Warts are small, benign (non-cancerous) growths on the skin or mucous membranes caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 types of HPV, and different strains tend to cause different kinds of warts. Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Common Types of Warts:

1. Common Warts (Verruca vulgaris): Typically appear on the hands, fingers, or elbows.
2. Plantar Warts: Found on the soles of the feet; they may grow inward due to pressure and can be painful.
3. Flat Warts: Smaller, smoother, and typically appear in clusters on the face, arms, or legs.
4. Genital Warts: Appear on the genital or anal areas and are usually caused by specific strains of HPV.
5. Filiform Warts: Have a finger-like appearance and are usually found on the face, especially around the eyes and mouth.
6. Periungual Warts: Grow around the nails and can affect the fingers and toes.

How Are Warts Treated?

Most warts go away on their own over time as the immune system fights off the infection. However, they can be stubborn and take months or even years to resolve. If you want to speed up the process, or if the wart is painful or spreading, treatment options include:

1. Over-the-Counter Treatments

• Salicylic Acid: This is the most common treatment and comes in the form of gels, pads, or liquids. It works by gradually removing layers of the wart. It’s most effective when the wart is soaked in warm water first and then the surface is scraped gently before applying the salicylic acid.
• Cryotherapy (Freezing Kits): Over-the-counter products contain substances like dimethyl ether and propane that freeze the wart, causing it to fall off after several treatments.

2. Prescription Treatments

• Stronger Salicylic Acid Preparations: Sometimes dermatologists will use a more potent form of salicylic acid or other keratolytic agents.
• Immunotherapy: In cases of resistant or widespread warts, treatments to stimulate the immune system may be used, such as:
  • Imiquimod: A cream that stimulates the immune response to fight the virus.
  • Interferon Injections: Used in cases where warts are particularly persistent or severe.
  • Candida Antigen Therapy: Involves injecting a small amount of a substance from a yeast infection to stimulate an immune response.

3. Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen)

• In-office cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing the tissue to blister and eventually fall off. This method is effective but may require multiple treatments.

4. Laser Treatment

• A laser is used to burn the wart tissue. This is typically used for warts that don’t respond to other treatments or are in difficult-to-treat locations (like genital warts).

5. Electrosurgery or Cauterization

• The wart is burned off using an electrical current. This is usually reserved for warts that are difficult to treat with other methods.

6. Surgical Removal

• If a wart is very large or resistant to other treatments, a doctor may decide to remove it surgically. This method involves cutting the wart out under local anesthesia.

7. Duct Tape Method

• A home remedy that involves covering the wart with duct tape for six days, then soaking the wart and gently scraping it. This is thought to work by irritating the wart and prompting an immune response.

When to See a Doctor

• If the wart is painful or growing quickly.
• If it’s spreading to other parts of the body.
• If you have warts on sensitive areas, like the face or genital region.
• If the wart doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments.
• If you have a weakened immune system (due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive medication).

Warts can be a nuisance, but with proper treatment, they are typically manageable. If you’re unsure which treatment is best for your case, it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist.