Periungual wart removal: what to know

Periungual warts are rough growths caused by a virus and found beside or beneath the nail. They may distort the nail, crack the surrounding skin, or hurt when pressed. A clinician checks that the growth is a wart because some nail lesions can look similar. Treatment choice depends on its size, depth, location, skin condition, and whether the nail itself is involved.

Use the treatment recommended for the exact location; options can include medicines applied to the wart or a procedure performed in clinic. Do not bite, cut, or aggressively file the growth, and do not share nail tools or towels. Keep the area covered if it is rubbing or bleeding, wash hands after touching it, and avoid picking the surrounding skin. Tell the clinician if you have poor circulation, reduced sensation, or a weakened immune system.

Arrange assessment if the wart changes quickly, bleeds without clear injury, becomes very painful, or causes marked nail distortion. After treatment, seek care for spreading redness, increasing swelling, drainage, fever, or pain that is worsening rather than settling.

Ask which treatment fits the nail location, how many visits may be needed, how to protect the nail, and how to reduce spread to other fingers or household members.