Common Warts

Common warts are small, rough bumps that often appear on the hands and fingers. They feel grainy and sometimes have tiny black dots. These dots are actually tiny blood vessels that have clotted.

These warts are caused by a virus. You can get them by touching someone who already has a wart, or even by touching something that a person with a wart has touched. It can take a while for the wart to show up, anywhere from two to six months after the initial infection.

Usually, warts will go away on their own over time. They are typically harmless. However, many people want to get rid of them because they can be annoying or make them feel self-conscious.

Common warts are small, bumpy growths that often appear on the hands and fingers. They feel rough and sometimes have tiny black dots, which are actually tiny blood vessels.

What do common warts look like?

They're usually small, flesh-colored bumps that feel slightly rough. You might notice tiny black dots on the surface, these are tiny blood vessels that have clotted.

When should you see a doctor about a wart?

It's a good idea to see a healthcare professional if:

• The wart is causing pain, bleeding, burning, or itching. This could be a sign of something other than a simple wart, or that the wart is infected.
• You've tried treating the wart, but it doesn't go away, gets bigger, or keeps coming back. Sometimes, warts need more intensive treatment if they're not responding to home remedies.
• The wart is bothersome or interferes with your daily activities. If a wart is in a place that makes it difficult to do everyday tasks, it's best to have it checked out.
• You're unsure if the growth is a wart. There are other skin conditions that can look similar.
• You have many warts. Having a large number of warts could indicate a weakened immune system.
• You have a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system can make your body less able to fight off infections, including warts.
• The wart is on your face, feet, or genitals. Warts on these areas might require different treatment or monitoring.

If you have any concerns about a growth on your skin, consulting a healthcare professional is always the best course of action. They can properly diagnose the condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

If you have common warts, see a doctor if:

• They cause discomfort: If the warts are painful, bleed, feel hot, or make you itchy, you should get them checked.

• Treatment isn't working: If you've tried home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, but the warts keep coming back, spreading, or won't go away, a doctor can help.

• They're getting in the way: If the warts are annoying or interfering with daily tasks, like walking or using your hands, a doctor can offer solutions.

• You're not sure what they are: If you're unsure if the growths are warts, a doctor can give a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of action.

• You have a lot of warts: Having numerous warts can sometimes indicate a problem that a doctor can address.

• Your immune system isn't strong: If your immune system is weakened, warts might be more difficult to treat, so consulting a healthcare professional is important.

• They're in sensitive areas: Warts on your face, feet (especially between the toes), or genitals might require specialized care from a doctor. These areas are more prone to complications or infections.

Common warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. There are many different types of HPV, but only some of them cause warts, usually on the hands. Some types of HPV are spread through sexual contact, but most are spread by touching someone who has the virus, or by sharing things like towels or washcloths. The virus often enters the body through small cuts or scrapes in the skin, like hangnails or minor injuries. Even biting your nails can create openings that allow the virus to enter and spread warts on your fingertips and around your nails.

Different people's bodies react to HPV differently. This means that not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will get a wart.

Common warts are more likely to affect certain groups of people.

Kids and teens are especially vulnerable. Their skin is still developing, making it a bit more susceptible to infections.

Weakened immune systems can also increase the risk. This includes people with conditions like HIV/AIDS or those who've had organ transplants. A weakened immune system means the body has a harder time fighting off infections, including the virus that causes warts.

People who frequently bite their nails or pick at hangnails are also at higher risk. These actions can introduce tiny cuts or breaks in the skin, providing an easier entry point for the wart-causing virus. These small openings in the skin give the virus a way to enter and potentially cause a wart to develop.

Preventing Common Warts: Simple Steps

Warts are common skin growths. Here's how to help stop them from appearing or spreading:

Avoid Touching and Spreading:

• Don't touch or pick at warts: This prevents the virus that causes warts from spreading to other parts of your body or to other people. If you have warts, avoid touching them with your fingers or other tools.
• Keep your tools separate: Use a separate emery board, pumice stone, and nail clippers for warts. Don't use these tools on healthy skin or nails. Using a disposable emery board is best, as it avoids re-using the tool on another part of your body. A disposable tool means you can throw it away after use.
• Nail care is important: Avoid biting your nails or picking at hangnails. These habits can cause small cuts and wounds that make it easier for the wart virus to enter your skin.
• Careful grooming: Be gentle when brushing, clipping, or shaving areas near or with warts. Avoid any harsh or rough movements that may injure the skin.

Hygiene and Prevention:

• Avoid shared bathing areas: Don't share hot tubs, showers, or warm baths. The virus that causes warts can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Also, avoid sharing washcloths or towels.
• Keep skin hydrated: Use a hand moisturizer every day. Dry, cracked skin is more susceptible to infections, including those that cause warts. Keeping your skin moisturized helps create a protective barrier.

By following these simple steps, you can help prevent the spread of warts and keep your skin healthy.

Doctors usually diagnose common warts by:

1. Looking at the wart: A doctor can often identify a wart just by looking at it. Warts typically have a rough, bumpy texture and a slightly raised appearance.

