Wart Removal

Warts are common, harmless skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they’re typically not painful, they can be bothersome, spread easily, and cause discomfort or embarrassment. Dermatologists and dermatology providers can safely and effectively remove warts using medical treatments that prevent recurrence and reduce scarring.

Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn wart on your hand, a plantar wart on your foot, or recurring clusters, professional wart treatment helps restore healthy, clear skin faster than at-home remedies.

What Causes Warts?

Warts are caused by infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or abrasions, triggering excess skin cell growth and forming a small, rough bump.

You can get warts from direct contact with HPV, either through skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces such as towels, gym equipment, or floors in locker rooms.

Common risk factors that make you more likely to develop warts include:

• Minor skin injuries or nail biting
• Walking barefoot in public showers or pools
• Weakened immune system
• Existing cuts, scrapes, or eczema
• Frequent contact with others who have warts

Warts are contagious, meaning they can spread from person to person or even to other parts of your own body. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding shared personal items, and seeking early treatment are the best ways to limit spread.

Wart Symptoms and Appearance

Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the hands, fingers, feet, face, and knees.

Common wart symptoms include:

• A small, grainy bump that feels rough to the touch
• Tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) within the growth
• Discomfort or tenderness if located on a weight-bearing area (like the sole of the foot)
• Itching, irritation, or thickened skin around the wart

While warts are generally painless, some, particularly plantar warts, can be uncomfortable when walking or standing. Because they can resemble corns, calluses, or even skin cancers, it’s important to have a dermatologist or dermatology provider confirm the diagnosis before starting treatment.

Types of Warts

There are several types of warts, each with distinct features and preferred treatment approaches.

Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)

Common warts often appear on the fingers, hands, or around the nails. They have a rough, raised surface and may contain small black dots. These are among the easiest warts to treat and often respond well to cryotherapy or topical solutions.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet. Because they grow inward under pressure, they can be painful and feel like walking on pebbles. Plantar warts may appear as flat, thick patches of skin with small dark spots.

Flat Warts (Verruca Plana)

Flat warts are smaller and smoother than common warts. They often appear in clusters on the face, neck, or legs and are more common in children and teens.

Filiform Warts

Filiform warts have a long, narrow shape and usually grow around the eyes, mouth, or nose. They can spread quickly due to frequent touching or shaving.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by specific strains of HPV and should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider. They require specialized treatment and are not treated in dermatology offices that focus on non-sexually transmitted skin concerns.

Wart Treatment Options

While some warts may disappear on their own, most persist for months or even years without professional care. Dermatologists and dermatology providers offer safe, effective wart treatments designed to remove visible growths and reduce the risk of spreading or recurrence.

Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment)

Cryotherapy is one of the most common and effective wart removal procedures. Your dermatologist or dermatology provider applies liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, destroying the infected tissue. After treatment, a blister forms and the wart gradually falls off.

• Typically requires several sessions spaced a few weeks apart
• Suitable for most types of warts, including plantar and common warts
• Minimal downtime; mild redness or soreness may occur temporarily

Topical Medications

Prescription-strength topical treatments are another effective option for wart removal.

• Salicylic acid formulations dissolve layers of infected skin gradually.
• Imiquimod cream helps stimulate your immune system to fight the HPV virus.
• Cantharidin (“blister beetle” extract) can be applied in-office to lift the wart from the skin’s surface.

Topical treatments are often used in combination with cryotherapy for enhanced results, especially on persistent or multiple warts.

In-Office Procedures

If warts are resistant to topical or freezing therapies, additional in-office options may include:

• Electrosurgery (burning) or curettage (scraping) to remove the wart completely
• Laser treatment, which targets blood vessels feeding the wart
• Immunotherapy, which uses injections or topical agents to stimulate an immune response against the virus

Your dermatologist or dermatology provider will determine the best wart removal method based on location, size, and recurrence history. Professional removal minimizes scarring and prevents spread to nearby skin.

Wart Prevention and Recurrence

Even after removal, warts can return if the virus remains in the skin. These strategies can help prevent recurrence and protect against new infections:

• Avoid picking or scratching existing warts.
• Keep feet dry and wear flip-flops in public showers or pools.
• Don’t share razors, towels, or nail clippers.
• Moisturize dry or cracked skin to prevent virus entry points.
• Consider covering small cuts or abrasions with bandages.

Maintaining a strong immune system through healthy habits, like regular sleep, a balanced diet, and stress management, also helps reduce susceptibility to warts.

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Wart Removal at Schweiger Dermatology Group

Warts can be stubborn, but treatment doesn’t have to be. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our dermatologists and dermatology providers offer safe, effective wart removal treatments to restore clear, healthy skin. Call 844-DERM-DOC or book online to schedule your appointment today.

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