Common Wart
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A common wart
is a thick, rough, skin growth caused by human papillomavirus virus (HPV). HPV spreads by skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces. Common warts are benign (not cancer).
Signs and symptoms:
Common warts may form anywhere on your body, but are most common on hands, fingers, knees, feet, and elbows. You may have any of the following:
- A raised, round growth
- Black dots in the center of your wart, or bleeding if the wart is scratched or scraped
- Soreness around your wart
Call your doctor or dermatologist if:
- Your wart returns or does not go away after treatment.
- Your wart grows larger, or begins to spread or cluster.
- You have a wart on your face, genitals, or rectum.
- Your wart bleeds, becomes painful, or drains pus.
- You have questions about your condition or care.
Treatment
is based on the size, location, and number of warts you have. Some warts go away on their own without treatment. Some warts return after treatment. You may need any of the following:
- Home treatments may help remove the wart:
- Salicylic acid helps dry and remove the wart. Before you apply salicylic acid, soak the wart in warm water for up to 20 minutes. Keep your wart damp. Apply a small amount of salicylic acid directly to your wart. Do not apply salicylic acid to healthy skin. Cover the wart as directed. It is best to do this at bedtime. When you wake, use a pumice stone (a rough stone) or nail file to gently remove dead skin. Repeat as directed.
- Duct tape helps dry and remove the wart. You may be directed to leave the duct tape on for 6 days. On day 7, take the tape off and soak the wart in warm water for 5 minutes. Gently scrape the wart with a pumice stone or nail file. Then apply a new piece of duct tape and follow the same steps until the wart is gone.
- Cantharidin burns the wart and causes it to blister. Your healthcare provider will apply this liquid medicine to your wart. He or she may remove the blister or dead skin at a later time.
- Liquid nitrogen freezes the wart and helps it fall off. This treatment may be repeated 2 to 4 times.
- Injections (shots) may help kill the virus that is causing the wart.
- Other treatments may be needed to remove your wart. These treatments may include phototherapy, laser therapy, or surgery to remove the wart.
Follow up with your doctor or dermatologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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