Health Topics for Skin Health

Department of Dermatology

Department of Internal Medicine: Allergy

Dermatological Cancers

Warts

Warts are small growths or bumps on the skin caused by a virus. They are skin-colored and feel rough to touch. Warts are spread by direct contact. They can spread from area-to-area or person-to- person. It may take up to 3 months from the time you are infected with the virus until it appears on your skin.

There are several types of warts and they appear in a variety of locations. Common warts appear on fingers, nails, and backs of hands. They are usually not serious and may disappear on their own within 2 years. The most common type are on the fingers. They are often seen around the nails and cuticles in children who bite their nails or pick at hangnails.

Warts on the soles of the feet are known as plantar warts. These grow inward, instead of outward, on areas that bear weight, like the soles of the feet and palms of the hand. People who sweat heavily and those who walk or exercise a lot, especially bare footed, frequently get these types of warts.

Flat warts are found on the rest of the body. They tend to be smaller and smoother than those found on the hands and feet. They grow in clusters of 20 to 100 at a time in the bearded area on the face of men and on the legs of women.

Genital warts are more serious and very contagious. They are difficult to treat and are considered a sexually transmitted disease. They occur on the genitalia, and around and in the rectum. In women, they are also found inside the vagina and on the cervix. If you suspect genital warts, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Both sexual partners should be seen at the same time. Avoid sexual contact until treated.

To reduce the risk of spreading warts:

• avoid brushing, clipping, combing, or shaving over areas with warts
• wear shoes or sandals in public areas, such as pools and locker rooms, if warts are on the feet
• use a different nail file or clipper for nails that have warts
• avoid biting your fingernails, if you have warts near your fingernails.
• do not pick at warts; consider covering them with bandages to discourage picking

There are self-care products (Compound W, Salac) to treat most warts. However, these are not to be used on genital warts. They contain acids that work by peeling off the affected skin. The products need to be applied twice a day for several weeks. But you need to use caution. Because these are acids, they can irritate normal skin. Do not use these if you are pregnant, unless told to do so by your provider.

If warts do not go away with self-care, or if they are causing discomfort or seem to be infected, you should contact your provider. There are a variety of treatments that can be used to remove warts. They can be frozen, burned, surgically removed, treated with chemicals or drugs, or removed by laser. But they are difficult to get rid of completely. More than one treatment or one approach may be needed.

If warts do not interfere with walking or running or do not cause social problems or embarrassment, it may be best to leave them alone. It is likely they will eventually go away on their own.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File SKIN4980.RF2 VRS# 4980 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.