Warts

What are warts?
Warts are caused by viruses and commonly grow on the hands, fingers, and feet, but can occur anywhere on the body. You can get a wart by touching someone else's wart or something a wart has touched, like a floor or towel.  You are more likely to get a wart if you are a child or teenager, have cuts or scrapes, bite your nails or pick at hangnails, have a weak immune system.
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There are many different types of warts, and they may have the following characteristics:
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  • Small hard bump with a black dot in the center.
  • Bump may be flesh colored, grayish brown, pink or light brown.
  • May be rounded, flat, rough, or smooth.
  • May be finger-like or thread-like.
  • May be tender or painful.
  • May grow in clusters.

How do you get rid of warts?
Some warts may go away on their own, especially in children. If the wart is not painful, it may not need treatment. Treatment depends on the kind of wart and how many warts you have.  

Treatment includes:
  • Cryotherapy freezes the warts to remove it.
  • Topical medication to put on the wart to make it go away. 
  • Drugs to boost the immune system to help fight the virus causing the warts. 

Treatment Tip

Vircin is an immunomodulator that kills warts quicker.
What can I do to prevent the spread of warts?
  • Do not scratch or pick at warts. They can spread to other part of your body.
  • Wash your hands with soap and running water if you touch a wart.
  • If you do have warts, keep the area dry to prevent spreading. 
  • Do not touch warts on yourself or on other people. Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch a wart. 
  • Do not use other people's personal items like towels, razors, or socks.
  • Wear flip flops in public areas like pools, locker rooms, and showers.
  • If you have a cut or scratch, keep it covered with a bandage. 
  • Be careful when you shave. Men with warts on their face can spread warts when shaving, and women who shave their legs and arms can spread warts when they get viral particles on the razor and then create nicks in the skin when shaving.  If you have to shave, do the area with the warts last, and use disposable razors that you throw away.
The information presented on this web site, and any related links, is provided for general information and educational purposes only and are the opinions of Dr. Diana Dang. Consult with your physician or health care provider for any specific medical conditions or concerns that you have. (This also applies to patients in Dr. Dang's medical practice; the information here is not a substitute for, or an extension of, the medical care they provide for you.) Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. Use the information and products on this site at your own risk. Use of this site indicates your agreement with these statements and the Terms and Conditions of El Centro Dermatology & Laser Center. If you do not agree to all of these Terms and Conditions of use, please do not use this site!