What it is
A wart is a small skin growth caused by a virus in the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. Warts can appear on hands, feet, knees, the face and other areas, and they can look different depending on where they grow. Many people notice them and wonder what to do next.
Because several skin conditions can look similar to warts, it's hard to know from appearance alone what a growth is. Only a licensed clinician can examine a spot and tell you what it is. That is why an exam is often the best first step, rather than guessing.
A growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist for skin cancer. Please don't self-treat it. The ABCDEs of melanoma (asymmetry, border, color, diameter, evolving) are a general awareness guide only, not a way to diagnose yourself.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Warts have been approached in many ways over the years, and the choice often depends on where the wart is, how it looks, a person's health and personal preference. Some warts are simply watched, since they sometimes go away on their own over time, while others are addressed by a provider.
Common approaches you may hear about include freezing (cryotherapy), salicylic acid and other topical treatments, an in-office blistering agent called cantharidin, laser treatment, minor surgical removal or excision, and immunotherapy, which aims to encourage the body's own immune response. Each has its own considerations, and a clinician decides what is appropriate after an evaluation.
Over-the-counter wart products are widely available, and they are one traditional option for some common warts. People with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should ask a provider before treating warts at home, especially on the feet. Over-the-counter wart products are not meant for facial or genital warts. Never cut, burn or dig out a growth at home. Results vary from person to person, and warts can return no matter which approach is used.
How the right provider may help
The right provider may help by first looking closely at the growth and asking about your health history, how long it has been there and whether it has changed. They may explain what they see, discuss whether treatment is needed at all, and walk through options that could fit your situation. No provider can promise a particular outcome.
A visit is generally a conversation and an exam. You might be asked about symptoms like pain or bleeding, other medical conditions, and what you've already tried at home. If anything looks unusual, a clinician may suggest further evaluation to rule out other concerns, including skin cancer.
Helpful questions to bring: What do you think this growth is? What options might suit me, and what are the trade-offs? What should I expect afterward, and what might it feel like? Can it come back? Is there anything I should avoid doing at home? You can also ask about the current FDA status of any prescription product a provider mentions, such as cantharidin formulations, and about HPV vaccination if it's relevant to you. Providers.plus lists licensed providers if you'd like help finding one.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Visible skin concerns can bring self-consciousness, worry or frustration, and stress can in turn make people feel less well overall. Caring for the whole person means paying attention to how you feel, not only how your skin looks.
If a skin concern is weighing on you, body-based support such as Somatic Experiences may help some people feel more settled in their bodies, and talk therapy through Therapists.plus may offer a space to work through worry or embarrassment. These are supportive options alongside, not instead of, 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, diagnose conditions or tell you which treatment you need; a licensed clinician should examine any growth.
- Any spot, mole 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.
- No treatment is guaranteed to remove a wart or prevent it from returning, and results vary; licensed professionals should guide care, especially for people with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system.
- For emergencies call 911; 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
Who can do wart removal near me?
Licensed clinicians such as dermatologists, podiatrists, primary care providers and sexual-health providers commonly evaluate and address warts. Which one suits you may depend on where the wart is and your health history. A directory like Providers.plus can help you find licensed providers in your area.
Should I see a doctor or try wart removal at home?
A clinician exam is the safest way to confirm that a growth is a wart, since other skin conditions can look similar. Some people use over-the-counter products for common warts, but those with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy or a weakened immune system should ask a provider first. Never cut, burn or dig out a growth at home.
What are the common wart removal options a provider might discuss?
A provider may talk about freezing (cryotherapy), salicylic acid and topical treatments, cantharidin applied in the office, laser treatment, minor surgical excision or immunotherapy. Which, if any, is appropriate is decided by a licensed clinician after an evaluation. Results vary, and warts can return.
Can I use over-the-counter wart products on my face or genitals?
No, over-the-counter wart products are not meant for facial or genital warts. These areas are sensitive, so it's best to see a licensed clinician privately and without embarrassment. Genital warts are common and a provider can discuss options and HPV vaccination with you in a calm, judgment-free way.
Will wart removal get rid of warts for good?
No treatment can guarantee that a wart will be gone permanently, and warts can return after any approach. Results vary from person to person. A provider can explain what to expect and how to care for the area afterward.
When should I get a growth checked for skin cancer?
A growth that is changing, bleeding, itching, irregular in shape or color, or not healing should be checked by a dermatologist. The ABCDEs of melanoma are a general guide, not a way to diagnose yourself. If you're unsure about any spot, an exam is a reasonable next step.
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.