Skin Warts

Know More About Skin Diseases: Skin Warts

Warts are a common skin condition caused by infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Once the HPV virus infects the skin, it triggers localised overgrowth, leading to the formation of warts — round or flat, raised granules or hard lumps. Warts are highly contagious and can easily spread to other parts of the body, such as the face, neck, fingers, knees, and soles of the feet. They can also be transmitted to family members living in the same household or to close friends.

Therefore, we generally recommend that patients consult us immediately if they suspect they have developed warts. Early diagnosis and treatment, including wart removal procedures, can prevent the warts from spreading from just a few to hundreds, thereby shortening the treatment duration and reducing costs.

Causes of Warts

HPV Virus⮂Skin Contact

當患者的皮膚直接或間接接觸到HPV病毒，就會感染人體，引發異常皮膚增生— —「疣」。皮膚有傷口或免疫系統較弱的群體，如兒童、長者或慢性病患者等更是高危人士，會因無法抵抗病毒更容易受到感染。When a person’s skin comes into direct or indirect contact with the HPV virus, it infects the body and triggers abnormal skin overgrowth, resulting in “warts”. Individuals with skin wounds or weakened immune systems, such as children, the elderly, or patients with chronic illnesses, are particularly high-risk groups. They are more susceptible to infection because their bodies are less able to resist the virus.

Common Types and Symptoms of Warts

The medical community has currently identified over 150 different types of HPV viruses, each of which may cause different types of warts. The more common types include:

Common Warts

Commonly affected areas: Fingers, toes, and nail folds.

Symptoms: Presents as rough, raised lumps or granules, occasionally with tiny black dots on the surface. They can grow up to 10mm in size and may cause mild discomfort or pain when subjected to friction.

Plane warts / Flat warts

Commonly affected areas: Face, neck, chest, and abdomen.

Symptoms: Flesh-colored or yellowish-brown small granules that are similar in color to the skin. They appear as slightly raised, fine bumps, measuring approximately 1 to 2 mm. Due to their high contagiousness, they generally present in large numbers.

Plantar warts

Commonly affected areas: Toes and soles of the feet.

Symptoms: Rough, raised hard lumps, sometimes with tiny black dots on the surface. They resemble calluses and can become deeply embedded. Pressure applied while walking can cause pain and discomfort.

Genital Warts

Commonly affected areas: Male and female genitalia and the perianal area.

Symptoms: Presents with a papillary (nipple-like) or cauliflower-like appearance with a rough, hardened surface. Due to their high infectivity, the number of growths tends to increase over time.

【Wart Treatment Methods】

Wart Removal

Timely wart removal treatment can accelerate healing and reduce the risk of transmission. The specific treatment method will be determined by a doctor’s diagnosis, based on the size and location of the warts as well as the individual’s condition. Common treatment methods include:

Cryotherapy

Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy wart tissue, allowing it to slough off naturally. This method features a short recovery period and delivers significant results.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy precisely targets and destroys the root tissue of the wart, making it ideal for stubborn, deep, or large warts. Additionally, the thermal energy from the laser effectively eliminates the virus and reduces the rate of recurrence. The procedure is safe and involves minimal discomfort.

Surgical Operation

or warts that are difficult to remove, a scalpel or electrosurgery can be used to excise the wart tissue. This allows for the immediate and rapid elimination of the wart.

【Post-Treatment Care for Wart Removal】

1. Keep the wound clean and dry

The treated area must be kept clean and dry to prevent infection following wart removal.

2. Avoid contact with contaminants

The skin is more sensitive after treatment. Avoid contact with pollutants and irritants, such as dust, soil, and animal hair.

3. Follow follow-up treatment instructions

Post-treatment care may involve topical or oral medications. Please follow your doctor’s instructions strictly regarding any follow-up care.

4. Prevent reinfection

Maintain good personal hygiene habits after the procedure to avoid reinfection with other HPV strains.

【Prevention is better than cure.】

In daily life, coming into contact with public facilities such as handrails, door handles, and elevator buttons; sharing personal items like towels, clothing, slippers, and bedding; or walking barefoot in crowded, warm, and humid public places like swimming pools, gyms, public showers, and changing rooms, are all high-risk behaviors for exposure to the HPV virus. Therefore, remember to maintain good hygiene and wash your hands frequently after using public facilities. If you suspect you are infected, please seek medical attention as soon as possible for early treatment to avoid spreading the virus to your family members.

Finally, remember to maintain good hygiene habits and strengthen your immune system through a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet and regular exercise—to reduce the risk of HPV infection or recurrence.

【Frequently Asked Questions】

1. Will warts heal on their own?

According to clinical data, approximately 65% of common warts may disappear naturally within two years. However, because the virus is highly contagious, there is a significant risk of infecting family members living in the same household. Furthermore, the virus can continue to spread to other areas of the skin; the speed of natural recovery often cannot keep up with the rate of self-infection. Therefore, active treatment is recommended to accelerate the healing process.

2. What is the difference between a wart and a mole?

Warts are benign growths caused by a viral infection; they have a rough surface and are contagious. Moles are clusters of pigmented cells; they are usually smooth and are not contagious. If you notice any unidentified colored patches or granules on your body, please seek a diagnosis from a professional dermatologist.

3. Can warts recur after removal?

There is still a chance of recurrence after undergoing a wart removal treatment, particularly for individuals with lower immunity. Strengthening your immune system, maintaining good hygiene, and attending regular follow-up appointments after treatment can help reduce the risk of wart recurrence.

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