Common warts are small, raised skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are typically rough and may appear on the hands, fingers, or feet. Warts are highly contagious and can be spread through various modes such as skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated objects. Treatment may include over-the-counter or prescription medications, cryotherapy, or other professional treatments. Prevention involves avoiding contact with infected individuals and maintaining good hygiene habits.
| Causes | Viral infection, HPV, Infected needle |
|---|---|
| Remedies | Salicylic acid, Cryotherapy, Duct tape |
| Preventive Options | Avoid contact, Strong immune system, Good hygiene |
| Treatment Options | Cryotherapy, Laser therapy, Surgery |
| Specialist | Dermatologist |
Common warts, or verruca vulgaris, are skin growth caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear rough, raised bumps with a grainy texture and are typically found on the hands, fingers, and feet. Common warts are contagious and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact or contact with objects contaminated with the virus. While they are generally harmless, they can be unsightly and may cause discomfort or pain if they appear in areas subject to pressure or friction. Treatment options include over-the-counter topical treatments such as salicylic acid, cryotherapy (freezing warts with liquid nitrogen), or other invasive medical procedures such as laser surgery. Prevention measures include practicing hand hygiene, avoiding touching or picking at warts, and wearing protective footwear in communal areas.
Common warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and appear as small, rough bumps on the skin. Here are some other symptoms that may be associated with common warts are given in the following.
Common warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Here are some common types of common warts are given in the following.
| Tyoes of Common Warts | Description |
| Verruca vulgaris | Typically appearing as small, grainy bumps with rough surfaces that often occur on the fingers, hands, and knees |
| Plantar warts | It appears on the soles of the feet, typically flat with a rough surface and surrounded by thickened skin |
| Filiform warts | have long, thin projections and often occur on the face |
| Periungual warts | It occur around the fingernails and toenails, often causing deformities |
| Flat warts | Warts that are small and flat, often occurring in large numbers on the face |
Common warts, also known as verrucae vulgaris, are small growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they are typically harmless, sometimes common warts can be a symptom or first sign of an underlying medical condition. Here are six conditions that can present with common warts are given in the following.
Common warts may be a symptom of an underlying immunodeficiency disorder, such as HIV or AIDS. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop common warts that are difficult to treat.
Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a rare genetic disorder that causes the development of wart-like growths on the skin. This condition is caused by a mutation in a gene that affects the immune system's ability to fight off HPV.
Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare genetic disorder that causes extreme sensitivity to UV light and an increased risk of skin cancer. People with this condition may develop common warts as well as other skin abnormalities.
Cowden syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes the development of multiple noncancerous growths on the skin and other parts of the body. Common warts may be one of the many skin abnormalities associated with this condition.
Basal cell nevus syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes the development of numerous basal cell carcinomas, a type of skin cancer. People with this condition may also develop common warts and other skin abnormalities.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple organs in the body, including the skin. People with SLE may develop common warts as well as other skin abnormalities, such as a butterfly rash on the face.
Several conditions can cause depigmentation of skin, and the diagnostic tests may vary depending on the underlying cause. Here are some examples are given in the following.
Common warts are usually harmless, but they can be unsightly and uncomfortable. There are several drugs available for the treatment of common warts. Here are five drugs commonly used in the treatment of common warts, along with a brief explanation of how they work
Salicylic acid is a common over-the-counter treatment for common warts. It works by dissolving the protein keratin, which makes up the bulk of the wart. This gradually causes the wart to shrink and fall off.
Imiquimod is a prescription cream that is used to treat genital warts as well as some types of skin cancer. It works by stimulating the immune system to attack the HPV virus that causes warts.
Podofilox is a prescription gel that is used to treat genital warts. It works by preventing the cells in the wart from dividing and growing. This causes the wart to gradually shrink and fall off.
Cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, which causes the cells to die and the wart to fall off. This treatment is usually done in a doctor's office.
Cantharidin is a chemical that is derived from blister beetles. When applied to a wart, it causes a blister to form underneath the wart. The wart and blister then fall off together. This treatment is typically done in a doctor's office.
Curettage involves scraping the wart off with a sharp tool called a curette. The area is then cauterized with an electric needle to prevent bleeding. This treatment is usually done under local anesthesia.
Excision involves cutting the wart out with a scalpel. This treatment is also done under local anesthesia. Stitches may be required to close the wound.
Laser therapy involves using a laser to burn off the wart. This treatment is usually done under local anesthesia. It may require multiple sessions to be effective.
Covering the wart with duct tape for several days and then removing it may help to destroy the wart. This treatment may take several weeks to be effective.
Applying tea tree oil to the wart may help to destroy it. This treatment should be done carefully, as tea tree oil can irritate the skin.
Soaking a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and applying it to the wart may help to destroy it. This treatment should be done carefully, as apple cider vinegar can be irritating to the skin.
Crushing a garlic clove and applying it to the wart may help to destroy it. This treatment should be done carefully, as garlic can be irritating to the skin.
Crushing a vitamin C tablet and mixing it with water to make a paste may help to destroy the wart. This treatment should be done carefully, as vitamin C can be irritating to the skin.
Preventing common warts is often easier than treating them. While it is not always possible to avoid getting warts, there are several steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing them. Here are some effective ways to prevent common warts
The HPV virus that causes common warts can be easily spread through contact with infected skin or objects. Therefore, practicing good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent warts. This includes washing your hands regularly and avoiding sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or shoes with others.
Healthy skin is less likely to develop warts. You can keep your skin healthy by moisturizing regularly, avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, and keeping any cuts or scratches clean and covered.
The HPV virus can be found in warm, moist environments such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and public showers. Therefore, wearing shoes in these places can reduce your risk of coming into contact with the virus.
Touching warts can spread the virus to other parts of your body. If you do come into contact with a wart, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching any other part of your body until you have done so.
A strong immune system can help to fight off the HPV virus that causes warts. To boost your immune system, make sure that you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and exercise regularly.
There are vaccines available that can help to prevent certain types of HPV that can cause warts and other types of cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if the vaccine is right for you.
Common warts are typically not harmful and can often be treated at home. However, consider considering seeing a doctor. These are given in the following.
A doctor can diagnose properly and recommend appropriate treatments, such as cryotherapy (freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen), laser treatment, or prescription medications. Additionally, they can advise you on ways to reduce the risk of spreading the virus that causes warts to others.
If you have common warts and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified common warts doctor. A doctor specializing in treating common warts, such as a Dermatologist, would be the right health professional to consult.
Here is a list of Top verified doctors for common warts. You can book an appointment with one to start your common warts treatment today.
Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, New Delhi, Delhi NCR
Rs. 1,500 Consult Fees
Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai
Rs. 2,500 Consult Fees
A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your common warts. If you are experiencing common warts In that case, it is important to visit a common warts hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Check a list of Top Hospitals for common warts treatment.
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1918
🛌345 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1940
🛌220 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Super Speciality Hospital
Established in 1950
🛌350 Beds
5+ Doctors Frequently asked questions and answers about common warts.
What causes common warts?
Common warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the body through a break in the skin. Although they are not harmful, they can be unsightly and embarrassing.
Are common warts harmful?
Warts are not harmful, but they can be contagious and can spread from person to person through contact with the wart or surfaces that have come into contact with the wart.
How do you stop warts from spreading?
To prevent warts from spreading, avoid picking or scratching the wart, keep the affected area clean and dry, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors. Treatment options include over-the-counter medications, cryotherapy, and laser treatment.
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