Warts: 4 Types, Causes, and Treatment Methods to Know about

Formation of types of warts is a contagious skin condition that infects the top layer of your skin. It is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). As a result, rough, skin-colored bumps get formed on your skin. These bumps are non-cancerous and develop when the HPV gets through your body from cuts or breaks on your skin. 

Approximately 10% of the population is affected by warts. It is more common in kids and immunosuppressed patients as well as meat handlers [1]. There are different types of warts that may affect specific areas of your body. 

Although they aren’t usually dangerous, warts’ symptoms may include a feeling of pressure, pain, and itchiness. Children as well as people with autoimmune conditions are most likely to develop warts. Read on to know more about warts’ causes, types, and treatment options.

Types of warts

The types of warts you may have depends on the area of infections and the appearance of bumps. Some commonly seen types are:

Common warts

This type usually develops on your toes, nails, fingers, back of your hand, and knees in some cases. It grows in these areas because the skin often breaks here from picking and biting of nails. They are also known as seed warts because they are black dots, resembling a seed.

Foot warts

These are also known as plantar warts, and may usually occur on your soles, ankles, and feet. This type may grow in clusters and turn into mosaic warts. The warts on your sole may often look flat because as you walk, you may push them inward. As the warts grow inward, it may cause a feeling of pebble stuck under your feet. This sensation may get painful over time.

Genital warts

This type may grow near or on your genital area such as vagina, penis, rectum, cervix, scrotum or more. These are a form of sexually transmitted infection (STI). They may look bumpy or flat and their color may range between pink and dark brown. These can also grow from skin tags. 

Flat warts

These may usually develop on your thighs, arms, or face. They are not immediately noticeable because of their small size. These warts are smoother and may appear scraped. Men tend to get these on their beard area, while women usually get these on their legs [2]. The color of these warts may be pink, yellow, or brown.

Causes of warts

HPV causes a skin infection that leads to formation of warts. This infection is contagious and may spread from person to person, or from one part of body to another. Some common warts’ causes are

• Cuticle picking or nail biting
• Shaving
• Coming in direct contact with a wart
• Touching something that was contaminated by an infected person
• Sexual intercourse without protection

Warts’ treatment options

Warts usually get dissolved on their own. However, here are some treatment options you can try.

Over-the-counter remedies

Some OTC medicines contain salicylic acid that soothes the layers of warts individually. They come in the form of patches, gel, or liquid. You may have to apply this for a few months before you start seeing the effects. Following skin care tips may also help prevent and manage the symptoms of warts.

Freezing the warts

This treatment is commonly known as cryotherapy. In this, your dermatologist may pour liquid nitrogen on your warts. It destroys the outer layer of your skin and may cause a burning sensation when it is poured. This treatment may require several attempts to work. You can also find some OTC concentrated cold air sprays. They freeze your affected skin for some time so that you can scrape off the warts.

Electrosurgery 

In this treatment, your dermatologist will burn the infected skin and scrap off the warts. This treatment may leave a permanent scar and around 20% of the time these warts may reoccur [3]. Warts on scarred area are difficult to treat. Your dermatologist may use this method if your warts are resistant and huge. 

While most warts go away on their own in a few weeks or a year, some may cause problems. Warts’ complications may include the following

• Disfigurement
• Cancer
• Infection

Since warts are contagious and may cause other conditions, it is better to treat them at the earliest. This is especially important if you are diabetic. You can book an in-clinic or online doctor consultation with a dermatologist on Bajaj Finserv Health in minutes. This way, you get skincare tips and lifestyle advices to prevent warts from the best practitioners.