others, keeping your skin healthy and moisturized, and not walking barefoot in damp public areas like showers and locker rooms.

Vaccines

The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk types of HPV that can cause certain cancers and some genital warts. It does not protect against all types of warts on the hands and feet. Talk to your doctor about whether the HPV vaccine is right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for skin warts. However, if you notice any new or changing skin growth, it's wise to have it checked by a healthcare professional.

Complications

If left untreated

• Warts can spread to other parts of the body or to other people
• Warts may become painful or itchy, especially if they are in areas of pressure like the feet
• Some warts can bleed or become infected if they are scratched or picked at
• Rarely, warts may grow larger or multiply
• In people with weakened immune systems, warts may be more difficult to clear and can persist for years

Long-term outlook

Most warts are harmless and clear up on their own within two years. With treatment, warts often go away sooner. Even if a wart comes back, it is not a sign of a serious problem. Doctors have many safe and effective ways to treat warts, so you have good options.

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