Main
- Cause: warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, which enters through unnoticed damage to the skin.
- Who is at risk: children, adolescents and people with weakened immunity, as well as visitors to swimming pools, are affected more often.
- How to recognise it: a firm nodule with a rough surface, sometimes multiple, may darken or change shape.
- Which doctor to see: a dermatovenereologist deals with diagnosis and removal, and if in doubt refers for dermatoscopy or a biopsy.
- What not to do: cutting off and cauterising warts yourself — this risks infection, a scar and the spread of the virus.
What are warts
Warts are benign growths on the skin that appear due to the human papillomavirus. Below is an explanation of how this condition develops and which circumstances increase the risk of infection.
What happens in the body
The human papillomavirus penetrates the upper layers of the skin through tiny breaks that a person often does not even notice. Inside the cells, it triggers accelerated division, which is why a dense nodule gradually forms on the surface. At first it is a small thickening without obvious signs, then it becomes more noticeable and may change its outline. Gradually the growth acquires a rough surface, while the skin around it looks normal. The nodule itself does not hurt or itch, so it is often discovered by chance. The virus remains in the skin even after the growth disappears and may become active again. Therefore, when new growths appear, it is important not to injure them and to discuss the condition with a doctor.
What causes it to develop
- Contact with a carrier of the virus: infection occurs when touching the skin of a person who has active growths, or through shared items.
- Shared towels and footwear: damp items retain virus particles longer, so using other people's things increases the risk of transmission.
- Skin damage: scratches, cuts and chafing open the way for the virus to get inside, so any small wound becomes a vulnerable spot.
- Reduced immunity: when the body's defences are weakened, the virus multiplies more actively and more often leads to cell overgrowth.
- Damp environment: in a swimming pool, shower or changing room the skin softens, and the virus penetrates its surface more easily.
Who encounters this more often
Most often such growths are encountered by children and adolescents, as well as people with weakened immunity. In children the skin is thinner and more sensitive, and the habit of touching the face and hands increases the number of micro-damage. Adults become infected less often, but the risk rises with constant contact with a carrier or when working in damp premises. People who visit swimming pools and shared showers are also in the group requiring increased attention. If a person frequently injures the skin or wears tight footwear, growths appear more readily. With weakened immunity, growths may recur and spread to new areas. Therefore, when new elements appear, it is worth seeing a doctor to clarify the cause and the approach to monitoring.
What symptoms can there be?
Warts are usually noticed as small, firm nodules on the skin of the hands, feet or face. Recognising when such a growth requires a doctor's attention is helped by the characteristic signs and how they change over time.
How it is noticed at the very beginning
A wart most often starts as a small, firm nodule that a person happens to feel on the skin of the hands, feet or face. At first, such a growth hardly differs in colour from the surrounding skin and does not attract attention. The surface of the nodule gradually becomes rough, resembling a fine grater or an unevenness. Many put this down to dry skin, a callus after tight shoes or ordinary tiredness from work. Over time, new nodules may appear next to the first one, and then it becomes noticeable that it is not a matter of dryness. Sometimes the growth darkens or slightly changes shape, which is also not noticed straight away. If the nodule does not go away within the usual time and continues to grow, it is worth showing it to a doctor rather than waiting for it to disappear on its own.
Signs that occur most often
- Firm nodules: small growths on the skin that feel like a thickening when touched and do not disappear on their own.
- Rough surface: the upper layer of the nodule becomes uneven and slightly keratinised, which is clearly noticeable to the touch and on close inspection.
- Single or multiple: the growth may remain single, but new nodules often appear nearby, and then there are several of them.
- Change in colour or shape: the nodule sometimes darkens or changes its outline, and this is a noticeable reason to show it to a doctor without delay.
- Itching or tenderness: when pressure is applied to the growth, for example when walking or working with the hands, an unpleasant sensation or mild pain may occur.
When to seek help urgently
Examinations and tests
Examination for suspected warts begins with a skin examination by a doctor and in most cases is limited to this. Additional methods are used only when it is necessary to distinguish a wart from other growths.
How the examination begins
A skin examination by a dermatovenerologist is the first and main stage, during which the doctor assesses the growth itself and the surrounding tissues. The specialist pays attention to the colour, surface, density and borders of the element, as well as the condition of the skin around it. The diagnosis is usually made by a dermatovenerologist after a skin examination, and in typical cases no additional examination is required. If the appearance of the growth is typical, the doctor limits himself to the examination and explains to the person what he is dealing with. When the picture is ambiguous, the specialist may refer for dermatoscopy or a biopsy to rule out other growths. Dermatoscopy allows the structure of the element to be examined under magnification and reveals details invisible to the eye. A biopsy makes it possible to examine a fragment of tissue if doubts remain about the nature of the growth. It is worth recalling in advance when the element appeared and how it changed — this noticeably helps the doctor during the appointment.
What is prescribed and what it shows
What is worth preparing for the appointment
- Discharge summaries: take previous doctors' reports if the growth has already been examined — this will save you from repeated questions.
