Are the black dots in a wart its roots?

No; the black dots that may appear in some warts are blood vessels, not roots under the skin. They can look like small seeds, which is why this misconception is common. These dots alone are not enough to diagnose any skin growth; some other conditions may resemble a wart, so it is preferable to have the skin examined if you are unsure before starting home treatment [3].

Warts are caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which causes abnormal cell growth on the skin's surface. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but they are particularly common on the hands and feet [1].

What do the black dots in a wart mean?

The American Academy of Dermatology describes the dark dots that may be seen in warts as blood vessels. Common warts may appear rough and raised above the skin surface, while the pressure of walking may push a plantar wart inward beneath the thicker skin on the sole of the foot [3]. These dots are part of the wart's own structure and are not "roots" in the sense some people imagine, as warts do not possess a deep root system like plants. Instead, warts grow in the top layers of the skin [1].

Common types of warts where black dots appear

Black dots appear particularly in two main types of warts:

• Common warts: Often appear on the fingers and hands, and have a rough texture [1].
• Plantar warts: Appear on the soles of the feet, may be painful when walking due to pressure, and often contain visible black dots [1] [3].

Warts can also appear in other locations, such as flat warts that appear in areas that are frequently shaved, and genital warts that are transmitted through sexual contact [1].

Wart treatment options

Although warts may disappear on their own, especially in children, they tend to persist in adults and may multiply or cause pain or discomfort [1]. There are several ways to remove warts, including:

• Topical chemical treatments: Use chemicals to gradually peel away the wart.
• Cryotherapy: The wart is frozen using liquid nitrogen to destroy the tissue. This procedure may cause some discomfort and may require several sessions [2]. After treatment, the area may appear red and a blister may form, followed by a scab that falls off within 1 to 3 weeks [2].
• Laser therapy or surgery: These methods are used to remove stubborn or large warts [1].

It is important to consult a dermatologist to determine the best treatment option based on the type, location, and size of the wart. A doctor can help diagnose the wart and ensure there are no other skin conditions requiring different attention. To learn more about types of warts and their treatment, you can visit Cutaneous Warts: Their Types and Treatment for Hands and Feet (Arabic).

When should you see a doctor?

It is advised to see a doctor if warts are painful, multiplying, causing significant discomfort, or if they do not disappear after home treatment. You should also see a doctor if there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge in the treated area [2]. It is important not to attempt to remove warts yourself using unsafe methods to avoid infection or scarring.

Medical references

• Warts
• Cryotherapy for the skin
• Warts: Signs and symptoms