What should you know about sun warts?

The phrase sun wart is not a precise diagnosis. A rough, raised spot may be a common wart, a sun-related rough patch, or another type of growth. Warts can have a firm or uneven surface and may occur on exposed or non-exposed skin. Appearance alone cannot reliably identify the cause, especially when a spot is pigmented, crusted, tender, or unlike nearby lesions.

Arrange a skin assessment before treating an uncertain growth at home. A clinician may inspect it closely and decide whether observation, sampling, or removal is appropriate. Confirmed warts may be treated with options such as imiquimod, freezing, electrosurgery, or a dedicated wart-removal procedure. Do not pick, cut, or share towels and grooming tools, because this can irritate skin and help spread viral warts.

Seek prompt medical review for a lesion that grows, changes colour or shape, repeatedly crusts, bleeds without clear injury, becomes painful, or fails to heal. Arrange assessment sooner if it is near the eye, on the lip, or in an area repeatedly rubbed by clothing. Urgent care is appropriate for rapidly worsening redness, swelling, pus, or fever after manipulation or treatment.

Ask whether the spot has features of a wart, whether it needs dermoscopic examination or testing, which treatment fits its location, and how to protect surrounding skin during healing.