Warts are small, harmless skin growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). They’re very common, especially in kids and teens. They often go away on their own but can take months to years.
How you catch them
- Skin-to-skin contact or sharing items like nail clippers or towels.
- Tiny skin breaks make it easier to get infected.
- They are more likely in swimmers, wrestlers, nail biters/pickers, and people with eczema.
Types you might see
- Common warts: rough, raised bumps on hands, fingers, knees; have tiny black “dots” (clotted capillaries).
- Plantar warts: on the soles; can be painful when walking; grow inward under pressure.
- Flat warts: small, smooth bumps on face or arms; often many at once.
- Periungual warts: around or under nails; can distort nails.
When to see a clinician
- Pain, bleeding, rapid growth, or spreading.
- Warts on the face or genitals.
- If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system.
- If home treatments haven’t helped after 2–3 months.
Home care options
- Salicylic acid (wart remover liquids, gels, or pads 17–40%):
- Soak/pare dead skin, apply daily, and occlude (bandage/duct tape) if directed.
- Be patient: can take 6–12 weeks.
- Duct tape:
- Can soften and irritate the wart to trigger immune clearance; use along with salicylic acid.
- Don’t pick or bite—this spreads warts.
In-office treatments
- Freezing (cryotherapy), curettage, or chemical agents.
- Immune-based treatments (like Candida antigen injections) for stubborn warts.
- Laser or other methods for resistant cases.
- Your clinician will choose based on wart type, location, skin type, age, and pain tolerance.
Prevention
- Don’t share nail tools or razors.
- Keep feet dry; wear sandals in locker rooms.
- Cover warts during sports.
- Moisturize and treat eczema to reduce skin breaks.
What to expect
- Many warts go away on their own.
- Several treatments may be needed; set expectations for a gradual process.
- Dark dots in a wart are not “roots”—they’re tiny clotted vessels.