Warts
Warts are small, rough skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These benign growths can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the hands, feet, face, and genitals. Different types of warts affect different parts of the body and have distinct appearances. Common warts typically appear on the hands, plantar warts on the soles of the feet, flat warts on the face and legs, and genital warts in the genital area. While warts are generally harmless, they can be cosmetically bothersome, painful (especially plantar warts), or embarrassing. They are contagious through direct contact or shared items, though not everyone exposed to the virus develops warts, as individual immune response plays a significant role.
Get Expert Care Today
Connect with our specialists for personalized treatment and diagnosis
What Causes It?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection - Over 100 different types of HPV can cause different types of warts.
Direct skin-to-skin contact - Touching someone's warts or surfaces with the virus.
Indirect contact - Using objects or surfaces touched by someone with warts, like towels, razors, or shower floors.
Broken skin - Cuts, scrapes, or other skin damage makes it easier for the virus to enter.
Weakened immune system - Conditions like HIV/AIDS or medications that suppress immunity increase vulnerability.
Moisture and warmth - Create environments where the virus thrives, like swimming pools or locker rooms.
Personal susceptibility - Some people are more prone to developing warts than others when exposed to HPV.
Nail biting or cuticle picking - Can spread warts from hands to mouth or between fingers.
Shaving - Can spread the virus to other areas or create entry points for infection.
Close contact sports - Wrestling or other activities with skin-to-skin contact increase transmission risk.
Signs & Symptoms
Small, rough bump on the skin - Size can vary from pinhead to pea-sized or larger.
Grainy texture with a pattern of tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels).
Skin-colored, white, pink, tan, or slightly darker than surrounding skin.
Pain or tenderness, especially with plantar warts on weight-bearing areas of feet.
Itching or bleeding with irritation or injury to the wart.
Specific symptoms by wart type:
Common warts: Rough, raised bumps usually on fingers, hands, knees, or elbows.
Plantar warts: Grow inward on the soles of feet, causing pain when walking.
Flat warts: Small, smooth growths that appear in clusters on face, legs, or back of hands.
Filiform warts: Thread-like growths usually around the mouth, nose, or beard area.
Periungual warts: Appear around or under fingernails and toenails, can affect nail growth.
Genital warts: Soft, flesh-colored growths in the genital region, may be flat or cauliflower-shaped.
Mosaic warts: Clusters of plantar warts grouped closely together.
How We Diagnose
Our specialists use advanced diagnostic methods to accurately identify and assess your condition
Visual Examination
A dermatologist can usually diagnose warts by their characteristic appearance. They may use a dermatoscope (a special magnifying instrument) to examine the wart more closely and look for tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels typical of warts.
Paring Test
The doctor may gently scrape off the top layer of the wart to look for the black dots (thrombosed capillaries) that distinguish warts from other skin growths like corns or calluses.
Biopsy
In uncertain cases or when there is concern about other conditions (like skin cancer), a small piece of the growth may be removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
Vinegar Solution Test
For genital warts, applying a vinegar solution (acetic acid) may turn HPV-infected areas white, helping to identify warts that might not be visible to the naked eye.
HPV Typing
In some cases, especially with genital warts or persistent cases, tests may be done to identify the specific HPV type causing the warts, which can help guide treatment and understand potential risks.
Treatment Options
Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and condition
Watchful Waiting
Many warts, especially in children, resolve on their own within 1-2 years as the immune system eventually recognizes and fights the virus. This approach avoids the pain and potential scarring of treatments.
Salicylic Acid
Available over-the-counter as liquids, gels, pads, or patches, these products gradually dissolve the wart when applied consistently, usually daily for several weeks to months. Often combined with physical removal of dead skin between applications.
Cryotherapy
A procedure where the dermatologist freezes the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing a blister to form around and under the wart, which eventually falls off. May require multiple sessions for complete removal.
Electrosurgery and Curettage
The wart is first dried using an electric needle (electrodesiccation) and then scraped off with a curette. This procedure is usually used for common warts, particularly when other treatments have failed.
Laser Treatment
Pulsed-dye laser therapy burns and destroys tiny blood vessels within the wart, causing it to die. CO2 laser can also be used to vaporize the wart tissue. These approaches are typically reserved for persistent warts that haven't responded to other treatments.
