What Are Warts and Do They Need to Be Removed?

Warts are common skin growths that look like small, hard bumps or fleshy grains, appearing on hands, feet, face, or elsewhere. They’re caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are not dangerous, but can sometimes feel embarrassing or uncomfortable. Many ask, “Do warts have to be removed?” The answer: Not always!

What Are Warts?

Warts are small growths on the skin caused by HPV infection. The virus enters through tiny skin cuts, triggering excess cell growth to form a wart. Think of it as an uninvited guest on your skin—harmless but possibly bothersome. According to Hong Kong’s Department of Health, warts are common across all ages, especially in children and young adults due to frequent skin contact (like sharing towels or walking barefoot).

Types of Warts

Warts vary in appearance and location:

• Common Warts: Rough, hard bumps, often on hands or fingers.
• Plantar Warts: Grow on the soles of feet, can be painful when walking, like stepping on a pebble.
• Flat Warts: Smooth, small warts, common on the face or legs, especially in young people.
• Genital Warts: Appear near genitals, a special type requiring extra attention.

Each type may need different handling based on location and symptoms.

Why Do Warts Form?

HPV is the culprit! It spreads through:

• Direct contact, like shaking hands with someone who has warts.
• Sharing towels, shoes, or walking barefoot in public pools.
• Small skin cuts, making it easier for the virus to enter.

People with lower immunity (e.g., stressed or ill) are more prone to warts. Fortunately, warts rarely cause serious health issues.

Do Warts Need to Be Removed?

Good news: Many warts disappear on their own! Especially in kids or young adults, the immune system may clear them in months to a couple of years. But you might consider treatment if a wart:

• Affects your appearance, causing embarrassment.
• Causes pain (like plantar warts).
• Spreads or multiplies quickly.
• Grows in sensitive areas (like the face or genitals).

Always consult a doctor for the best approach.

How to Decide and What Are the Treatment Options?

Warts don’t always need removal—it depends. Common options include:

• Watchful Waiting: If painless, many warts fade naturally.
• Over-the-Counter Treatments: Salicylic acid creams from pharmacies soften warts for removal, but require weeks of use.
• Cryotherapy: Doctors freeze warts with liquid nitrogen, a simple, common method.
• Laser or Surgery: For stubborn or large warts, doctors may use lasers or minor surgery.
• Other Methods: Electrosurgery or chemical treatments for specific cases.

Important: Don’t cut or tear warts yourself—it risks infection or spreading! Genital warts need professional care due to their link to sexual transmission.

How to Prevent Warts?

While not fully preventable, these tips help:

• Keep skin clean and dry to avoid cuts.
• Don’t share towels, shoes, or personal items.
• Wear flip-flops in public pools or gyms.
• Boost immunity with a balanced diet, exercise, and good sleep.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a doctor if a wart:

• Grows quickly, changes color, or bleeds.
• Causes pain or disrupts daily life.
• Appears on sensitive areas like the face or genitals.
• Might not be a wart (to rule out other issues, like skin cancer).

In Hong Kong, dermatologists or general practitioners can offer professional checks for safety.

If unsure, don’t try to handle warts yourself—seeing a doctor is the best choice! This information is for reference only; always follow medical advice.