What should you know about mouth warts?

Warts are linked to human papillomavirus and may appear on the lip, nearby facial skin, or other exposed areas. They can have a rough, uneven surface, although not every mouth-area bump is a wart. Sharing items that touch the lesion, picking it, or shaving across it can help spread infection to nearby skin. A clinician considers the surface, location, duration, and immune health before choosing treatment.

Do not pick, bite, shave, or use over-the-counter wart acid on the lips or inside the mouth. Wash hands after touching the area and avoid sharing towels, cosmetics, razors, or lip products that contact it. Treatment may include Wart Removal, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal), Electrosurgery, or Imiquimod Treatment in selected situations. The correct choice depends on the lesion and whether it is on skin or mucosal tissue.

Arrange an assessment for a new, persistent, spreading, bleeding, painful, ulcerated, or rapidly changing growth. Seek prompt care if swelling interferes with swallowing or breathing, or if redness, pus, or fever develops. A growth that looks wart-like but does not respond as expected needs reassessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Is this a wart or another lesion? Could it spread to nearby skin or another person? Which treatment is safe for this location? How should I protect household contacts, and what change would mean the diagnosis needs review?