What it is
HPV, short for human papillomavirus, is a large group of related viruses. Different types tend to affect different areas of the body. Some are associated with common warts on hands or feet, and others with warts in the genital area.
A wart is a skin growth linked to HPV infection of the skin's top layer. Warts can look quite different depending on where they appear, and many other skin growths can resemble them. That is one reason a growth should be looked at by a professional rather than assumed to be a wart.
Many HPV infections are quiet, and people often don't know they have one. Because HPV is so widespread, talking about it openly and without shame helps. If a spot is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing, have a dermatologist check it for skin cancer and do not self-treat it.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Over time, people have approached warts in several ways. Some warts are watched with a clinician's guidance, since the body's immune system sometimes responds on its own. Others are addressed in a clinic, and the methods vary by wart type, location and the person's health.
Over-the-counter products exist for common warts on hands and feet, and many people use them as directed on the label. People with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should ask a provider before treating warts at home, especially on the feet. Cutting, burning or digging out a growth at home is not advised, and facial or genital warts should not be treated with over-the-counter wart products.
Clinicians may also use in-office or prescription approaches. Whether a specific prescription product is currently FDA-approved or appropriate for you is best checked with your provider. No approach is guaranteed to cure warts or HPV, results vary, and warts can return.
How the right provider may help
The right provider, such as a dermatologist, podiatrist, primary care clinician or sexual-health provider, may start by looking at the area and asking about your history. A visit is generally private and matter-of-fact, and clinicians see these concerns often. They can help tell whether a growth is a wart or something else that needs attention.
If it is appropriate, a provider may talk through the options that could fit your situation, along with what to expect and what is uncertain. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is right for you after an evaluation. The decision is shared with you, and you can ask for time to think.
Helpful questions include: What is this growth? Could it be something other than a wart? What are my options, including watching and waiting? What are the risks and what might happen if it returns? Is HPV vaccination something I should discuss? Should my partner or partners talk with a provider too? Writing questions down beforehand can make the visit easier.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Worry or embarrassment about a skin concern can add tension, and stress can affect how well people sleep and care for themselves. Looking at the whole person, not only the skin, can make the experience feel less lonely.
If body-held tension is part of the picture, some people explore body-based support such as Somatic Experiences. If shame, anxiety or relationship worries come up, talk therapy through Therapists.plus may offer a space to talk things through. These are optional supports that sit alongside care from a licensed clinician.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: anxiety panic and ocd →
Keep in mind
- Warts.ai is educational only and does not give medical advice or diagnose; please see a licensed clinician for an exam.
- Any growth 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 only a general guide, not a way to diagnose yourself.
- No treatment is guaranteed to cure warts or HPV or prevent them from returning, and results vary from person to person.
- If you feel overwhelmed, a licensed professional can help. For emergencies call 911, and in a crisis call or text 988.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
Do HPV and warts always go together?
No. Warts are caused by certain types of HPV, but many HPV infections never cause visible warts, and people often have no signs at all. Because many skin growths look alike, a licensed clinician should examine anything you're unsure about.
Does having warts mean I have HPV?
Warts are generally associated with HPV, yes, but only a clinician can evaluate your situation. Since HPV is very common, having it is not a reflection on you. A provider can answer questions about what it means for you and your partners.
Are genital warts and common warts the same HPV?
Not usually. Different HPV types tend to be linked with different areas of the body, so warts on the hands or feet and warts in the genital area are generally associated with different types. A clinician can explain how this applies to you.
Can I treat warts from HPV at home?
Over-the-counter products exist for common warts on hands and feet, but they aren't right for everyone. People with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should ask a provider first, and facial or genital warts should never be treated with over-the-counter wart products. Never cut, burn or dig out a growth at home.
Can warts come back after they are removed?
Yes, warts can return, and results vary from person to person. No approach can guarantee removal or prevent recurrence. A provider can explain what to watch for and when to follow up.
Is there an HPV vaccine, and should I ask about it?
Yes, HPV vaccination exists. Whether it makes sense for you depends on factors a clinician can review, so it's a good topic to bring up with a primary care or sexual-health provider.
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.