Viral warts

Viral warts are benign skin growths caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can occur at any age but are most common in children, young adults and those with reduced immunity. Although harmless, warts can be persistent and may spread to other areas of the skin or to close contacts.

Verrucae

Viral Hand Warts

Appearance and symptoms

Warts vary in size and appearance depending on their location. They may be:

• Rough, raised growths with a grainy surface
• Flat, smooth lesions on the face or backs of hands
• Thickened painful lesions on the feet called plantar warts
• Small clusters known as mosaic warts

Warts interrupt normal skin lines, which helps distinguish them from corns or calluses. Plantar warts may feel painful when walking due to inward growth of the thickened tissue.

Why warts persist

Warts survive by evading the immune system. Some resolve naturally, but this can take months or even years. In adults, spontaneous clearance is less common, and treatment is often required for comfort and to reduce spread.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the size, number and location of the warts. Options include:

• Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen
• Prescription topical treatments
• Laser treatment for resistant lesions
• Curettage and cautery for selected solitary warts

No treatment guarantees complete clearance, but specialist management significantly improves success rates and reduces recurrence.