Warts

Overview

Warts are common, benign growths on the skin with an uneven, sometimes fissured surface. Warts are primarily caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). Warts are usually painless and can be treated with topical medication from the pharmacy.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Rounded, horny skin bumps up to the size of a pea, with a rough surface
• Often located on the backs of the hands and fingers
• Usually painless

Other symptoms

• Warts on the sole of the foot grow into the skin (plantar warts)
• Painful
• Genital warts are discussed in another article ("HPV")

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Infection of human papilloaviruses (HPV)
• Transmitted through skin contact (on the feet by going barefoot at swimming pools / gyms)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• A diagnosis is usually based on careful observation

Possible therapies

• Electrocoagulation
• Cryotherapy (freezing of the warts)
• Laser treatment
  

What can I do myself?

• Special plasters and topical medication are available from the pharmacy
• Don’t cut, scratch or pick off warts
• The disinfectants used at swimming pools provide protection against plantar warts

When to see a doctor?

• Genital warts (condylomas)
• Bigger or very irritating warts
• Painful warts (plantar warts)
  

Synonyms

vulgar warts, verruca vulgaris, verrucae vulgares