What it is
Warts are common, usually harmless skin growths caused by a virus in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. On the hands and fingers they often show up as rough, raised bumps, sometimes with tiny dark dots. They can feel bothersome, catch on things, or simply be hard to ignore.
Some warts go away on their own over time, while others hang around for a long while. A wart that has stayed put despite your best efforts is often called stubborn or persistent. That is a common experience and not a sign of poor hygiene or a personal failing.
Not every bump on the skin is a wart. Some growths look similar but are something else entirely, which is one reason an exam by a licensed clinician matters. Only a clinician can tell you what a growth actually is.
Warts can also return after they have cleared, so results vary from person to person.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Over-the-counter wart products are often the first thing people try. These commonly include medicated liquids, gels or pads, and freeze-style kits sold at drugstores. Many people use them as directed on the label, and results vary.
When home care hasn't worked, people have traditionally turned to a clinician. Approaches providers may discuss include cryotherapy (freezing), prescription topical medicines, laser wart removal, minor surgical removal (excision), and immunotherapy, which aims to encourage the body's own immune response. Which, if any, is appropriate is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Some prescription products have specific regulatory statuses, so it's a good idea to ask your provider about the current FDA status of anything they suggest. No approach is guaranteed to remove a wart or keep it from coming back, and it's common for care to take more than one visit.
How the right provider may help
The right provider may help by first looking closely at the growth to confirm what it is. That matters because a spot that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer, and should not be self-treated. The ABCDEs of melanoma are a general awareness guide only, never a way to diagnose yourself.
A visit generally involves talking through your history, what you've already tried, and how the wart affects your daily life. The clinician may examine the area and explain options that could fit your situation. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system, tell them, and ask a provider before treating warts at home, especially on the feet.
Helpful questions to bring: What is this growth, and how do you know? What options exist for my situation, and what are the pros and cons of each? What discomfort or healing time might I expect? What are the chances it may return, and what should I watch for? Is any option you suggest an FDA-regulated product, and what is its current status? You can browse licensed professionals through Providers.plus.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Many people feel self-conscious about visible warts, and ongoing worry or tension can wear on daily life and sleep. Looking after your general wellbeing, including rest, nourishment and stress care, is a reasonable part of a whole-person approach, alongside the care of a licensed clinician.
If embarrassment or frustration is weighing on you, support exists. Somatic Experiences offers body-based support for stress, and Therapists.plus can connect you with talk therapy. These are complements to medical care, not replacements, and no approach is better than another for everyone.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: anxiety panic and ocd →
Keep in mind
- Never cut, burn or dig out a growth at home, as this can cause injury or infection.
- Any spot or growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer, not self-treated.
- Warts on the face or genital area should not be treated with over-the-counter wart products; see a licensed clinician instead.
- Results vary and warts can return. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
Providers who often help
Frequently asked questions
What is wart removal?
Wart removal refers to the ways a licensed clinician may address a wart, such as freezing, prescription topicals, laser, minor surgery or immunotherapy. Which option fits depends on an exam and your health history. Results vary, and warts can return.
Why won't my wart go away with over-the-counter treatment?
Warts can be persistent, and over-the-counter products don't work the same for everyone. The growth may also be something other than a wart. A clinician can examine it and talk through next steps.
Who should I see for a stubborn wart?
A dermatologist, podiatrist (for feet), primary care clinician or sexual-health provider may be able to help, depending on where the wart is. A dermatologist is a good choice if you're unsure what a growth is.
Is it safe to remove a wart myself?
Never cut, burn or dig out a wart at home. Over-the-counter products used as directed are one option, but people with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should ask a provider first. Facial and genital warts should not be treated with over-the-counter products.
Can a wart be skin cancer?
Some growths that resemble warts may be something else, including skin cancer, which is why an exam matters. A spot that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist. Don't try to self-diagnose.
Will a wart come back after treatment?
It can. No treatment is guaranteed to prevent a wart from returning, and results vary from person to person. Ask your provider what to watch for and when to follow up.
Educational resource. Warts.ai shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.