Warts

What Are Warts?

Warts are small, non-cancerous growths that occur when HPV infects the top layer of the skin, often through tiny cuts, scrapes, or weak spots. Once inside, the virus causes the skin cells to multiply rapidly, resulting in a raised or thickened bump. Warts can develop anywhere on the body and vary in appearance based on type and location.

Common types of warts include:

• Common warts – Rough, dome-shaped growths that often appear on the fingers, hands, or knees
• Plantar warts – Located on the soles of the feet and often painful due to pressure while walking
• Flat warts – Smoother, smaller warts typically found on the face, neck, or legs; often appear in clusters
• Filiform warts – Thin, finger-like projections that grow near the eyes, nose, or mouth

What Causes Warts?

Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through small breaks or weakened areas. While many people come into contact with HPV, not everyone develops warts—susceptibility often depends on immune system function and skin health.

Risk factors include:

• Nail biting or picking at hangnails, which exposes broken skin to the virus
• Weakened immune system, increasing the chance of HPV infection
• Children and teens, who are more prone to warts due to developing immunity
• Walking barefoot in communal showers, gyms, or pools, where plantar warts thrive

Recognizing Wart Symptoms

Warts can look and feel different depending on their type and location. Symptoms may include:

• Firm, raised bumps with a rough or cauliflower-like surface
• Smooth, flat lesions, often tan, pink, or flesh-colored
• Black dots inside the wart, which are tiny clotted blood vessels
• Pain or tenderness, especially with plantar warts under the feet

If you’re unsure whether a growth is a wart, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Warts

Are warts contagious to others?
Yes. Warts can spread through direct skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces like towels, razors, or shared footwear. Practicing good hygiene is key to prevention.

Can warts come back after being treated?
Unfortunately, yes. Because HPV can remain in the skin even after a wart is removed, recurrence is possible. Multiple treatments may be needed in some cases.

How long does it take to get rid of a wart?
Treatment time varies based on the size and location of the wart. Some resolve in a few sessions, while others—especially plantar warts—may take several weeks to fully disappear.

Are warts dangerous?
Most warts are harmless, but they can cause physical discomfort or emotional distress. In rare cases, some HPV strains can be more concerning, which is why a dermatologic evaluation is important.

How can I avoid getting warts in the future?
Avoid walking barefoot in public places, don’t share personal grooming items, and wash your hands regularly. Keeping your skin healthy and intact also reduces your risk of infection.