Reviewed by Joseph Maloney, M.D.Warts are extremely common, benign skin growths. They often appear on the hands or fingers and are caused by a virus. This virus, the human papilloma virus (HPV), is contagious and can be spread to other parts of your body or to other people. There are many types of HPV, some of which cause warts to appear in the genital area, for example.
Warts can spread through touch or via communal areas like locker rooms or showers, depending on the type of HPV. The risk of spreading a hand, foot, or flat wart from person to another person is small. Genital warts spread more easily.
Most warts generally go away on their own, but can also be treated at home or by a dermatologist if they become uncomfortable or unsightly.
Warts are usually painless. They manifest as raised, rough patches of skin. They can be skin-colored, white, pink, or tan, and may occur individually or in groups. However, plantar warts, which are a type of wart found on your feet, may become painful from the pressure of walking. Children and young adults experience the most warts.
If you suspect you have a wart, you have several options. Since the majority of warts disappear on their own, you do not have to do anything. In children, warts often disappear without treatment in several months or a few years. Warts in adults tend not to disappear as quickly or easily.
Over the counter salicylic acid pads or solutions such as Compound W or Dr. Scholl’s dissolve the abnormal skin cells of warts. You might also try duct tape – a 2002 study in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine suggested that a regimen of duct tape therapy was more effective than liquid nitrogen therapy. Call your doctor if your warts start to multiply, are bothersome, or are a cosmetic concern.
Scarring may result from some wart treatments. When treating a wart at home, people may unintentionally spread the HPV virus and cause new warts or pass the virus to other people. If you are filing a wart with an emery board or pumice stone, be sure to wash the file thoroughly afterwards. Always wash your hands carefully after touching a wart.
