Warts

What are Warts?

Warts are small, rough skin growths caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on hands, fingers, feet (verrucas), and face.

They are usually harmless, but can be painful, unsightly, or spread to others.

Causes

• HPV infection – virus enters through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin
• Direct contact – touching an infected person or surface
• Weakened immune system – increases susceptibility
• Warm, moist environments – public showers, gyms, or swimming pools
• Skin trauma – areas prone to friction or minor injuries are more at risk

Symptoms / Appearance

• Small, rough bumps on the skin
• Colour: flesh-toned, white, pink, or brown
• Raised or flat depending on type of wart
• Black dots in the centre (clotted blood vessels, common in plantar warts)
• Pain or tenderness, especially on weight-bearing areas like feet
• Can appear alone or in clusters

Common Types:

• Common warts (Verruca vulgaris) – hands, fingers
• Plantar warts (Verruca plantaris) – soles of the feet
• Flat warts – face, neck, or legs, often multiple
• Filiform warts – thread-like growths, often on face

Treatments

Professional Treatments

• Cryotherapy – freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen
• Salicylic acid – prescription-strength topical treatment
• Laser therapy – destroys wart tissue and blood vessels
• Curettage / surgical removal – for resistant warts
• Immunotherapy – stimulates the body to fight the virus

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At-Home Care

• Over-the-counter salicylic acid treatments
• Protect warts from friction and trauma
• Keep affected area clean and dry
• Avoid picking or scratching to prevent spread

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Prevention

• Avoid direct contact with warts on others or contaminated surfaces
• Wear footwear in communal areas (showers, pools)
• Do not share towels, razors, or shoes
• Boost immune health – sleep, diet, exercise
• Cover warts when swimming to reduce contagion

FAQs

Q1. Are warts contagious?
Yes – they can spread through direct skin contact or contaminated surfaces.

Q2. Do warts go away on their own?
Many warts resolve naturally within months to a couple of years, but treatment speeds up healing and reduces spread.

Q3. Can I remove a wart at home?
Mild warts can be treated with OTC salicylic acid, but persistent or painful warts should be professionally treated.

Q4. Can warts return?
Yes – the virus may remain in the skin, and new warts can develop nearby.

Q5. Who is most at risk?
Children, teenagers, people with weakened immune systems, or frequent exposure to communal, moist environments.