Viral warts are the most common viral skin infection, caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They can appear anywhere on the skin and are particularly common on the hands, feet, and fingers. While harmless, they can cause discomfort and spread easily if left untreated.
How Do You Get Warts?
Viral warts are contagious and can spread through:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
- Indirect contact from contaminated surfaces such as public toilets, gym mats, or swimming pool decks
- Autoinoculation, where the virus spreads from one part of your body to another
It can take several months after exposure for warts to become visible on the skin.
What Do Warts Look Like?
Warts can vary in appearance, but they often present as:
- Rough, raised bumps with small black dots (tiny blood vessels)
- Flat or smooth lesions on the palms or soles
- Painful growths on the feet that may cause discomfort when walking
They can appear singly or in clusters and may spread gradually over time.
Treatment Options for Viral Warts
There are multiple ways to treat viral warts, depending on your age, tolerance, and the severity of infection. Your dermatologist will recommend the most suitable option.
In young children, warts sometimes clear spontaneously as the immune system matures. This may take months to 1–2 years.
Applied directly on the wart, these treatments work by gradually peeling away infected skin or stimulating an immune response.
A safe and effective treatment for warts and other skin conditions.
- Involves applying extremely cold liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart tissue.
- Causes mild discomfort during treatment and possible blistering afterward.
- Most patients can resume normal activities immediately.
- May require several sessions for complete clearance.
For stubborn or recurrent warts, minor surgical removal using electrical current or laser technology can be performed for faster resolution.
Can Warts Come Back?
Yes, recurrence is common, even after successful treatment. Warts may reappear weeks or months later. If this happens, consult your dermatologist — a repeat session or a different treatment method can be used effectively.
Tip: Avoid picking or scratching warts to prevent spreading them to other areas or people. Keep your skin clean and protected in public places like pools or gyms.