Different Types of Warts and Their Symptoms – A Dermatologist’s Guide

Warts are a prevalent skin condition affecting people of all ages. Formed by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), these small growths appear on various parts of the body, including feet, hands, face and even the genital area. Even though warts are harmless and painless, their appearance and location can be uncomfortable for many people.

Understanding the different types of warts and their symptoms will help identifying them and choosing the right treatment. This guide will walk you through the main types of warts, how they look, where they tend to appear and when its time to see a dermatologist.

What Really Causes Warts?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a highly contagious virus that typically enters the body through tiny cuts, scrapes, or invisible breaks in the skin. Once inside, the virus causes the outer layer of the skin to grow rapidly, leading to the formation of a wart. HPV thrives in warm, damp environments and is more likely to invade when the skin is softened or vulnerable. It can spread through direct contact with an infected person or indirectly by touching contaminated surfaces like towels, gym equipment, or communal showers. While exposure to HPV is common, not everyone develops warts—those with weakened immune systems and children are generally more susceptible.

Types of Warts and Their Symptoms

Warts are of different types, each with its own appearance, common locations, and symptoms. The first step toward choosing an effective treatment is identifying the type of wart.

1. Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)

• • • Appearance: Comes rough bumps with cauliflower-like texture. They are either greyish, brown or even flesh-colored.
    • Location: Found in areas prone to frequent contact or injury, such as hands, fingers, elbows, and knees, which are areas prone to frequent contact or injury.
    • Symptoms: Usually painless, but they may feel rough to the touch or snag on clothing.

2. Plantar Warts

• • • Appearance: These warts are generally appear as hard and flat with a rough, thickened surface. Often, you can see small dark spots at the centre, which are tiny blood vessels that have clotted.
    • Location: These warts typically develop on the bottom of the feet, especially in spots that experience frequent pressure (heels or the balls of the feet).
    • Symptoms: They are painful when walking or standing and are often mistaken for calluses due to their flattened appearance under pressure.

3. Flat Warts (Verruca Plana)

• • • Appearance: Comes out as small, smooth, flat-topped bumps. Usually are pink, light brown, or yellow.
    • Location: They are commonly seen in large numbers on the face, forehead, neck, hands, or legs.
    • Symptoms: They are usually painless, but their widespread presence can cause cosmetic concerns, especially on the face.

4. Filiform Warts

• • • Appearance: These come as long, thin, finger-like projections that grow rapidly.
    • Location: Warts commonly develop on the face, particularly around sensitive areas (eyes, mouth, and nose).
    • Symptoms: Even though painless, they can create irritation or unsightly due to their prominent shape and facial location.

5. Genital Warts (Condyloma Acuminata)

• • • Appearance: They come off as soft, flesh-toned or gray growths, often appearing in clusters that resemble a cauliflower.
    • Location: Found on genital and anal areas, even may appear internally or externally.
    • Symptoms: May cause itching, discomfort, or even bleeding. They are sexually transmitted and require prompt medical evaluation.
    • Note: These warts are linked to high-risk HPV strains and may need additional screening, especially in women.

When Should You See a Dermatologist

Warts usually tend to resolve on its own without treatment. However, certain cases may require medical intervention.
Consider consulting a dermatologist when:

1. The wart begins to bleed or is painful.
2. The wart changes in colour or shape.
3. It spreads to other parts of the body.
4. The warts do not respond to over-the-counter treatments
5. The warts appear on your face or genitals
6. You have a weak immune system or chronic conditions like diabetes.

Seeking advice from a dermatologist can help you explore advanced treatment options and rule out other skin conditions that may resemble warts.

How to Get Rid of Warts

Several effective treatment options are available for warts, ranging from over-the-counter remedies to professional dermatological procedures.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

• • Salicylic acid: This solution slowly peels away the wart tissue. It is available as gels, pads, or liquids and works best if used consistently. Apply the solution daily after soaking the wart.
  • Cryotherapy kits: This procedure freezes the wart using a cooling agent like dimethyl ether. While home versions are less intense than in-clinic cryotherapy, it is effective for small and recent warts.

Professional Treatments

• • Cryotherapy (Freezing): This treatment involves a dermatologist applying liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, usually over several sessions.
  • Electrosurgery or Curettage: Typically used for common or stubborn warts, this treatment involves burning or cutting off the wart under local anaesthesia.
  • Laser therapy: In this procedure, the wart tissues are destroyed using intense light by a dermatologist.
  • Immunotherapy: This therapy helps strengthen the body’s immune system to fight off the hard-to-treat warts.

Adopting a treatment plan can speed up recovery, prevent the spread, and reduce discomfort. Since warts may recur, follow-up care and preventive steps are recommended.

How to Prevent Warts from Spreading

Warts are difficult to avoid completely if you are exposed to HPV. Let us look at some practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of spreading them.

• • Avoid direct contact with warts at any cost.
  • Always keep your skin clean and dry.
  • Always use footwear in public areas.
  • Cover warts with a bandage if they are in an area that can come in contact with surfaces or others.
  • Maintain regular sleep patterns, a balanced diet, and effective stress management.
  • Consider the HPV vaccine, especially for protection against genital warts and high-risk strains associated with cancers.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types and symptoms of warts can make a big difference in how quickly and effectively they can be treated. Let it be a rough bump on your hand, a painful spot on your foot, or a growth that appears in a sensitive area, knowing what you are dealing with will direct you to take the right steps towards recovery.

Following the prevention tips and with a wide range of treatments available, handling warts does not have to be challenging.

If you are uncertain about a skin growth or need guidance on treatment, do not hesitate to consult a skincare professional.