Types of warts
- Common warts: firm, rough bumps, usually on the fingers, hands, knees and elbows
- Plantar warts: on the soles of the feet; pressure from walking pushes them inward, which can make them painful
- Flat (plane) warts: small, smooth and flat; often on the face, hands or legs, and sometimes spread by shaving
- Filiform warts: long and thread-like; often around the mouth, nose, eyelids and neck
How warts spread
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact and through shared surfaces such as gym floors, towels and razors. You can also spread warts to other parts of your own body by picking, biting your nails or shaving over them.
How we treat warts
The right treatment depends on the wart's type, size and location. Options include:
- Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen) in the office
- Prescription-strength topical medicines that break down the wart
- Treatments that help your immune system clear the virus
- Removal in the office for warts that don't respond to other treatment
Stubborn warts often need more than one visit. Over-the-counter removers can irritate or damage healthy skin, especially on the face, so it is best to have warts on the face or genitals treated by a physician.
Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection. See STD-related skin care.
Frequently asked questions
Are warts contagious?
Yes. Warts spread through direct contact and shared surfaces. Covering them and not picking at them helps prevent spread.
How many treatments will I need?
Many warts clear after one to three treatments a few weeks apart. Large or long-standing plantar warts can take longer.