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Warts
Mild
Warts are benign skin growths caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They may occur on the hands, feet, face, or other areas of the skin and can vary in size, shape, and surface texture. Some warts are painless, while others, particularly those on weight-bearing areas of the feet, can become uncomfortable or painful. Warts may resolve without treatment, although they can persist or spread to other areas.
Body System
Skin Hair & Nails
When to Seek Medical Attention
Common warts are generally not an emergency. Seek medical assessment if a wart changes rapidly, bleeds, becomes painful, spreads extensively, or does not respond to treatment, or if the diagnosis is uncertain. Prompt evaluation is especially appropriate for lesions in sensitive locations or in people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms
1
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Warts are benign skin growths caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They may occur on the hands, feet, face, or other areas of the skin and can vary in size, shape, and surface texture. Some warts are painless, while others, particularly those on weight-bearing areas of the feet, can become uncomfortable or painful. Warts may resolve without treatment, although they can persist or spread to other areas.
Symptoms 1
Breast Lump
Causes 1
Warts develop when certain types of human papillomavirus infect the skin. The virus can enter through small breaks, cuts, or other minor damage in the skin and may spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Autoinoculation can occur when the virus is transferred from one part of the body to another, particularly when a wart is picked, scratched, or otherwise irritated.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk is increased by frequent skin-to-skin contact, sharing towels or personal items, walking barefoot in communal wet areas such as swimming-pool areas and locker rooms, and having damaged or irritated skin. Nail biting or picking around the nails can increase the likelihood of certain warts. Reduced immune function may make warts more likely to develop, persist, or spread.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Most warts are diagnosed clinically by examining their characteristic appearance, surface, and location. A healthcare professional may distinguish common warts from other skin lesions based on the examination. A biopsy or other testing may occasionally be required when a lesion is unusual, persistent, rapidly changing, painful, bleeding, or difficult to distinguish from another skin condition.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Warts cannot always be completely prevented, but reducing exposure to HPV can lower risk
Avoid picking, scratching, or biting warts and avoid sharing towels, razors, nail tools, or other personal items that contact affected skin
Wear footwear in communal wet areas, keep cuts and breaks in the skin clean and covered when appropriate, and wash hands after touching a wart
Avoid direct contact with another person’s wart when possible
Prevention Guidance
Warts cannot always be completely prevented, but reducing exposure to HPV can lower risk. Avoid picking, scratching, or biting warts and avoid sharing towels, razors, nail tools, or other personal items that contact affected skin. Wear footwear in communal wet areas, keep cuts and breaks in the skin clean and covered when appropriate, and wash hands after touching a wart. Avoid direct contact with another person’s wart when possible.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Vitamin C Foods
Support immunity
Fruits
Healthy nutrition
Vegetables
Support healing
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May affect immunity
Processed Foods
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Warts are skin growths caused by HPV infection.
Yes, they can spread through contact.
Some disappear without treatment.
Yes, recurrence is possible.
Through medications, freezing, or minor procedures.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.