What warts are and where they come from
Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 200 types of this virus, and different types affect different areas of skin. It spreads by direct skin contact or through contaminated surfaces, especially when the skin is wet or damaged. A wart may not appear right after infection but weeks or months later. In many people the immune system clears the virus and the warts go within months or years. In some, however, they stay and spread.
Warts on the hands and fingers
Common warts are firm, rough bumps, most often on the fingers, palms, knuckles and knees. New ones sometimes appear nearby. If a whole group of warts grows together, they are called mosaic warts. Do not bite or cut warts, especially near the nails: the virus spreads easily to other areas and the skin gets damaged.
Warts on the sole and heel (plantar warts)
Plantar warts, also called verrucas, grow on the foot, most often on the heel and under the toes. They are flat because walking presses them into the skin, and they can hurt when you put weight on them. Tiny black dots are often visible inside. That is what sets such a wart apart from a corn. Infection often happens in swimming pools, showers and changing rooms, so it is better to wear sandals there.
Flat warts on the face and neck
Flat warts are smooth, slightly raised round growths in skin tone or yellowish, often many at once. They appear on the face, neck and other places where skin is often shaved. Warts on the face are better shown to a doctor than treated yourself: the area is delicate, and products meant for hands can damage the skin.
Papillomas and warts: what is the difference
In everyday speech, soft skin growths on the neck, in the armpits and in skin folds are often called papillomas. They are usually soft benign growths that are not linked to the virus, but only a doctor can tell their type for sure. Warts, on the other hand, are caused by HPV. Any growth that has changed, bleeds or is getting bigger is better shown to a doctor.
Genital warts
Warts around the genitals and anus are caused by HPV and are passed on sexually. Do not treat them yourself: products for warts on the hands and feet are not suitable here. If you notice such growths, itching or bleeding, see a doctor, and partners should be checked too. Most treatments are not used during pregnancy, so tell your doctor if you are pregnant. For discharge, see Vaginal discharge. The HPV vaccine protects against the main virus types that cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
Warts in children
Warts are common in children, and in many they go away on their own. But if they hurt, make walking difficult, multiply or do not clear, take the child to a doctor. Teach your child not to pick or chew warts, and to wash their hands.
What you can do before the visit
- Do not pick, cut or tear off a wart: the virus will spread and the skin may become inflamed.
- Wash your hands after touching a wart and do not share towels, shoes or foot files.
- Wear sandals in swimming pools, showers and changing rooms, and change socks daily.
- Cover a plantar wart with a plaster when you go swimming.
- Do not use products made for hands and feet, such as acid plasters, on warts on the face or in the intimate area.
- If a growth bleeds, grows quickly or has changed color, do not treat it at home: show it to a doctor.
How a doctor treats warts
The doctor examines the growth, sometimes with a dermatoscope, and makes sure it is really a wart and not another kind of growth. If a wart is not bothering you, watching it is often enough, as it may go by itself. Treatments include acid-based products applied to the skin and used as a course, freezing with liquid nitrogen (sometimes several sessions), laser and surgical removal. Warts can come back, so do not stop treatment early and have new ones checked. The choice of method depends on the location, size and number of growths.