Warts: Understanding the Causes, Types, and Treatment Options
March 28, 2023
6 min read
If you've ever seen pesky, hardened bumps on the skin that look like little rocks, we're talking warts! Though they may be embarrassing or unsightly to have around, thankfully, these growths are nothing more than a harmless nuisance.
Learn how this common but often misunderstood condition occurs and what can be done to stop it from spreading further. Read on for an overview of all things wart-related!
Warts: What Are They?
Warts are small, raised, and usually have painless growths on the skin. They typically appear on the hands, feet, and other body parts. Warts are caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV).
Warts often look like rough bumps but can also be flat or smooth. They vary in color from white to tan to brown, depending on the type of wart. Some warts may even have tiny black dots inside them, which are actually clotted blood vessels. Though visible warts don't cause any physical discomfort, they can be embarrassing and make some people self-conscious about their appearance.
Warts: What Are the Different Types?
The human body is no stranger to warts, with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) listing five different kinds. Whether it's flat or raised, arm or foot—there are distinct varieties that vary in appearance and location on our bodies.
Common Warts
Common warts are usually found on the hands and fingers and have a rough, bumpy texture. They tend to be white or grey in color but can sometimes have brown or black spots.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are a unique type of wart that can be recognized by their location on the soles of your feet. Not only do they cause discomfort, but they also may take on an appearance similar to calluses, with tiny black dots within them often visible along their surface.
Flat Warts
Flat warts generally appear in groups on the face, arms, or legs and are smaller and smoother than common warts. They may be pink-brown and usually don't cause discomfort or itching.
Filiform Warts
Filiform warts have long strands that grow around the mouth or nose area. They vary in color from light yellow to dark brown and often feel quite hard when touched.
Genital Warts
Genital warts, caused by certain strains of HPV, can present themselves in various sizes and forms. They may be itchy or painful and appear anywhere around the genital area, anus, or thighs—from barely noticeable to large clusters.
Warts: How Do They Spread and Contracted?
Warts can spread through direct contact with people who have them or by coming into contact with an object with the virus. The virus thrives in warm, damp areas like pools and showers, so it's essential to avoid these environments if you're at risk for contracting warts.
Although anyone can contract warts, certain groups of people, such as children or those with weakened immune systems, are more likely to become infected. There is a chance for HPV infection to be passed after the infection has been treated, so it's important to take preventative measures such as wearing protective footwear in public areas where the virus may be present.
Warts: How Are They Treated?
Warts can make an unwelcome appearance, but there's no need to worry—medical advice and treatments are available for these pesky skin conditions! Different methods work best depending on the type of wart you have, so it's important to chat with your doctor before deciding on a treatment plan.
Home Treatments
Warts can be an unpleasant hassle. Luckily, there are a variety of home treatments that may help you get rid of them!
Duct tape: Treating warts can be a tricky business, but duct tape may provide an easy solution! Simply cover the wart in some duct tape and leave it on for several days to deprive the wart of necessary oxygen. In no time, you could say goodbye to your pesky skin condition—all thanks to this crafty fix-it tool!
Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is a common over-the-counter remedy for warts which works by dissolving the hard outer layer of skin surrounding the wart, allowing other treatments to work on the irritation underneath. It is typically applied directly to the wart and should not be used on the healthy skin around the wart.
Garlic: Garlic has natural anti-viral properties that can help fight off virus-causing warts and reduce inflammation. Crush fresh garlic cloves into a paste, apply directly onto the wart and cover with a bandage overnight.
Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter ointments and creams may also help reduce swelling, pain, and itching associated with warts.
Professional Treatment Options
When home treatments and over-the-counter medications don't work, it may be time to explore professional treatment options for advanced cases of warts.
Cryotherapy: Also known as freezing, cryotherapy is a common treatment that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze off the wart. It can be uncomfortable and cause stinging or burning sensations when the liquid nitrogen touches the skin, but it is generally effective in removing warts.
Electrocautery: Electrocautery uses electricity to burn off warts. It should only be used when necessary and administered by a trained practitioner due to health risks associated with electricity near open wounds.
Laser surgery: Laser surgery is often used for difficult or hard-to-remove warts due to its precision and accuracy; however, this tends to be more expensive than other treatments.
Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in rare cases of large warts or not responding to other treatments. During surgery, the wart will be removed entirely from the skin, often along with some healthy tissue around it.
In order to prevent the spread of the virus after any chosen treatment, it's important not to scratch or pick at the affected area and to take preventive measures against further exposure, such as wearing protective clothing when utilizing public spaces, in order to avoid future recurrences.
Warts: How to Prevent Them From Spreading?
Warts are viral growths that can be contagious, making prevention essential. Good hygiene practices ensure warts don't get passed from person to person or surface-to-skin contact.
Here are some tips for preventing the spread of warts:
Wash hands often: To protect yourself from warts and other germs, a simple twenty-second wash of your hands with warm water and soap can make all the difference! Remember to give your hands extra TLC before handling food, after visiting the restroom, or anytime you come into contact with any infected areas.
Avoid direct contact: To reduce the likelihood of spreading warts, avoid touching them directly with bare skin. This is especially important when handling someone else's warts, as you may become infected yourself if you come into contact with their affected skin.
Wear footwear in public areas: Wear sandals or flip-flops when walking in public places such as gym locker rooms, swimming pools, and other shared spaces where feet are likely to come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Use disposable paper towels: When cleaning objects that may have been in contact with a wart, it's a good idea to use disposable paper towels rather than cloth ones which could harbor the virus and spread it further.
Change bedsheets regularly: If you have warts, it's important to change your bedding regularly so that any viral particles on them won't have time to replicate and spread.
By following these simple steps, you can help reduce your risk of contracting and spreading warts.
Say Goodbye to Warts Today!
No one likes dealing with warts, but fortunately, many effective treatments can help get rid of them quickly and painlessly. From over-the-counter remedies like salicylic acid or cryotherapy sprays to more invasive procedures like freezing (cryotherapy), burning (electrocautery), laser therapy, or surgical removal—there is always an option out there for everyone!
If you're struggling with managing your warts, talk to your doctor about what treatment might be best for you so you can get back to feeling confident in your skin!
