Warts Quiz
Check your symptoms and
find possible causes with AI for free
Worried about your symptoms?
Start the Warts test with our free AI Symptom Checker.
This will help us personalize your assessment.
By starting the symptom checker, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Redness of the skin
Red spots on skin
Skin is red
My feet are red
Red bumps on skin
Chest is red
Skin redness
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Warts?
Skin growths caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). They occur primarily on the hands and feet, but can be seen on the face and certain types can be seen on the legs and genital regions. There are more than 100 types of HPV that are responsible for the many different types of warts, which include common warts, plantar warts, flat warts and genital warts.
Typical Symptoms of Warts
- Skin lumps with scabs in the center
- Skin lumps
- Hard or stiff skin
- Thick, leathery skin
- Skin is thick and rough/scaly
- Skin problem on the feet, beyond the ankle
- Skin problem over the back of the hand
- Hives or raised rashes
Diagnostic Questions for Warts
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have a skin lump with a scab or crust in the center?
- Have you noticed any lumps on your skin?
- Have you noticed any hard or stiff areas on your skin?
- Do you have areas of rough or thick skin?
- Do you have thickened skin that feels rough or scaly?
Treatment of Warts
Not all warts require treatment. Warts respond slowly to treatment, which can consist of prescription creams, salicylic acid, tape, hypnotherapy, laser procedures and rarely surgical excision.
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Sep 4, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
Was this page helpful?
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
Think you might have
Warts?
Try a symptom check testHow Ubie Can Help You
With a free 3-min Warts quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
Your symptoms
Our AI
Your report
Your personal report will tell you
✔ When to see a doctor
✔︎ What causes your symptoms
✔︎ Treatment information etc.
People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Lumps under skin
- Scars or marks from the rash/wound
- Skin is dark and hard
- Reddish skin lumps
- Thick scaly skin
- Hard fingertips
- Bumps on my arm
- Leathery skin
- Lumps on my wrist
- Tightening of the skin of the fingers
- My skin is textured and bumpy
- Pink, bumpy skin
- Hard skin
- Scar formation after the rash
- Lump on the back
See full list
Symptoms Related to Warts
Diseases Related to Warts
FAQs
Q.
Frustrated by Warts? Why Your Skin Won’t Heal & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Persistent warts are common and usually harmless, but they can linger because HPV remains in the skin, treatment is stopped too soon, the growth is thicker than it seems, or you are spreading the virus, and sometimes it is not a wart at all. There are several factors to consider, and the complete answer below covers how long natural clearance can take, which type you may have, and red flags that need prompt medical care. Medically approved next steps range from consistent salicylic acid for 6 to 12 weeks and OTC freezing to in office options like liquid nitrogen, cantharidin, immunotherapy, or minor removal, plus prevention tips to stop spread; see below for specifics that could change your next best step.
References:
* Verma S, Salunke P, Zawar V, Singh R. Warts: A Comprehensive Review. Curr Probl Dermatol. 2022;57:113-124. doi: 10.1159/000521639. PMID: 35193264.
* Lozano-Herrera C, Hersch R, Valdés M, Bravo-Grau M, Labbé C. Treatment of cutaneous warts: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023 Feb;37(2):247-260. doi: 10.1111/jdv.18663. Epub 2022 Nov 3. PMID: 36306660.
* Rios-Mondragon E, Sifuentes-Guerrero M, Hernández-Salazar A, Gatica-Torres M, Góngora-Meléndez M. Update on the Management of Cutaneous Warts. J Cutan Med Surg. 2021 Mar-Apr;25(2):162-171. doi: 10.1177/1203475420959040. Epub 2020 Sep 28. PMID: 32981358.
* Arif T, Kocheta N, Maimoon S, Marwah A, Singh A. Recalcitrant Warts: Novel Approaches and Emerging Therapies. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021 Aug;11(4):1199-1216. doi: 10.1007/s13555-021-00547-0. Epub 2021 May 26. PMID: 34041697; PMCID: PMC8309489.
* Loo J, Kaplan DL. Warts. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: PMID: 28613768.
Q.
