Save Share Print

Home Your Health Multimedia Encyclopedia Warts

Warts

Definition

Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). They are generally harmless. However, warts can be disfiguring and embarrassing, and occasionally they itch or hurt (particularly on the feet).

The different types of warts include:

• Common warts usually appear on the hands, but can appear anywhere.
• Flat warts are generally found on the face and forehead. They are common in children, less common in teens, and rare in adults.
• Genital warts(condyloma) are usually found on the genitals, in the pubic area, and in the area between the thighs, but they can also appear inside the vagina and anal canal. (See: Genital warts for more information)
• Plantar warts are found on the soles of the feet.
• Subungual and periungual warts appear under and around the fingernails or toenails.

Alternative Names

Plane juvenile warts; Periungual warts; Subungual warts; Plantar warts; Verruca; Verrucae planae juveniles; Filiform warts; Verruca vulgaris

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The typical wart is a raised round or oval growth on the skin with a rough surface. Compared with the surrounding normal skin, warts may appear light, dark, or black (rare). Most adults are familiar with the look of a typical wart and have little trouble recognizing it. Unusual warts with smooth surfaces or flat warts in children may be more difficult for parents to recognize.

Common warts tend to cause no discomfort unless they are in areas of repeated friction or pressure. Plantar warts, for example, can become extremely painful. Large numbers of plantar warts on the foot may cause difficulty walking or running.

Some warts will disappear without treatment, although it can sometimes take a couple of years. Treated or not, warts that go away often reappear. All warts can spread from one part of your own body to another.

Unsightly or painful warts can be treated. Warts around and under your nails are much more difficult to cure than warts in other places.

Symptoms

Signs and tests

Warts can generally be diagnosed simply by their location and appearance. Your doctor may want to cut into a wart (called a biopsy) to confirm that it is not a corn, callus, skin cancer, or other similar-appearing growth.

Treatment

Over-the-counter medications can remove warts. These are applied to the wart every day for several weeks. Do NOT use these medications on your face or genitals. It helps to file the wart down when damp (for example, after a bath or shower) before applying these medications. Do NOT treat warts on your face or genitals yourself. See your health care provider.

Pain and pressure from plantar warts can be treated with special cushions that are available at drug stores.

Your health care provider may use stronger (prescription) medications, such as podophyllin or salicylic acid, for removal of persistent warts. Surgical removal or removal by freezing (cryotherapy), burning (electrocautery), or laser treatment may be needed.

Do NOT attempt to remove a wart yourself by burning, cutting, tearing, picking, or any other method.

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

Warts are generally harmless growths that often go away on their own within 2 years. They can be contagious, but transmission from person to person is uncommon. Warts may be unsightly or cause discomfort, especially on the feet.

Complications

• Spread of warts
• Return of warts that disappeared
• Minor scar formation if the wart is removed
• Formation of keloids after removal

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your doctor if:

• There are signs of infection (red streaking, pus, discharge, or fever) or bleeding. Warts can bleed a little, but if bleeding is significant or not easily stopped by light pressure, see a doctor.
• The wart does not respond to self-care and you want it removed.
• You have pain associated with the wart.
• You have anal or genital warts.
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system (for example, HIV) and have developed warts.
• There is any change in the color or appearance of the wart.

Prevention

• Avoid direct skin contact with a wart on someone else.
• After filing your wart, wash the file carefully since you can spread the virus to other parts of your body.
• After touching any of your warts, wash your hands carefully.

References

Warts, herpes simplex, and other viral infections. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 12.

Gibbs S, et al. Topical treatments for cutaneous warts. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(3):CD001781.