# Warts: Causes, Types and When to See a Doctor > Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus and can appear on the hands, soles, face and genital area. Here are the types, what you can do yourself and when to see a doctor. ## When to see a doctor urgently - The growth bleeds, grows quickly, or changes color or shape - A wart on the face, in the genital area or around the anus - More and more warts appear, or they do not go away - Severe pain or inflammation: redness, swelling, pus - Warts in a person with diabetes or a weakened immune system - You are not sure the growth on your skin is a wart - Warts in a pregnant woman - Warts in a child that hurt or make walking difficult If you have any of these signs, call 112 or go to emergency care. ## Which doctor to see - Dermatologist: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/dermatologist - Gynecologist: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/gynecologist - Venereologist: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/venerologi ## What warts are and where they come from Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus ([HPV](https://bigmed.ge/en/diseases/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](https://bigmed.ge/en/symptoms/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. ## Doctors - Nana Sekhniashvili — Dermatologist, Venereologist: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/nana-sekhniashvili (markdown: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/nana-sekhniashvili.md) - Marika Otkhozoria - Doctor of Medicine — Gynecologist: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/bachana-eliava (markdown: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/bachana-eliava.md) - Ia Machavariani — Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Gynecologist: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/ia-macavariani (markdown: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/ia-macavariani.md) - Diana Janjghava — Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Gynecologist: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/diana-janjghava (markdown: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/diana-janjghava.md) - Alla Burenko — Gynecologist: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/alla-burenko (markdown: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/alla-burenko.md) - Ofeliya Kocharyan — Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Gynecologist, Gynecologist-Endocrinologist: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/ofelia-kocaran (markdown: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/ofelia-kocaran.md) - Dariia Fedoruk — Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Gynecologist: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/dariia-fedoruk (markdown: https://bigmed.ge/en/doctors/dariia-fedoruk.md) ## Frequently asked questions ### Which doctor should I see for a wart? A dermatologist. Genital warts are better shown to a gynecologist or a venereologist. A child can first be seen by a pediatrician. ### Are warts contagious? Yes, the virus spreads by direct skin contact and through contaminated surfaces, especially on wet or damaged skin. Wash your hands, do not share towels and shoes, and cover a plantar wart at the pool. ### Do warts go away on their own? Often yes: in many people they clear within months or years, especially in children. In some people they stay and spread, and then treatment is needed. ### How do warts differ from papillomas? Warts are caused by HPV, while the soft growths on the neck and in skin folds that people call papillomas usually have no link to the virus. Only a doctor can tell them apart for sure. ### Can I remove a wart myself? Do not cut, tear off or burn a wart yourself: the virus will spread and the skin may become inflamed. Use over-the-counter products for warts on the hands and feet according to the directions, and show growths on the face and in the intimate area to a doctor. ## Possible Causes - Human papillomavirus (HPV): https://bigmed.ge/en/diseases/hpv --- Canonical: https://bigmed.ge/en/symptoms/warts Country: Georgia (GE), the country in the South Caucasus Updated: 2026-10-04T21:13:52+04:00