Warts can take months or years to clear on their own. Combining treatments over a few weeks often works best.
- Cause
- HPV
- Appear after
- 2 to 6 months
- Mainstay
- Liquid nitrogen
What are warts?
Warts are a viral skin infection that forms hard, flesh-coloured lumps, most often on the fingers or hands. The small black dots inside them are tiny clotted blood vessels.
Warts usually take 2 to 6 months to appear after contact with the virus. They are generally harmless, but they are contagious and can take months or years to resolve on their own.
Causes and risk
Warts are caused by direct contact with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Casual contact or sharing objects with someone who has warts is often enough, and not everyone exposed will develop them.
People with weakened or suppressed immune systems are at higher risk. Children and young adults are also more susceptible.
Treatment options
- Liquid nitrogen freezes the wart over repeat treatments, usually until it falls off.
- Salicylic acid removes the wart layer by layer.
- Prescription medication can be added for stubborn warts.
- Surgical removal is also an option.
The most successful approach usually combines several methods over a few weeks.
Begin with
a conversation.
Book appointmentWarts frequently asked questions
What causes warts?
Warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the skin through direct contact.
Are warts contagious?
Yes. Warts can spread through casual skin contact or by sharing objects with someone who has them. Not everyone exposed to the virus develops warts.
How are warts treated?
Treatments include liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, salicylic acid to remove it layer by layer, prescription medication and surgical removal. The most successful approach usually combines several methods.
How many treatments does it take to remove a wart?
Warts usually need repeat treatments over the course of several weeks, and some are more stubborn than others.
Who is more likely to get warts?
Children and young adults are more susceptible, as are people with weakened or suppressed immune systems.