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Warts - Symptoms and treatment

Warts are small, benign growths on the skin caused by the HPV virus. They often appear on fingers, toes, or the soles of the feet, especially in children and teenagers. Transmission occurs through direct contact or via objects like towels. If over-the-counter treatments don't work, medical treatment may be needed.

Read on to learn more.

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Symptoms of warts

Warts can appear anywhere on the body, but most often they are found on the hands or feet. They can be painful, or cause no symptoms at all.

In general, a wart is dome-shaped with a slightly rough/uneven surface. There may also be small black dots in the wart. If the wart is inside the palm of the hand or under the sole of the foot, it can be completely flat and blend in with the surrounding skin.

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Treatment of warts

  • Most warts disappear on their own over time, and do not require treatment if they do not cause problems, especially in young children.
  • The pharmacy offers several remedies that you can try yourself.
  • If these do not work, a doctor can help with cryotherapy or stronger medicines.
  • Treatments such as salicylic acid, formic acid, or stronger agents such as 5-fluorouracil and retinoids can be used, but should be done by a dermatologist.
  • In some cases, surgical removal or burning away warts may be an option.

How can Dr. Dropin help you?

At Dr. Dropin, both general practitioners and dermatologists can help with wart treatment.

  • General practitioners offer simple freezing treatment, which often requires several rounds.
  • Dermatologists have more advanced equipment for treatment if other methods have not worked.
  • Laser treatment is also available to remove stubborn warts, usually under local anaesthetic. The treatment is quick and usually leaves no scars. One treatment may be enough, but it is assessed individually.
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Frequently asked questions

Warts
Can warts spread from feet to hands?

Yes, if you come into direct contact with warts on the feet, and that virus finds an entry point in the skin of the hands (e.g. a small tear), then warts can appear on the hands. warts can also spread from one finger to another, from one hand to the other, etc.

Is there a vaccine against warts?

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against common warts on the hands and feet. But these warts are also not dangerous and pose no health risk.

I have been suffering from warts for several months and they won't go away, what can I do?

It is common for the treatment of warts to take a long time, and it often requires several rounds of treatment before reaching the goal of the treatment. In the end, it may also be that the warts disappear by themselves. Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure, you have to be patient and follow the treatment instructions carefully.

If you nevertheless feel that the treatment is not working and want to have the warts removed as quickly as possible, you can see a general practitioner or dermatologist for a more thorough assessment. If the doctor considers it appropriate, then you can treat with stronger drugs, freezing treatment or laser treatment to try to get rid of the warts

Can warts turn into cancer?

See, the common warts you see on the hands and feet do not develop into cancer, as these are caused by the "kind" type of the HPV virus.

Can you get warts from going barefoot in the swimming pool / changing rooms?

Yes, you can. If there are viruses on the floor, and especially if the floor is wet, there is a risk of becoming infected and developing foot warts.

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