Warts and Verrucas

What are warts and verrucas?

Warts are common, harmless growths on the skin caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV, and different types tend to cause warts in different places. Verrucas are warts on the soles of the feet.

Who gets them?

Warts are very common, especially in children and teenagers. Most people will have a wart at some point. They can be more numerous and persistent in people with a weakened immune system, for example after an organ transplant.

What causes them?

Warts are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus speeds up the growth of cells in the outer skin layer, which builds up into a thick, rough lump.

Are they hereditary or contagious?

Warts are not inherited, but they are contagious.

Warts spread through direct skin contact or indirectly from surfaces, particularly damp ones such as swimming pool floors, changing rooms and shared showers. Wet or damaged skin is more easily infected. Not everyone exposed to the virus develops warts, and warts are not caused by poor hygiene. Picking, biting or shaving over warts can spread them to other areas of your own skin. It can take weeks to months after contact for a wart to appear.

What do they look and feel like?

Common warts are firm, raised, rough growths, often with a cauliflower-like surface, and most often appear on the hands, fingers, knees and around the nails. Small black dots may be visible, which are tiny clotted blood vessels.

Verrucas (plantar warts) appear on the soles of the feet. They are pushed flat by the weight of walking and may be covered by hard skin. Many cause no discomfort, but some can be painful on weight-bearing areas, like walking on a stone. Several can merge into a larger patch, called a mosaic wart.

Flat (plane) warts are small, smooth, flat-topped and skin-coloured or brown, often on the face, hands or shins, and can appear in large numbers or in lines after shaving or scratching.

Filiform warts are thin, thread-like growths that usually appear on the face, around the mouth, nose or eyelids.

Genital warts are caused by different types of HPV and are a sexually transmitted infection.

How are they diagnosed?

Warts are usually diagnosed from their appearance. Verrucas can sometimes be confused with corns or calluses. In adults, a wart-like growth that is unusual in appearance, changing, bleeding or not behaving like a typical wart should be assessed, as occasionally other skin growths, including skin cancers, can look similar.

What are the treatment options?

Dr Mounsey will confirm the diagnosis and discuss whether treatment is needed, as many warts clear on their own. Treatment options include salicylic acid paints and gels, and cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), which Dr Mounsey carries out himself and which usually needs several sessions. Stubborn warts may be treated with other topical treatments or, in some cases, curettage. He will explain the likely success rate and any side effects, such as soreness and blistering.

What is the outlook?

Warts are harmless, and most eventually go away on their own as the immune system recognises the virus. Up to 65 in 100 warts, including verrucas, clear on their own within two years, with the best chance in younger people and recently acquired warts. Warts can last much longer in adults and in people with a weakened immune system. They can come back, even after successful treatment.

More information

British Association of Dermatologists patient leaflet on viral warts: https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/viral-warts-for-parents-and-young-people

British Association of Dermatologists patient leaflet on plantar warts: https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/plantar-warts

This page gives general information only and is not a substitute for a consultation. Everyone's skin is different, and what is right for you will depend on your own circumstances. If you are worried about a skin problem, please book an appointment with Dr Mounsey or speak to your GP. If you have a mole or skin lesion that is changing, bleeding or growing quickly, please seek medical advice promptly.