Common Warts

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can usually diagnose common warts simply by looking at them. These skin growths have a rough surface and may contain small black dots, which are tiny, clotted blood vessels.

If the diagnosis is uncertain, additional tests may include:

• Scraping the surface to check for signs of bleeding dots.

• Skin biopsy in rare cases to rule out other skin conditions. A small sample of the wart is removed and examined under a microscope.

Treatment

Common warts often go away on their own within one to two years, especially in children. However, treatment may be recommended if warts are painful, spreading, or causing embarrassment.

Common treatment options include:

• Salicylic acid
  Over-the-counter preparations containing salicylic acid gradually remove layers of the wart. Applying the treatment daily after soaking the wart in warm water can improve results.

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
  A healthcare professional applies liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy wart tissue. Multiple sessions are often needed.

• Cantharidin
  A blistering agent applied by a professional that causes the wart to lift from the skin and fall off after several days.

• Electrosurgery and curettage
  The wart is burned off with an electric current and then scraped away. This method is typically used for larger or stubborn warts.

• Laser treatment
  Pulsed-dye lasers target blood vessels that feed the wart, eventually destroying the tissue.

• Immune therapy
  Medicines or injections that stimulate the immune system to attack the wart virus may be used for resistant cases.

Home Remedies and Care

Some simple measures can support healing and prevent spread:

• Keep warts covered with a bandage to avoid spreading the virus.

• Avoid picking or scratching the wart.

• Do not share towels, razors, or nail clippers.

• Wash hands thoroughly after touching a wart.

• Use over-the-counter wart removal treatments as directed.

Outlook

Most common warts are harmless and eventually disappear without medical treatment. Consistent care and proper hygiene can help prevent recurrence and reduce the chance of spreading the virus to others or to other parts of the body.