Warts are common, noncancerous skin growths caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can occur in people of any age but are especially frequent in children and adolescents, often developing in spots where the skin experiences friction or minor cuts.
These growths can look different from person to person. Some appear as small, rough-surfaced bumps, while others may be flat and smooth. Tiny black dots—clotted blood vessels—are sometimes visible inside the lesion. Although warts are generally harmless, they can spread, multiply, and cause discomfort or embarrassment, leading many individuals to seek treatment.
A variety of effective therapies are available to remove warts, limit recurrence, and restore clear, healthy skin. Options may include topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), minor surgical techniques, or other dermatologic procedures tailored to the type and location of the wart.
Signs & Symptoms
- Firm, elevated growths that develop on the skin. Some contain tiny black specks, which are clotted blood vessels, while others may grow as slender, finger-like projections (known as filiform warts) that commonly occur on the face.
- Frequently found on the hands, fingers, knees, and elbows. Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet and can be flat and painful due to pressure.
- Generally painless but may itch, become irritated, or hurt if located in high-friction areas (like the bottom of the feet).
- Warts are contagious and may be passed from person to person through direct skin contact or by sharing items like towels, razors, or gym equipment. Although some disappear without treatment, others can linger for several months or even years.
Causes & Risk Factors
Warts are caused by HPV entering the skin through small breaks, cuts, or abrasions. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing warts include:
- Shared environments like locker rooms, pools, and gyms
- Skin trauma (cuts, abrasions, or frequent shaving)
- Warm, moist conditions that encourage viral survival
- Weakened immune system or chronic skin irritation
Treatment Options
Many warts resolve without treatment, but professional care often yields faster and more effective results, especially for stubborn or painful lesions. Treatments for warts may include:
- Topical Prescriptions – stronger medications than over-the-counter options, tailored to wart type and location
- Cryosurgery – freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal tissue
- Injectable Prescriptions – immune-modulating medications to help your body fight the virus
- Laser Therapy – sometimes considered for resistant or recurrent warts