Warts
Warts are small, non-cancerous growths on the skin caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, resulting in a thickened and hardened outer layer in the affected area. These rough, raised bumps can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the hands, feet, and face. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warts are highly contagious and spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces.
While warts are typically harmless, they can be unsightly, uncomfortable, or painful, especially when located on pressure points like the soles of the feet. They may go away on their own, but can also persist for years without treatment.
Types of Warts
Different types of warts appear based on their location and appearance:
- Rough, raised bumps on hands, fingers, or near nails
- May have tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels)
- Grainy to the touch
Common Warts (Verruca vulgaris)
- Found on the soles of the feet
- Grow inward due to walking pressure
- Often painful, feels like stepping on a pebble
Plantar Warts
- Small, smooth, flat-topped
- Skin-colored, pink, or light brown
- Common on face, neck, hands, arms, or legs
Flat Warts (Verruca plana)
- Long, narrow, finger-like growths
- Appear on the face, especially around the mouth, nose, or eyes
- Flesh-colored and fast-growing
Filiform Warts
- Caused by specific HPV strains
- Soft, flesh-colored bumps around genitals, anus, or groin
- Considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Genital Warts (Condyloma acuminata)
- Grow around or under fingernails and toenails
- May interfere with nail growth
- Often painful and difficult to treat
Periungual Warts
Causes & Risk Factors
Warts are caused by strains of (HPV) that spread through:
- Direct skin contact with a wart
- Touching contaminated surfaces (e.g., public showers, gym equipment)
- Sharing personal items like razors or towels
- Nail-biting or picking skin
Risk Factors
- Children and teenagers
- Individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., diabetes, HIV)
- Walking barefoot in public areas
- Frequent shaving or minor skin injuries
Signs & Symptoms
Warts vary based on type but generally include:
- Small, grainy skin growths
- Rough or fleshy texture
- Tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels)
- Pain on pressure (esp. plantar warts)
- Clustered or cauliflower-like shape (esp. genital warts)
When to Seek Medical Help
You should book a dermatology consultation at Apex Hospitals if a wart:
- Changes shape, color, or grows quickly
- Becomes painful, bleeds, or leaks fluid
- Appears in sensitive areas like face or genitals
- Affects someone with a weakened immune system
How Are Warts Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is primarily through visual examination by a dermatologist. Rare cases may require:
- Dermatoscopy – Magnified wart examination
- Skin scraping – For lab confirmation
- Skin biopsy – To rule out cancer
- HPV DNA testing – Especially for genital warts
Treatment Options
Warts may disappear naturally, but treatment is often necessary for relief or prevention of spread.
At-Home Treatments
1. Freezing Sprays (OTC Cryotherapy Kits)
Use cold sprays containing dimethyl ether and propane to freeze the wart. Suitable for mild cases.
2. Salicylic Acid Patches/Solutions
- Soak wart in warm water
- Apply salicylic acid product daily
- Continue for several weeks
Note: OTC treatments are most effective for common or plantar warts in otherwise healthy individuals.
Medical Treatments at Apex
1. Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy
- Performed by a dermatologist
- Causes blistering and detachment of wart
- May require multiple sessions
2. Minor Surgery
- Scalpel excision or electrosurgery
- Local anesthesia used
- May leave a small scar
- Reserved for resistant or painful warts
Always consult a doctor if your wart is spreading, painful, or doesn’t improve with OTC care.
Lifestyle & Recovery Tips
- Keep warts clean and covered
- Avoid picking or scratching
- Use flip-flops in public areas
- Don’t share razors, towels, or shoes
- Strengthen immunity with a balanced diet and sleep
Prevention Tips
- Avoid direct contact with warts (yours or others’)
- Don’t walk barefoot in public showers or pools
- Wash hands often
- Shave carefully never over warts
- Consider the HPV vaccine to prevent genital warts
Why Choose Apex Hospital for Wart Removal?
At Apex Hospitals, our dermatology team offers:
- Advanced cryotherapy and laser wart removal
- NABH-accredited dermatology facilities
- Custom treatment plans based on skin type and health history
- Transparent pricing and insurance coverage
- Holistic, expert care in a patient-friendly environment
