Warts don’t have heads like pimples, but there might be a small black dot in the bump that looks like a tiny seed. Sometimes, the blood that feeds a wart dries inside and forms a small black spot. These spots are called thrombosed capillaries. Warts are caused by viruses; different viruses cause different kinds of warts and affect various parts of the body.
Plantar warts develop on your feet, especially on the weight bearing parts. They are usually hard and may have a black dot in the center, which is a broken blood vessel. Flat warts usually occur on your face, hands, and feet. They often look like a grouping of flat-top, flesh-colored bumps. They can also be dome-shaped. Filiform warts, which most often appear on your face, lips, nose, and eyelids, look like thin stalks, similar to a skin tag. Sometimes you might have a cluster of stalks in a circle.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after touching a wart or the skin around it. It’s easy to spread the viruses that cause warts.
If your bumps suddenly appeared over a matter of minutes or hours, they might be due to an allergic reaction. Hives, or small pink bumps associated with an allergic rash, are also itchy. Warts usually aren’t itchy or painful. Plantar warts, which grow on the soles of the feet, sometimes get pressed by the force of walking, which can be painful.
Common warts, which usually have rough surfaces, are often easily treated with over-the-counter medication. Other warts might require alternative treatment methods, such as medication that boosts the immune system.
For warts that affect sensitive skin, such as your face, it’s best to have your doctor or pharmacist recommend a treatment method. Salicylic acid, for instance, shouldn’t be used on the face. [8] X Research source You should always see a doctor if you suspect you’ve contracted genital warts. If you don’t have a primary doctor, you can seek treatment at a local sexual health clinic. [9] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Dark or multi-colored, irregularly shaped warts can sometimes resemble some forms of skin cancer, so your doctor might want to take a biopsy, or a small tissue sample, just to stay on the safe side. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
If the label advises, soak the area for 10 minutes in warm water and buff the wart with an emery board before applying the medicine. This can make the medicine more effective. Throw out the emery board after buffing the wart, and don’t use it file your nails or share it with anyone. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Topical medications come in gel, plaster, or bandage forms. You should only apply the medication directly to the wart. Do not use it on any other parts of your body. Side effects may include burning or redness at the application site. Remember that salicylic acid shouldn’t be used on the face. If warts affect sensitive areas of skin, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend the best treatment option. [14] X Expert Source Mark Co, DPMPodiatrist Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. Use your over-the-counter salicylic acid medication every night before bed for 6-8 weeks. The medication will be effective in 75% of cases.
Don’t use the pumice stone on any other area after you’ve used it on the wart. After the treatment is complete, discard the pumice stone. You should get relief from pain after the first 24-48 hours. The pumice stone and the salicylic acid will both irritate the skin on the wart. This can help your body develop an immunity to that strain of wart, and when that happens, it should go away.
Throw away the emery board after using it. Repeat the process 3-4 times until the wart goes away. If buying medication or seeing a doctor aren’t options, duct tape could be an effective home remedy. Though some doctors do recommend taping, keep in mind there’s mixed evidence of its effectiveness. It’s best to only use this method on areas that aren’t highly visible. Don’t use it on your face!
Since prescription-strength medications have a stronger concentration of acid, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Improper use could harm your skin. Additionally, you might need a prescription for medication that’s safe to use on your face or other sensitive areas of skin.
You can also find over-the-counter liquid nitrogen wart removal kits at your pharmacy. Check your product’s instruction label, and use it as directed. Apply liquid nitrogen only to the wart, and don’t use it on any other parts of your body.
Side effects of electrosurgery may include pain, burning, or discomfort. Laser therapy might cause some discomfort, but it’s usually painless. For both methods, scarring is possible. Don’t try to cut or burn a wart by yourself.
Depending on the location and severity of the outbreak, your doctor will prescribe a topical cream or gel, perform cryotherapy, or recommend laser therapy. Apply any medication according to your doctor’s instructions. Don’t stop using a medication without consulting your doctor.
If you’re treating warts, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after applying wart removal medication. Always wash your hands after you go to the bathroom, before you eat, after touching your face, handle raw meat, touch any soiled surfaces, or come into contact with someone who has warts.
Scratching or biting can also worsen existing warts or cause an infection.
Even if you don’t have warts, it’s wise not to share used towels, garments, or hygiene products.
Spray the cleaning solution onto the tub, scrub the area with a paper towel, then rinse it thoroughly with hot water. Wash your hands when you’re finished.
Since genital warts can affect areas that aren’t covered by a condom, it’s still possible to spread the virus even if you practice safe sex. It’s easier to spread genital warts during an outbreak. However, spreading the virus that causes them is still possible when no warts are present.
