Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) — one of the most common skin infections, affecting 7–10% of people during their lifetime. While most resolve spontaneously, many cause embarrassment and require treatment. The ClinicsJo Editorial Team reviews the types and treatments.
What Are Warts?
Warts are small skin growths caused by HPV. They spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surface (wet floors, shared shoes, razors). Incubation period: 2–6 months.
Types of Warts
1. Common Warts
On hands and fingers; rough, gray or brown. The most common type, especially in children.
2. Flat Warts
Small and smooth, on the face and legs. Common in children and adolescents.
3. Plantar Warts
On the soles of the feet; grow inward under pressure, causing pain on walking. Resemble a "fish-eye" texture.
4. Filiform Warts
Long and thread-like, around the eyes, mouth, and nose.
5. Genital Warts
Sexually transmitted. HPV types 6 and 11. Require specialized treatment.
6. Periungual Warts
Around and under the nails; difficult to treat.
Risk Factors
- Cut or cracked skin.
- Weakened immunity.
- Walking barefoot in public areas (pools, gyms).
- Sharing personal items.
- Nail biting (creates wounds).
- Children (still-developing immune system).
Diagnosis
Clinical in most cases. The doctor differentiates warts from:
- Plantar callus.
- Moles.
- Skin cancer.
- Corns.
Biopsy may be needed if cancer is suspected.
Treatments
1. Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen)
The most common. Freezes the wart at -196°C, destroying its cells. 2–4 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart. Slightly painful but effective.
2. Topical Salicylic Acid
Cream or patch that gradually dissolves infected skin. Several weeks. A good option for children.
3. Electrocautery
Burns the wart with an electric current after local anesthesia. Fast but may leave a small scar.
4. CO2 or Pulsed Dye Laser
For resistant warts or sensitive areas. More precise, less scarring.
5. Bleomycin Injection
Direct injection of medication into the wart. For stubborn warts.
6. Imiquimod 5%
An immune-stimulating cream. Useful for genital and flat warts.
7. Cantharidin
An in-office liquid that creates a blister beneath the wart. Painless on application.
8. Intralesional Immunotherapy
Injections that stimulate the immune system to fight the virus.
Medical tip: Don't try to remove warts yourself by cutting or burning — this spreads the virus to other parts of your body and risks infection. Visit a dermatologist.
Genital Warts — A Special Case
Require special attention because certain HPV types (16, 18) are linked to cervical cancer. Recommendations:
- Check your partner.
- Annual Pap smear for women.
- Gardasil 9 vaccine (ideally before sexual debut).
- Treatment with chemicals (podophyllin, trichloroacetic acid) or laser.
When to See a Doctor
- A painful wart.
- A wart that bleeds or changes shape.
- A wart on the face or sensitive area.
- Multiple or spreading warts.
- Genital warts.
- A wart unresponsive to home treatment.
- Doubt that it's actually a wart.
Prevention
- Wash hands thoroughly.
- Don't walk barefoot in public wet areas.
- Don't share personal items (towels, razors).
- Don't bite your nails.
- Cover warts during sports to prevent spread.
- Maintain immune health (sleep, nutrition, exercise).
- HPV vaccine to prevent genital warts and cervical cancer.
If you have stubborn or multiple warts, book an appointment with a dermatologist on ClinicsJo for optimal treatment.
