Overview
Warts are common and harmless. Many go away on their own within months to years, but treatment can speed this up.
Symptoms
- Small, rough, raised bumps on the skin
- Warts on the hands, fingers or knees
- Flat, painful warts on the soles of the feet (verrucas)
- Tiny black dots in the wart
Causes and risk factors
They are caused by HPV and spread through direct contact or shared surfaces such as swimming pool floors. Damaged skin and a weak immune system increase the risk.
Diagnosis
A doctor diagnoses warts by looking at them.
Treatment
Treatment includes salicylic acid treatments, freezing (cryotherapy) and other procedures for stubborn warts. Avoid picking warts to prevent spreading.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a wart is painful, bleeding, changing, spreading quickly, on the face or genitals, or if you have diabetes.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