Plantar Wart? Why Your Foot Won’t Heal and Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
A stubborn sore spot on the sole that won’t heal is often a plantar wart from HPV, which grows inward under pressure and lingers if treatment is inconsistent or the diagnosis is wrong. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand how pressure, viral persistence, and your immune status can stall healing and when it might not be a wart. Medically approved next steps start with daily salicylic acid plus gentle paring and offloading, then office treatments like cryotherapy, cantharidin, immunotherapy, or minor procedures for resistant cases, with urgent care if it’s painful, spreading, bleeding, changing, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Full guidance, prevention tips, and how to choose between watchful waiting and treatment are outlined below.
References:
* Ljubenović M, Bjekić M, Stojković-Filipović J. Warts: Current Treatment Options. Curr Med Chem. 2019;26(23):4416-4433. doi: 10.2174/0929867325666180904123847. PMID: 30182604.
* Del Rosso JQ, Del Rosso A, Del Rosso J. Human papillomavirus and plantar warts: an update on epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019 Feb;12(2):12-19. PMID: 30881519.
* Abed A, Khachemoune A, Al-Otaibi N. Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Warts with Combination Therapy of Topical 5% Fluorouracil and 10% Salicylic Acid: A Retrospective Study. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2023 Apr-Jun;16(2):166-170. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_365_21. Epub 2023 Apr 28. PMID: 37408466. PMCID: PMC10313137.
* Maranda EL, Nguyen J, Lim VM, Lee P. Emerging therapies for warts. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 Oct;75(4):815-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.03.016. Epub 2016 May 19. PMID: 27198754.
* Al-Mutairi N, Al-Khalaf M, Al-Habeeb A, Al-Faraidy N. Immunotherapy of Warts: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Jul;10(7):36-44. PMID: 28761623. PMCID: PMC5529324.
Q.
Stubborn Wart? Why your skin is reacting and medical steps to treat it
A.
A stubborn wart usually means HPV-infected skin that your immune system has not fully cleared, often made worse by thick or high-pressure areas like the feet or around nails, repeated irritation, or stopping treatment early. Effective care starts with consistent daily salicylic acid, then in-office options like cryotherapy or cantharidin, with prescriptions or minor procedures for resistant cases; urgent care is wise if it bleeds, changes color, grows fast, is very painful, appears on genitals, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation. There are several factors to consider and key details that can change your next steps, so see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Abeck D, Kalka-Moll WM. Update on the management of cutaneous warts. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 Feb;13(2):331-352. doi: 10.1007/s13555-022-00869-7. Epub 2022 Dec 19. PMID: 36534241; PMCID: PMC9868615.
* Zou B, Yu Z, Yang J, Yang X, Chen Y, Zheng Y, Fan R, Shi Y, Wang Y. Recent advances in the treatment of common warts. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2022 Feb;39(1):15-20. doi: 10.5114/ada.2022.113264. Epub 2022 Feb 21. PMID: 35250486; PMCID: PMC8898160.
* Vazquez-Herrero G, Ramos-Frías M, Ocharan-Hernandez J, Del Carmen M. Human Papillomavirus-Induced Warts: A Comprehensive Review on Pathogenesis, Immunity, and Treatment. Viruses. 2023 May 10;15(5):1135. doi: 10.3390/v15051135. PMID: 37242940; PMCID: PMC10221307.
* Al-Mutairi N, Issa A. Warts: Current Treatment Options for Recalcitrant Disease. Dermatol Clin. 2022 Jan;40(1):1-16. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2021.07.001. Epub 2021 Aug 20. PMID: 34896792.
* Bedi M, Dhingra R, Arora A, Goyal A, Narula N. Review of Management of Common Cutaneous Warts. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023 Jul 26;16:1967-1981. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S420076. PMID: 37519154; PMCID: PMC10389334.
Q.
Is It Spreading? Why Your Wart Persists and Medical Next Steps
A.
Warts can spread slowly through self contact and shared surfaces, and they often persist because HPV remains in the skin or treatment is inconsistent, so prevention habits and steady use of home therapies matter. Seek care if it is painful, bleeding, rapidly changing, on the face or genitals, or not improving after months, since doctors can use cryotherapy, cantharidin, immunotherapy, and other options; there are several factors to consider, and you will find important details on look-alikes, recurrence, and next steps below.
