Cherry warts: what to know

Common warts are usually rough, firm growths caused by a viral infection and may show tiny dark points in their surface. A smooth bright-red bump can have a different explanation, so colour is not enough to label it a wart. A clinician considers when it appeared, whether it is spreading or recurring, its exact body site, and whether it hurts, bleeds, or catches on clothing.

Avoid cutting, burning, or sharing home wart tools. Irritating an uncertain lesion can cause bleeding, infection, or a misleading change in its appearance.

If examination supports a wart diagnosis, options can include Wart Removal, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal), Electrosurgery, or selected prescription treatment such as Imiquimod Treatment. The choice depends on the lesion, its location, skin type, symptoms, and whether tissue needs closer assessment. Treatment may require more than one visit, and temporary redness, crusting, colour change, or a small scar can occur.

Book a dermatology review before treating a bump that is new, rapidly changing, painful, repeatedly bleeding, ulcerated, or unlike nearby marks. Seek prompt medical help for uncontrolled bleeding, spreading warmth and redness, pus, or fever. Earlier assessment is useful when the diagnosis is uncertain because removal methods are not interchangeable.

Ask what features support a wart diagnosis, whether testing or dermoscopy is needed, which removal method suits the site, and how to care for the area while it heals.