Warts: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Warts, popularly known by various local names, are small, rough-textured, benign (non-cancerous) skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus. The virus enters the skin through small cracks or scratches and stimulates rapid cell growth in the surface layer, so the wart appears. They are very common, especially in children and adolescents, and spread by direct contact with another person's wart or through contaminated surfaces (such as pool floors and public bathrooms), and a person may spread them on their own body by scratching or shaving.

Warts have types and shapes by their location: common warts often appear on the hands and fingers as rough growths; plantar warts appear on the sole of the foot and grow inward due to pressure, causing pain when walking; flat warts are smaller and smoother and appear in large numbers on the face or legs; and there are types that appear around the nails or in the genital areas (the latter requiring special medical evaluation). Most warts are harmless and cause no symptoms other than their appearance, and many resolve on their own over months to years as the body develops immunity to the virus, especially in children.

Many warts need no treatment and can be left to disappear on their own, but treatment may be desired if they are painful, widespread, cosmetically bothersome, or do not disappear. Options include topical treatments (such as salicylic-acid preparations that dissolve the wart gradually with regular use), freezing with liquid nitrogen, cautery, laser, or other procedures done by a dermatologist. Some may need more than one session, and warts may return because treatment removes the wart but does not always eliminate the virus. It is important to avoid spreading warts: not scratching or picking them, covering them, not sharing personal items, and wearing footwear in humid public places.

• Small, rough skin growths (common on the hands).
• Painful plantar warts on the sole of the foot when walking.
• Small flat warts in large numbers on the face or legs.
• Often painless apart from appearance (except plantar warts).

• The human papillomavirus entering the skin through small cracks.
• Transmission by direct contact or via contaminated surfaces (pools, public bathrooms).
• Self-spread by scratching or shaving.

• Diagnosis is often clinical from the wart's shape and location.
• Sometimes a closer examination or biopsy when in doubt.
• Special medical evaluation for genital warts.

May need no treatment

• Many resolve on their own, especially in children.

When treatment is desired

• Topical treatments (salicylic acid) with regular use.
• Freezing with liquid nitrogen, cautery, laser, or other procedures by a dermatologist.

Some may need more than one session and warts may return. This content is educational and does not replace consulting a dermatologist.

• Pain in plantar warts when walking.
• Spread to one's own body or to others.
• A secondary infection or scar with intense scratching or improper treatment.

• Not scratching or picking warts and covering them.
• Not sharing personal items and towels.
• Wearing footwear in humid public places (pools, bathrooms).