2. Checking for tiny black dots: Warts sometimes have tiny black dots on their surface. These dots are blood vessels and are a common sign of a wart. The doctor might gently scrape the top layer of the wart to see these dots.

3. Taking a small tissue sample (biopsy): To be extra sure, the doctor might take a tiny piece of the wart tissue. This is called a shave biopsy. The sample is sent to a lab. The lab tests the sample to make sure it's definitely a wart and not another skin problem, like skin cancer. This extra step is important to get an accurate diagnosis.

Dealing with Warts: Treatments and Home Remedies

Many warts go away on their own within a year or two, but new ones might appear nearby. If your warts are causing problems—like spreading, being bothersome, or a concern about their appearance—you might want to see a doctor. Treatment aims to get rid of the wart and/or help your immune system fight the virus that caused it. This process often takes several weeks or months. Even if the warts disappear, they may return or spread.

Doctors usually start with the least painful treatment options, especially for children. Here are some common approaches:

Prescription Medications:

• Salicylic Acid: This medicine works by gently removing layers of the wart over time. Studies show it's more effective when combined with other treatments like freezing or laser therapy.
• 5-Fluorouracil: This medicine is applied directly to the wart and covered with a bandage for 12 weeks. It often helps, particularly for children.
• Candida Antigen: This involves injecting a substance (candida antigen) into the wart. It stimulates the immune system to fight the virus, even if the injection isn't directly on the wart. This is a less common method that isn't specifically approved for wart removal by the FDA. However, it can be successful for some people whose warts haven't responded to other methods.

Other Treatments:

• Freezing (Cryotherapy): A doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. This creates a blister that helps kill the wart tissue. The dead tissue will fall off in a week or so. You might need several treatments. Side effects can include pain, blistering, and scarring. This is generally not the first choice for treating warts in children due to the potential discomfort.
• Other Acids (Trichloroacetic Acid, etc.): If salicylic acid or freezing doesn't work, a doctor might suggest using another acid. The wart is shaved, and the acid is applied using a small tool. You'll need repeat treatments. Possible side effects are burning, stinging, and changes in skin color.
• Removing Wart Tissue: A doctor can use a tool called a curet to remove part of the wart. This is often used in combination with other methods. The wart might grow back in the same place.
• Laser Treatment: If other methods haven't worked, a doctor might use a laser to burn the small blood vessels within the wart. This process causes the wart to die and eventually fall off. However, evidence supporting this method's effectiveness is limited. Some types of laser treatment, like carbon dioxide lasers, can cause pain and scarring.

Home Remedies:

• Over-the-Counter Salicylic Acid: Products like Compound W or Dr. Scholl's contain salicylic acid. They come in different forms (pads, gels, liquids) and are applied daily for several weeks. Soaking the wart in warm water beforehand and gently removing dead skin between treatments can help. If your skin gets sore, stop using the product. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor before using these products.
• Freezing (Liquid Nitrogen): Some over-the-counter products use liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart.
• Duct Tape: While some small studies have been done, duct tape is not generally considered a very effective treatment for warts. If you choose to try this method, cover the wart with duct tape for several days at a time. Soak the area, remove dead skin, and repeat.

Important Considerations:

• Consult a Doctor: If you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, avoid self-treating warts. Always consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Effectiveness Varies: The success of any treatment can vary depending on the individual and the specific wart.

This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any health concerns.

Many common warts can be treated at home. However, if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, you should not try these methods without consulting a doctor first.

Using Medications to Remove Warts:

Many over-the-counter (OTC) wart removal products contain salicylic acid. These come in different forms like pads, gels, or liquids. For warts, look for a product with 17% salicylic acid. Common brands include Compound W and Dr. Scholl's Clear Away. These products are typically used daily for a few weeks. To get the best results, soak the wart in warm water for a short time before applying the product. Between treatments, gently scrape away any dead skin using a disposable emery board or pumice stone. If your skin becomes irritated or sore, stop using the product and allow the skin to heal. If you're pregnant, check with your doctor before using any acid-based wart treatment.

Freezing Warts:

Some OTC products use liquid nitrogen to freeze warts. These are often available as sprays or liquids. Brands like Compound W Freeze Off and Dr. Scholl's Freeze Away use this method.

Using Duct Tape (Less Effective):

Some studies suggest that duct tape is not a highly effective treatment for warts. If you still choose to try it, follow these steps: Cover the wart with duct tape for six days. Then, soak the wart in warm water and gently remove any dead skin with a pumice stone or emery board. Leave the wart uncovered for about 12 hours, then repeat the process until the wart disappears. Keep in mind, this method might not be as successful as other methods.

Important Considerations:

• Immune System: If you have a weakened immune system, always talk to your doctor before trying any home wart treatment.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes should also consult their doctor before attempting home remedies for warts.
• Sore Skin: If your skin becomes irritated, stop using the product and allow the area to heal.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using any wart treatment.

Remember, these are just home remedies, and they might not work for everyone. If you have persistent warts or if your warts are causing pain or discomfort, see a doctor. They can accurately diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.