Warts are not cancerous, but they can be annoying if they make you feel bad about yourself or make it hard to do normal things like walk or wear shoes.
How Common Are Warts?
Warts are very common.
About 10% of people around the world have them.
They are even more common in kids between the ages of 5 and 14, with about 10% to 20% of this group having warts.
People who have a weak immune system or work with raw meat, like butchers, are also more likely to get warts.
What Do Warts Look Like?
Warts can look different depending on the type.
They might appear:
– Round or dome-shaped
– Flat
– Rough or bumpy
– Like a cauliflower
– Smooth
– Thin and long, like threads or fingers
– The same color as your skin or darker, like brown, grey, or black
– With little black or brown dots on them
– They can be as small as a grain of rice or as big as a few centimeters
– You might have just one or several in the same area
You might be able to tell if something is a wart.
But if you’re not sure about a new skin growth, it’s best to talk to a doctor.
What Causes Warts?
Warts are caused by certain types of a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).
The virus enters your skin through small cuts or breaks and causes the skin to grow extra cells. This makes the skin thick and hard, forming a wart. Warts are more likely to form on wet or damaged skin. You can also check Wart Removal in Singapore for more detailed information about wart removal.
All warts come from HPV, but not all types of HPV cause warts.
Some types of HPV can lead to serious health issues like cancer, but they don’t cause warts.
Are Warts Contagious?
Yes, warts are contagious because they are caused by a contagious virus.
They can spread through direct contact, like touching another person’s wart or skin-to-skin contact.
They can also spread through indirect contact, like using things like towels or razors that have been used by someone with a wart or the virus.
How Are Warts Treated?
Warts often go away by themselves, but this can take up to two years.
Because they can spread, cause pain, or get in the way of everyday activities, your doctor may suggest treatment. Some options include:
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Products
You can buy OTC creams or gels, like Compound W, that have a chemical called salicylic acid.
This helps break down the wart layer by layer. These products come in different forms, like liquid, gel, or patches. You may need to use them every day for several months. Studies show these treatments can work for about 50% to 70% of people.
Medical Topical Treatments
A doctor might apply a liquid called cantharidin to your wart.
This makes a blister form under the wart, stopping its blood supply. You’ll need to return in a week so the doctor can remove the dead skin.
Medical Freezing
A doctor may use a procedure called cryotherapy, where liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart to freeze it.
The wart may fall off after a few weeks. You might need more than one treatment.