What are the main symptoms or signs of Warts: How to Get Rid of Them Effectively?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Warts: How to Get Rid of Them Effectively?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Dermatology

Warts: How to Get Rid of Them Effectively

Common but tenacious, they always eventually disappear.

Dr. Sophie Renard

Dermatologist

4 min read

Medical illustration of Warts: How to Get Rid of Them Effectively

In simple terms

Caused by the human papillomavirus, warts affect one in three children. Overview of available treatments.

What you need to remember

Types of Warts — Common warts**: rough surfaces, often on the hands
Treatment Options — Watchful waiting**: 65% of warts spontaneously disappear within 2 years
Prevention — Avoid walking barefoot in swimming pools and changing rooms

Warts are benign skin growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They primarily affect children and young adults.

Types of Warts

Common warts: rough surfaces, often on the hands
Plantar warts: on the soles of the feet, sometimes painful when walking
Flat warts: small, smooth, often multiple on the face
Filiform warts: thin projections, common around the eyes and neck

Treatment Options

Watchful waiting: 65% of warts spontaneously disappear within 2 years
Salicylic acid: keratolytic for daily topical application
Cryotherapy: liquid nitrogen applied by the dermatologist
CO2 laser: for resistant warts
Topical immunotherapy: imiquimod to stimulate the local immune response

Prevention

Avoid walking barefoot in swimming pools and changing rooms
Do not touch or scratch warts (risk of spreading)
Maintain good foot hygiene

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Immune system: Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
Topical: A treatment you apply on the skin, like a cream, gel or ointment.
Prevention: Steps taken before a problem starts, to make it less likely.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Warts: How to Get Rid of Them Effectively?: Caused by the human papillomavirus, warts affect one in three children. Overview of available treatments.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Warts: How to Get Rid of Them Effectively?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Warts: How to Get Rid of Them Effectively?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

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