Small but Contagious Marks on the Skin: What Is a Wart?
Warts are benign skin growths that occur when the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, infects the upper layer of the skin. Medically, they are also known as verrucae. Although they are most commonly seen on the hands and feet, they can also appear on different parts of the body.
Warts are often noticed as hard, raised, rough or skin-colored growths. Warts that develop on the soles of the feet may grow inward due to pressure and may cause pain while walking.
Wart treatment should be planned according to the location, number, thickness and spread of the wart, as well as the person’s age. At Dr. Seher Arı Dermatology Clinic in Göktürk, Istanbul, warts are evaluated through a dermatological examination.
How Does HPV Settle into the Skin?
The cause of warts is the HPV virus. The virus may enter the skin through small cuts, cracks, irritated areas or sites of trauma. It can be transmitted through direct contact or through items that have come into contact with a wart.
Warts are contagious; however, not everyone who comes into contact with the virus develops warts. A person’s immune status, skin barrier integrity, lifestyle habits, stress level and hygiene conditions may play a role in wart development.
Towels, slippers, shoes, bathrobes, shared floors and humid areas can make wart transmission easier. Pools, gyms, locker rooms and shared shower areas are places where extra care should be taken.
Where Are Warts Most Commonly Seen?
Warts can appear on different areas of the body. They are most commonly seen on the hands, fingers, soles of the feet, around the nails and in areas prone to trauma such as the knees and elbows.
Plantar warts may be mistaken for calluses because they are exposed to pressure while walking. Hand warts may spread to other areas through contact. Warts around the nails may sometimes be more resistant to treatment.
The location of the wart is important when choosing a treatment method. Warts on the face, around the nails, on the soles of the feet or in children should be evaluated more carefully.
Daily Habits That Facilitate Transmission
In wart formation, the condition of the skin barrier is as important as contact. If there are cracks, cuts or irritation on the skin, it may become easier for the virus to settle.
Situations that may increase the risk of warts include:
- Direct contact with a wart
- Sharing towels, slippers, shoes or bathrobes
- Walking barefoot in pools, Turkish baths, saunas and gyms
- Picking, cutting or scratching the wart
- Nail biting or irritating the skin around the nails
- Keeping the feet moist for long periods
- Weakening of the immune system
To prevent the spread of warts, warts should not be picked, torn off or played with, and personal items should not be shared.
Wart or Callus? Appearance Can Sometimes Be Misleading
Warts on the soles of the feet may be confused with calluses due to pressure. However, warts may sometimes show small black dots, a rough surface and tenderness against pressure. Calluses usually develop in areas exposed to friction and pressure.
A dermatological examination is required to determine whether raised lesions on the hands, feet or around the nails are warts. Using the wrong products may cause the wart to spread or irritate the skin.
The Goal of Treatment Is Not Only to Remove the Wart, but Also to Stop Its Spread
Wart treatment should be planned individually. The treatment method may vary depending on the number, location and thickness of the warts, the person’s age and the clinical type of the wart.
Methods that may be considered in wart treatment include:
- Keratolytic treatments that help thin the upper layer of the skin
- Cryotherapy, also known as wart freezing treatment
- Acid-containing solutions
- Electrocauterization
- Local treatments planned by a dermatology specialist
Some warts in children may regress spontaneously over time. However, it should be remembered that during this process the wart may spread or be transmitted to others. Therefore, the decision on treatment should be made by a dermatologist.
Small Precautions Can Make a Big Difference in Preventing Warts
To prevent warts, it is first necessary to reduce the risk of contact and humid environments. Especially in foot warts, keeping the feet dry and avoiding walking barefoot in shared areas is important.
Recommendations that may help prevent warts include:
- Not picking, cutting or scratching the wart
- Not sharing personal towels, slippers or shoes with others
- Using slippers in pools, gyms and shared shower areas
- Keeping the feet dry
- Avoiding irritation around the nails
- Getting an early dermatological evaluation if a wart is suspected
Frequently Asked Questions About Warts
Are warts contagious?
Yes. Warts are caused by HPV and may be transmitted through direct contact or through items that have come into contact with a wart.
Can a wart go away on its own?
Some warts may regress spontaneously over time. However, if there is a risk of spread, transmission or pain, dermatological evaluation is recommended.
Can a plantar wart be confused with a callus?
Yes. Warts on the soles of the feet may be confused with calluses. They should be evaluated by a dermatology specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
What happens if a wart is picked off?
Picking or cutting a wart may increase the risk of bleeding, irritation, spread and infection. Warts should not be treated at home by manual intervention.
Can wart treatment be completed in a single session?
The treatment duration may vary depending on the type, number, thickness and location of the wart. More than one session may be required for some warts.
Wart Treatment and Dermatological Evaluation in Göktürk, Istanbul
Warts are skin growths that can be contagious and may spread if left untreated. Not every wart responds to the same treatment. Therefore, the type and location of the wart should be evaluated together with the person’s skin structure.
At Dr. Seher Arı Dermatology Clinic in Göktürk, Istanbul, hand warts, foot warts, warts around the nails and different types of skin warts are evaluated through dermatological examination. For patients and visitors coming from Turkey and abroad, the process is carried out with personalized information and treatment planning.
To learn more about warts, verrucae or HPV-related skin growths and to evaluate suitable treatment options for you, you can contact Dr. Seher Arı Clinic.