What should you know about clear warts on hands?

A common wart is a rough, raised growth caused by a virus in the outer skin. It may interrupt the normal skin lines and can feel firm or tender when pressed. Warts can spread from one area of skin to another through picking, biting nails or sharing personal items.

Not every bump is a wart. A callus, corn, eczema patch or another growth can look similar, so an unusual, changing or persistently painful lesion deserves an examination rather than repeated home treatment.

Keep the area clean and covered if it catches on objects. Do not cut, burn or scrape the growth yourself, and wash your hands after touching it. Avoid sharing nail tools, towels or gloves, and do not bite skin around the lesion.

A clinician may discuss topical treatment or procedures depending on the wart’s thickness, number and location. Options can include [Imiquod Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/imiquimod-therapy/), [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/), [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/) or [Wart Removal](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/wart-removal/). Treatment may need more than one visit, and irritated skin should be allowed to heal between sessions.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if the lesion bleeds, changes colour or shape, becomes increasingly painful, interferes with hand use, or appears in several new places. Seek prompt medical advice for spreading redness, warmth, pus or fever after treatment, as these can signal infection.

Could this be a wart or a different type of skin growth? Which option fits its location and thickness? How should I protect the surrounding skin, and what signs mean I should pause treatment?