Warts

Warts are rough, raised bumps on the skin that are caused by the human papillomavirus, which triggers extra cell growth and makes the outer layer of the skin thick and hard. There are different strains of this virus, which can impact the way that warts present on your skin and where they are located.

They most commonly appear on the hands and feet as rough, grainy bumps, but can also appear in other areas of the body. The most common types of warts are:

• Common warts: small, flesh-coloured, rough bumps which typically appear on the hands and feet. They aren’t a serious health concern but can cause cosmetic concerns and affect people’s self-esteem
• Plantar warts: flatter, rough growths, often confused with callouses, which typically appear on the soles of the feet in the areas which take more pressure when you walk around. They aren’t a serious health concern but can sometimes cause pain when putting on shoes or walking, or develop into larger clusters called mosaic warts
• Flat / Plane warts: smooth, small bumps, typically appearing in clusters on the face and hands. They are usually skin-coloured or a pinkish brown shade

Warts are very common and usually harmless, however, they can be itchy or painful or cause cosmetic concerns. If you are worried about the appearance or spread of warts it is important to consult with a dermatologist who will be able to advise on the most appropriate way to manage your condition.

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. People’s immune systems respond to the virus in different ways, with those who have autoimmune deficiencies more susceptible to outbreaks. Outbreaks are more common in children as their immune systems have yet to fully build up.

Warts can spread to other parts of the body and increase in size, often persisting over a long period of time. They can also be spread to other individuals, however, there are some simple measures that can be taken to help manage warts and limit the risk of them spreading:

• Avoid direct contact with warts from other people or from oneself (from one body part to another)
• Keep your skin dry and clean
• Moisturise your skin to prevent cracks
• Use barrier protections, such as waterproof bandages, in communal showers or pools
• Change your socks regularly
• Be careful to avoid cutting or irritating a wart, for example when shaving or through scratching or picking at it
• Avoid sharing towels, socks, shoes or other personal items
• Avoid biting your nails or sucking your fingers if they have warts on them

At RENA Clinics, our team of consultant dermatologists is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.

A comprehensive consultation at RENA Clinics involves a consultant dermatologist conducting a detailed evaluation of your skin, considering factors such as the size, location and longevity of your warts, their impact on your daily life, and your medical history. This detailed assessment guides the identification of the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition and allows us to develop a customised treatment plan.

There is no cure, meaning that warts can reappear, even after treatment.

For people who have healthy immune systems, warts will typically go away on their own, however, this can take up to two years. If you are immunocompromised then it is more likely that warts will persist for longer and may not go away on their own.

Wart removal is a safe and effective way to treat persistent warts or other growths that may be causing concern. Our team of expert dermatologists can advise on the best wart removal methods, which may include cryotherapy, salicylic acid, laser treatment, surgical removal, or the use of creams such as Efudix.