- Images: photographs of the element taken at different times help the doctor assess how it has changed.
- Observations: write down when you first noticed the growth and what happened to it afterwards — such details are important.
- List of complaints: note whether the element causes discomfort, whether it changes, whether similar growths have appeared in relatives.
- Questions: formulate in advance what you want to clarify with the doctor so as not to forget anything during the conversation.
Which doctor should I see?
If warts are suspected, it is important to understand which doctor to consult and how care is organised. Below we explain who manages this condition, what treatment consists of, and what depends on the patient themselves.
Which specialist manages this condition
Warts are managed by a dermatovenereologist — a doctor who works with changes of the skin and external integuments. They examine the formation, clarify how long ago it appeared and how it has changed over time. During the appointment, the specialist assesses the borders, surface and location of the element in order to distinguish it from similar skin conditions. If there is no such specialist nearby, one can start with a general physician: they will refer to the right specialist. In small settlements, appointments are often provided by a general practitioner, who can also give a referral. This route helps avoid losing time and dealing with it on one's own. It is better not to postpone the appointment if the formation is growing or changing appearance.
What treatment consists of
- Observation: used when the formation does not cause concern, is not growing and does not change, so the doctor can simply monitor it.
- Physiotherapeutic methods: affecting the tissue of the formation without an incision, which allows removing it during an appointment.
- Surgical removal: used for certain indications, when other approaches are unsuitable or have not given the desired result.
- Selection of therapy: the doctor chooses the direction of care individually, taking into account the location, size and characteristics of the patient's skin.
- Prevention of spread: measures that reduce the risk of new elements appearing nearby or on other parts of the body.
What depends on the patient themselves
Regular follow-up with a dermatovenereologist noticeably affects how care for warts proceeds. If the formation does not cause concern, the doctor may suggest observation, and then repeat examinations at the appointed time are important. The patient themselves notices whether the element is growing, whether it changes colour or shape, whether new ones appear nearby. This information helps the specialist review the tactics in time and choose a suitable direction of care. One should avoid damaging the formation: trauma can lead to the process spreading to neighbouring areas of the skin. It is also important not to try to remove it on one's own, because this often worsens the picture. A careful attitude to the skin and attentiveness to changes help the doctor act more precisely.
What helps prevent an exacerbation?
Everyday decisions by the person themselves help prevent an exacerbation: hygiene, skin protection and attention to its condition. Regular check-ups with a doctor allow changes to be noticed in time and habits to be adjusted.
What is changed in habits
Maintaining hygiene reduces the risk of infection and the spread of warts to new areas of the skin. Do not use other people's towels and footwear, since the virus persists on items and is transmitted through contact. In public places — a swimming pool, a sauna, showers — wear protective footwear so as not to step on infected surfaces. Keep the skin clean and change socks promptly, especially if the feet sweat. Do not scratch or injure warts: damage to the skin makes it easier for the virus to spread to neighbouring areas. Maintaining immunity through adequate sleep, moderate activity and a balanced diet helps the body keep the virus in check. If a wart bleeds or changes appearance, see a doctor without trying to remove it yourself.
What should be kept under control
- Condition of the skin: examine the feet and hands to notice new growths and changes in existing ones.
- Personal items: towels, footwear and socks should be individual, since the virus is transmitted to other people through them.
- Protection in public places: in a swimming pool, sauna and showers wear changeable footwear so as not to come into contact with surfaces.
- Intactness of warts: do not scratch or cut them, as injury to the skin speeds up the spread of the virus.
- General well-being: strong immunity keeps the virus in check, so adequate sleep and rest are important.
- Regular check-ups with a doctor: the specialist will assess changes and advise when habits need to be adjusted.
How often to see a doctor
Regular check-ups with a doctor are needed even when the warts do not bother you and seem familiar. The specialist assesses the condition of the skin and notices changes that a person often misses during self-examination. If the growths do not change, routine visits are enough, the frequency of which is determined by the doctor taking into account the location and number of warts. If new elements appear, bleeding or pain, the visit should not be postponed, since such signs require attention. The doctor will also advise how to properly care for the skin and which habits should be changed. Such monitoring helps to adjust everyday actions in time and reduce the risk of exacerbation. Do not postpone a routine check-up, even if you continue to feel well.
What is worth remembering
Warts are a condition where it is important not to self-diagnose and not to postpone a visit to a specialist. Below are the main conclusions that will help you make a balanced decision.
Main conclusions
Warts appear because of a virus that is easily transmitted through contact with damaged skin, so infection often occurs unnoticed. Warts look different in different people: some remain smooth and flat, others become raised and rough. Warts can disappear on their own, but this happens slowly and unpredictably, and sometimes they persist for years. Warts easily spread to neighbouring areas if they are injured, picked off or you try to cut them off yourself. Warts are not always harmless: some growths only look like them but have a different nature. Warts should be shown to a doctor if they change colour, shape, size or start to bleed. Warts do not require panic, but they do require attention: it is more sensible to clarify the nature of the growth with a specialist than to guess for years and take risks.
