What should you know about removing warts?

Warts are rough growths caused by a viral infection in the outer skin. They may occur on fingers, hands, feet or other areas, and a wart on the sole can be pushed inward by walking. Treatment aims to clear the visible growth while limiting irritation and spread to nearby skin. A dark, changing or bleeding growth may not be a wart, so an examination matters before treating it at home.

A clinician may recommend a topical medicine such as imiquimod for selected warts, freezing with cryotherapy, or electrosurgery for a lesion that needs heat-based removal. A dedicated wart-removal procedure may combine methods or be chosen when a wart is resistant. Keep the area clean, avoid picking, do not share nail tools or towels, and cover a wart when practical. Follow the treatment schedule exactly; soreness, blistering or temporary skin colour change can follow some procedures.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if the growth is painful, repeatedly bleeding, rapidly changing, infected-looking, located near the eye or genitals, or interfering with walking. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever or worsening pain after treatment. People with diabetes, reduced circulation or a weakened immune system should obtain professional advice before trying removal.

Ask whether the growth is definitely a wart, which method fits its location, how many sessions may be needed, how to protect nearby skin, and what signs suggest infection or a different diagnosis.