Common warts

Overview

Common warts are rough bumps, often with tiny black dots. Plantar warts on the soles grow inward and can hurt when walking.

Many warts go away within 1 to 2 years without treatment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Rough wart on the hands or feet

Less common

• Tiny black dots in the wart
• Pain when walking (plantar warts)

When to get medical care

Causes

HPV entering small breaks in the skin.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Children and teens
• Biting nails
• Walking barefoot in locker rooms

Possible complications

• Genital warts: A different HPV type

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can tell by looking.

Questions you may be asked

• How long you've had it

The exam

A skin check.

Treatment

Home treatments work for many warts but take weeks.

Self-care

• Soak and file: soak the wart, then file it with a pumice stone (don't share it)
• Cover it: with tape or a bandage
• Don't pick: it spreads warts

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

A doctor can freeze, burn, or treat stubborn warts with stronger medicine.

Prevention

To prevent warts:

• Wear flip-flops in public showers
• Don't pick or bite warts

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Warts are harmless and often go away, though they can come back.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• What's the best treatment for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Common warts