Immunotherapy
These treatments stimulate the body's immune system to fight the virus. Methods include topical sensitizers like diphencyprone (DPCP), intralesional injections like Candida antigen, or prescription medications like imiquimod that enhance the immune response against HPV.
Bleomycin Injection
This anti-cancer medication can be injected directly into a wart to kill the virus-infected cells. It's typically used for stubborn warts that haven't responded to other treatments.
Home Remedies
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Salicylic acid products (liquids, gels, pads) applied consistently according to package instructions. Soak the wart in warm water for 5-10 minutes, then gently file away dead skin with an emery board or pumice stone before applying the treatment. Cover with a bandage and repeat daily.
Duct Tape Method
Cover the wart with duct tape for six days, then remove the tape, soak the area in water, and gently scrape with a pumice stone or emery board. Leave the wart uncovered overnight and reapply tape the next morning. Repeat for several weeks, though scientific evidence for this method is mixed.
Prevent Spreading
Don't scratch or pick at warts to prevent spreading the virus to other parts of your body or to others. Cover warts with waterproof bandages when swimming or using communal showers. Use separate towels, washcloths, and razors from other household members.
Foot Care for Plantar Warts
Wear comfortable shoes and socks to reduce pressure and friction on plantar warts. Consider using cushioning pads or insoles designed specifically for plantar warts to relieve pain when walking. Keep feet clean and dry.
Boost Immune Function
Maintain overall health through balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management to support your body's natural ability to fight the HPV virus. Consider vitamin supplements like zinc or vitamin A after consulting with your doctor.
Apple Cider Vinegar Application
Though scientific evidence is limited, some find this helpful: Soak a cotton ball in diluted apple cider vinegar, apply to the wart, and cover with a bandage overnight. Remove in the morning, clean the area, and repeat daily. This may cause mild burning or irritation.
Tea Tree Oil
Apply a drop of tea tree oil directly to the wart and cover with a bandage. Repeat twice daily. Always dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin, and discontinue if irritation occurs. Scientific evidence for this remedy is limited.
Prevention Tips
Avoid direct contact with warts, both your own and those on others.
Don't share personal items like towels, razors, socks, or shoes.
Wear flip-flops or waterproof sandals in communal showers, locker rooms, and around swimming pools.
Keep hands clean and wash thoroughly after touching your own warts.
Cover cuts or breaks in the skin to prevent HPV from entering.
Keep skin dry as moisture can increase the risk of HPV infection.
Avoid biting nails or picking at hangnails, which can create entry points for the virus.
Change socks daily and alternate shoes to allow them to dry completely between uses.
For genital wart prevention, consider HPV vaccination, practice safe sex, and limit sexual partners.
Strengthen your immune system through healthy lifestyle choices.
Clean and disinfect personal grooming tools after use, especially if you have warts.
Avoid shaving over areas with warts to prevent spreading them.
Keep communal surfaces clean in households where someone has warts.
Surgical Solutions
Advanced surgical procedures performed by our expert specialists
Cryosurgery
A procedure where liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the wart, causing the cells to die and the wart to eventually fall off. The procedure is quick but may cause some discomfort and blistering. Multiple treatments are often needed, usually 2-3 weeks apart. This is one of the most common professional treatments for warts.
Electrosurgery and Curettage
Electrosurgery uses an electrical current to burn off the wart tissue, while curettage involves scraping away the wart with a sharp instrument called a curette. Often these techniques are used together. Local anesthesia is applied first to prevent pain. This procedure is effective for common warts and may leave a small scar.
Laser Surgery
Different types of lasers can be used to remove warts by destroying the small blood vessels that nourish them. Pulsed-dye laser targets the blood vessels without damaging surrounding tissue, while CO2 laser vaporizes the wart tissue directly. These approaches are typically used for persistent warts that haven't responded to other treatments.
Surgical Excision
For larger or resistant warts, the dermatologist may cut out (excise) the wart tissue. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and may leave a scar. Surgical excision ensures complete removal but is generally reserved for cases where other treatments have failed or for warts in sensitive locations.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our specialists are here to provide expert care for warts. Schedule your consultation today.
📞 Available Hours
Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM