Common Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Common warts are small, grainy skin growths that frequently appear on the fingers or hands. They are known for their rough texture and often have tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels. While these warts are usually harmless and tend to go away on their own, many people seek treatment due to discomfort or cosmetic concerns. This article provides a comprehensive overview of common warts, including their causes, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies.

What are Common Warts?

Common warts, also known as verruca vulgaris, are benign skin growths caused by a viral infection. They are most commonly found on the fingers and hands but can appear anywhere on the body. These warts are characterized by:

• Small, flesh-colored or grayish-brown bumps: These bumps have a rough, grainy surface that can feel like sandpaper.
• Tiny black dots: These dots are clotted blood vessels and are a distinguishing feature of common warts.

Causes

The culprit behind common warts is the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 types of HPV, but only a few strains cause warts on the hands and fingers. HPV is highly contagious and can spread through:

• Direct contact: Touching someone’s wart or a surface that has been in contact with the virus can lead to infection.
• Indirect contact: Sharing personal items like towels, razors, or washcloths can also transmit the virus.
• Breaks in the skin: HPV typically enters the body through small cuts, abrasions, or hangnails.

Each individual's immune system reacts differently to HPV, meaning not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop warts.

Symptoms

Common warts have distinct features that make them identifiable:

• Appearance: Small, grainy, and flesh-colored or grayish-brown bumps.
• Texture: Rough to the touch.
• Black dots: Presence of tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels.

When to See a Doctor

While common warts are generally harmless and may resolve without treatment, certain situations warrant a visit to a healthcare professional:

• Pain or discomfort: If the warts hurt, bleed, burn, or itch.
• Persistence: If warts do not respond to over-the-counter treatments, spread, or recur.
• Interference: If they interfere with daily activities or are bothersome.
• Uncertainty: If you're unsure whether the growths are warts.
• Multiple warts: If you have numerous warts.
• Weakened immune system: If you have a condition or are on medication that weakens your immune system.
• Sensitive areas: If warts appear on the face, feet, or genitals.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing common warts:

• Age: Children and young adults are more prone to warts due to their more frequent exposure to HPV.
• Immune status: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, are at higher risk.
• Habits: Nail-biting or picking at hangnails can facilitate the spread of warts.

Prevention

Preventing common warts involves minimizing contact with the virus and maintaining good hygiene practices:

• Avoid touching warts: This includes your own warts and those of others.
• Separate grooming tools: Use different emery boards, pumice stones, and nail clippers for warts and healthy skin.
• Avoid nail-biting and picking: Refrain from biting your nails or picking at hangnails.
• Careful grooming: Avoid brushing, clipping, or shaving areas with warts to prevent spreading.
• Avoid shared bathing areas: Steer clear of communal hot tubs, showers, and warm baths, and do not share towels or washcloths.
• Moisturize daily: Keeping your skin moisturized helps prevent dry, cracked skin, which can be more susceptible to HPV infection.

Treatment Options

While common warts often resolve on their own, several treatment options are available for those seeking quicker relief:

• Over-the-counter treatments: These include salicylic acid preparations, which gradually peel away the wart.
• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen.
• Prescription medications: Stronger topical treatments or injections may be prescribed by a doctor.
• Minor surgery: In some cases, warts can be surgically removed.
• Laser treatment: This method uses intense light to destroy the wart tissue.

Conclusion

Common warts, though generally harmless, can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for many. Understanding their causes, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies can help manage and prevent these skin growths effectively. If warts persist or cause significant discomfort, seeking medical advice is recommended.

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Common warts. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic
2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Warts: Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from AAD
3. National Health Service. (n.d.). Warts and verrucas. Retrieved from NHS
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). HPV and warts. Retrieved from CDC