What Are Warts?

Warts are common skin growths caused by a viral infection of the skin cells. They typically appear as small, rough, and raised bumps on the skin. Warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. They commonly occur on the hands, feet, and other areas of the body. While warts are generally harmless and may resolve on their own over time, they can be unsightly or cause discomfort. Various treatment options are available to remove warts, including over-the-counter remedies, medical procedures, and prescription medications.

Common warts are small, grainy skin growths that occur most often on your fingers or hands. Rough to the touch, common warts also often feature a pattern of tiny black dots — sometimes called seeds — which are small, clotted blood vessels.

Common warts are caused by a virus and are transmitted by touch. Children and young adults are more likely to develop common warts, as are people who have weakened immune systems. Common warts usually disappear on their own, but many people choose to remove them because they find them bothersome or embarrassing.

How Can Warts Be Treated?

There are multiple modalities, including liquid nitrogen, topical applications, injectable treatments, laser therapy, oral therapy, pulsed dye laser, and sometimes even complete surgical removal.