Viral Warts: Why They Appear and How to Get Rid of Them

Millions of people worldwide suffer from viral warts, yet many remain unaware that these common skin growths stem from a contagious virus. Learning to identify them early and understanding your treatment options can help you quickly address this issue and prevent transmission to others.

What are viral warts?

Viral warts are small, rough growths on the skin caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They're among the most common viral infections of the skin worldwide and can appear anywhere on the body, though they most often show up on the hands, feet, face, and genital region.

While these growths are generally harmless and often disappear on their own over time, they can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful depending on their size and location. Because they're caused by a virus, warts are contagious and may spread through skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of viral warts

Identifying the signs of viral warts early can help you seek appropriate treatment and prevent spreading the infection to others.

Watch for these common signs:

• Small, raised bumps with a rough surface that may resemble a cauliflower texture

• Skin-coloured, white, pink, or brown appearance

• Tiny black dots on the surface, which are small clotted blood vessels

• Pain when walking if warts develop on the soles of your feet (plantar warts)

• Flat, smooth clusters on the face or legs (flat warts)

• Soft, flesh-coloured growths in the genital or anal area (genital warts)

• Thread-like projections around the eyes, nose, or mouth (filiform warts)

The appearance and symptoms can vary significantly based on the type of wart and where it's located on your body.

If you've noticed unusual growths or bumps on your skin, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical for a proper diagnosis and a customised treatment plan in a comfortable, confidential environment.

What causes viral warts?

Understanding what triggers these infections can help you take steps to protect yourself and reduce your risk.

Viral warts develop from infection with human papillomavirus, a family of viruses that infect the top layer of the skin or mucous membranes. The virus enters through tiny cuts or abrasions in the skin, leading to rapid growth of skin cells and the formation of a wart.

There are more than 100 HPV types, and different strains are responsible for different kinds of warts:

• HPV types 1, 2, and 4 often cause plantar warts

• HPV types 6 and 11 are commonly associated with genital warts

• HPV types 3, 10, and 28 typically cause flat warts

Several factors can increase your risk of developing warts:

• Close contact with someone who has warts

• Using communal showers or swimming pools

• Having a weakened immune system

• Skin trauma or frequent cuts and abrasions

How are viral warts diagnosed?

Knowing when and how to seek a proper diagnosis ensures you receive the right treatment for your condition.

Viral warts are usually diagnosed based on their appearance during a physical examination. A doctor can often distinguish warts from other skin lesions by their characteristic rough surface and location. In uncertain cases, or if the wart looks unusual, a small sample of the skin (biopsy) may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as skin cancers or other growths. 

For genital warts, a doctor may also perform additional tests to check for coexisting sexually transmitted infections (STI).

How are viral warts treated?

Treatment options vary depending on the type, location, and severity of your warts, but most respond well to medical intervention.

While many warts eventually disappear without treatment as the immune system clears the virus, this process can take months or even years. Treatment is often sought for cosmetic reasons, to relieve discomfort, or to prevent the spread of the virus to others or other areas of the body.

Topical medications

These topical treatments gradually remove the wart layer by layer:

• Salicylic acid peels away the wart over time

• Imiquimod or podophyllotoxin for genital warts (prescription only)

Cryotherapy

This procedure involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. It's one of the most common and effective treatments for persistent warts.

Surgical procedures

For stubborn or large warts, minor surgical options may be recommended:

• Curettage (scraping away the wart)

• Laser treatment to destroy wart tissue

• Electrocautery to burn off the wart

New treatment approaches are also being studied in clinical trial settings to improve effectiveness. It's important to remember that treatment removes the wart but may not eliminate the virus entirely, meaning recurrence is possible. Strengthening the immune system through healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly or maintaining a healthy diet can also aid in the virus's natural clearance.

If you're struggling with persistent or painful warts, book an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our specialists can recommend the most effective treatment options tailored to your specific needs in a professional, judgement-free setting.

FAQ

Are warts harmful?

Can viral warts be treated?

What does a viral wart look like?

Can viral warts spread?

What kills the wart virus?

Can viral warts become cancerous?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.