What Are Warts?
Warts are common skin growths caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can develop almost anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, face, and around the nails. Some warts are small and smooth, while others feel rough or raised.
Warts develop after HPV enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks. Although warts are usually harmless, they can spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact or shared items such as towels, razors, or shoes.
You may have a higher chance of developing warts if you:
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have close contact with someone who has warts
- Walk barefoot in locker rooms or pool areas
- Bite your nails or pick at your skin
Symptoms
Warts can look different depending on where they appear and the type of HPV involved. Some people may have a single wart, while others develop several at once.
Common symptoms may include:
- Rough or raised bumps on the skin
- Small flat growths on the face, hands, or legs
- Thickened skin on the palms or soles of the feet
- Pain or tenderness when walking on plantar warts
- Cracked or irritated skin around the nails
- Clusters of small growths
How Are Warts Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can usually diagnose warts by examining the skin. During the visit, they may ask about your symptoms, how long the growths have been present, and whether they have changed over time.
In some cases, a dermatologist may gently scrape the wart or perform a small biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.
How Are Warts Treated?
Many warts go away on their own over time, especially in children. When treatment is needed, providers often begin with simple, noninvasive options.
Treatment may include:
- Over-the-counter salicylic acid products
- Prescription creams or topical medications
- Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
- Minor procedures to remove the wart
- Laser treatment for stubborn or recurring warts
- Immunotherapy to help the body fight the virus
Plantar warts and periungual warts may take longer to treat because of their location. Genital warts should always be evaluated by a medical professional because they can spread through sexual contact and may be linked to certain cancers.
Even after successful treatment, warts can sometimes return or new ones may develop nearby.
