Warts

Several raised warts on the fingers and back of a hand

Warts are common, non-cancerous skin growths caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts develop when HPV enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions.

They can spread by:

  • Direct skin-to-skin contact
  • Sharing personal items (towels, razors)
  • Walking barefoot in public places (like pools or gyms)

Types of Warts

  1. Common Warts (Verruca vulgaris)
    • Rough, raised bumps
    • Commonly on hands and fingers
  2. Plantar Warts
    • Found on soles of feet, (pressure-bearing areas)
    • Can be painful while walking
  3. Flat Warts (Verruca plana)
    • Smooth, flat, and small
    • Often seen on face, arms, or legs
  4. Filiform Warts
    • Thread-like projections
    • Usually on face or neck
  5. Periungual Warts
  • Around nails ,associated with nail biting and trauma
    • May affect nail growth
  1. Genital Warts (Condyloma acuminata)
  • Sexually transmitted
  • Soft, cauliflower-like lesions
  • Require specialized evaluation and treatment

Treatment Options

At Shubhashree Skin and Hair Clinic, treatment is individualized based on:

  • Type of wart
  • Number and size
  • Location
  • Patient age and immune status

1. Topical (Medical) Therapy

Salicylic Acid

  • Keratolytic agent that dissolves thickened skin
  • Requires regular application for weeks

Topical Retinoids

  • Useful for flat warts

Immunotherapy Agents

  • Stimulate body’s immune system to fight HPV
  • Examples: imiquimod (selected cases)

2. Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen)

  • Multiple sessions required every 2–3 weeks

3. Electrocautery / Radiofrequency Ablation

  • Wart tissue is destroyed using heat energy
  • Done under local anesthesia

4. Laser Therapy

  • Uses focused light energy to destroy wart tissue
  • Effective for recalcitrant or recurrent warts
  • Minimal damage to surrounding skin

5. Intralesional Immunotherapy (Advanced Option)

  • Injection of antigen into wart to boost immune response
  • Useful for multiple or resistant warts

Home Care Tips

  • Avoid picking or scratching warts
  • Avoid shaving over affected areas
  • Do not share personal items
  • Wear footwear in public places

Warts are common and treatable. Early consultation ensures faster recovery and prevents spread.

At Shubhashree Skin and Hair Clinic, we provide expert care using the latest dermatological techniques.