References:
* Adnan A, Mubeen K, Fatima T, Siddiqi H, Hussain S, Zulfiqar S, Anum N. Cutaneous Warts: A Comprehensive Review of Management and Treatment Options. J Skin Cancer. 2020 Aug 17;2020:6463941. doi: 10.1155/2020/6463941. PMID: 32879796.
* Dong Y, Wang H, Deng X, Yu M, Chen X. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Persistent HPV Infection and Cancer Progression. Cells. 2022 Jul 25;11(15):2300. doi: 10.3390/cells11152300. PMID: 35892556.
* Al-Mutairi N, Zafar T, Kurban M, Khan Z, Al-Hajri H, Abbas O. Treatment of recalcitrant and recurrent warts: a review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 May;33(3):1333-1342. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1809015. Epub 2020 Aug 26. PMID: 32847426.
* Yang Z, Li Y, Yang Q, Li T. The immunological aspects of human papillomavirus and current therapeutic options. Int J Dermatol. 2023 Apr;62(4):447-456. doi: 10.1111/ijd.16487. Epub 2023 Jan 2. PMID: 36592200.
* Bruggink SC, Gussekloo J, Egberts PF, Bavinck JN, de Waal MW, Assendelft WJ, Feltkamp M, Koes BW, Quint KD, ter Schegget J, van der Wouden JC. Epidemiology of cutaneous warts: a review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2013 Aug;27(8):1024-34. doi: 10.1111/jdv.12076. Epub 2013 Jan 22. PMID: 23336214.
Q.
Plantar Wart? Why Your Foot Isn’t Healing & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
A nonhealing sore on the sole is often a plantar wart caused by HPV, which can persist because of pressure from walking, confusion with calluses or corns, or stopping treatment too soon. Proven next steps include steady salicylic acid use, clinic cryotherapy, and prescription or procedural care, with prompt medical review for severe pain, changes, spread, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation; there are several factors to consider, and many key details that could affect your plan are explained below.
References:
* Luba KM, Stulberg DL. Warts: Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2021 Sep 15;104(3):284-292.
* Sterling JC, Gibbs S, Rowland M. Treatment of warts. BMJ. 2018 Oct 5;363:k3946. doi: 10.1136/bmj.k3946.
* Patel U, Tran J, Kroumpouzos G. Current and emerging therapeutic options for recalcitrant plantar warts. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 Dec;33(8):1108-1115. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2022.2049927.
* De Pietro C, Costanzo P, Campoli M, Caposieni G, Turchiello L, Brindisi M, Argenziano G, Nappa P, D'Ambrosio S, Potenza C. New insights into the treatment of plantar warts: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2023 Dec;34(1):2171221. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2171221.
* D'Abbondanza M, Lanza M, Gurioli C, D'Angelo A, Maramieri G, Balestrieri B, Ippolito N, Piaserico S, Gamo E, Fortina AB, Malaguti S, Bettoli V. Warts: Current and Emerging Treatment Options. J Clin Med. 2023 Aug 23;12(17):5487. doi: 10.3390/jcm12175487.
Ubie is supervised by 50+ medical experts worldwide
Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.
Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders
“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024
“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023
“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)
Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Witchey DJ, Witchey NB, Roth-Kauffman MM, Kauffman MK. Plantar Warts: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Management. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2018 Feb 1;118(2):92-105. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2018.024. PMID: 29379975.
https://jom.osteopathic.org/Loo SK, Tang WY. Warts (non-genital). BMJ Clin Evid. 2014 Jun 12;2014:1710. PMID: 24921240; PMCID: PMC4054795.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4054795/Vlahovic TC, Khan MT. The Human Papillomavirus and Its Role in Plantar Warts: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2016 Jul;33(3):337-53. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2016.02.003. Epub 2016 Mar 29. PMID: 27215155.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891842216300155?via%3DihubGlover MG. Plantar warts. Foot Ankle. 1990 Dec;11(3):172-8. doi: 10.1177/107110079001100308. PMID: 2074085.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/107110079001100308