What You Should Never, Ever Do if You Have a Wart, According to Dermatologists
Woman with wart on shoulder
You probably associate warts with witches, frogs or any other number of unfairly maligned figures, but it's time to rip off the band-aid: Warts can literally happen to anyone, whether or not they hang out on lily pads or commute via broomstick.
"A wart is a benign (non-cancerous) skin growth that can occur anywhere on the body. It is a result of the human papillomavirus (HPV)," Dr. Mamina Turegano, triple-board-certified dermatologist, internist and dermatopathologist in Metairie, Louisiana, tells Parade. "There are over 100 strains of HPV, but a few different types cause warts on the skin. HPV resides in the epidermis (the top layer of the skin) and sends signals to skin cells to proliferate, creating firm growths that become warts."
Warts come in a lot of shapes, sizes and types, Dr. Turegano says, and can feel rough or smooth to the touch and even have "finger-like projections."
Related: Does HPV Go Away On Its Own?
According to Dr. Ben Hayes, board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist and cofounder of the Skin & Allergy Center in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the "common wart" is raised and scaly, while thin bumps are called "flat warts." If you're truly unlucky, you may get what's called a "filiform wart," which he describes as having "an artichoke-like appearance" (minus being delicious and nutritious).
There's also another type of wart you likely heard about at some point in sex ed: genital warts, which Dr. Hayes says can appear after sexual contact, mainly in the groin and buttocks region.
Dr. Turegano says that warts differ from other blemishes like acne in two key ways: "Warts are actual growths on the skin, whereas blemishes, like acne, are usually swollen or red as a result of inflammation. Once the inflammation is gone, then the blemish can reside. Warts, on the other hand, can persist for years."
Now that you know what they are, know that if you have a wart (or warts!), don't panic—you're not alone, and you're not dying. That said, there are a few things you'll want to avoid if you do have a wart or several.
Related: The Five Most Common Types of Warts and How to Treat Them
What You Should Never, Ever Do if You Have a Wart, According to Dermatologists
Don't pick at, scratch or shave your warts
Listen, we get the temptation, but resist! Dr. Turegano explains, "Warts are technically contagious, so scratching your warts or shaving over them can spread them to other parts of the skin." Dr. Hayes says scratching your warts can lead to more warts showing up on your cuticles and even under your fingernails.
Don't bite your fingernails
If you have a habit of scratching your warts, don't bite your nails, Dr. Hayes warns, or you can spread warts to your mouth (including your lips and tongue!) and face.
Don't skimp on washing your hands
If we learned anything from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's that handwashing can save lives. In this case, it can also curb the spread of warts. If you touch a wart, wash your hands thoroughly and immediately if possible so you don't spread the virus to other parts of your body—or to other people with whom you come in contact.
Related: What to Know About Cystic Acne—Including How to Treat It
Don't walk around barefoot
If you have warts on your feet, Dr. Turegano warns, please never share your shoes or walk around barefoot in public—or you can spread them to others doing the same.
And yes, we get that it can be tricky at times, but you're not off the hook: If you're going to the pool or beach or using a public or communal shower, try to keep your flip-flops on or invest in a nifty pair of water shoes.
Related: Why Your Feet Are Peeling, What To Do About It
Don't use the same grooming tools or devices on your warts that you do on the rest of your body
Dr. Hayes says that using the same file, emery board, pumice stone or nail clippers on your warts as you use on your healthy skin and nails can spread your warts to other parts of your body. Instead, he recommends, "Use a disposable instrument or mark it clearly with tape or a permanent marker to identify it. Soak in isopropyl alcohol to disinfect between treatments."
Related: Do Pimple Patches Actually Work?
Don't wait to seek treatment for your warts
If you have warts, Dr. Hayes recommends seeing your physician ASAP for treatment to prevent them from spreading throughout your body.
Treatments for warts can vary depending on the type you have, how many you have, where you have them and what your dermatologist recommends, according to Dr. Hayes.
"Don't be afraid to ask for options, especially if you have already failed a method(s) from previous treatments," he notes. "Be aware that warts are difficult to eradicate in one treatment, and it often takes several visits to clear the skin completely."
That said, the methods include invasive (like surgical removal through curetting, as well as injections) and non-invasive treatments (usually topicals).
"We most often freeze warts with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) in the office," Dr. Turegano says. "Other treatments we provide are prescription strength salicylic acid, usually compounded with a chemotherapy agent, 5-fluorouracil, or we may do an injection medicine to create an immune response against the wart."
If you want to take matters into your own hands first, you have options there too, but they won't necessarily be as effective as what your dermatologist can do. Still, they can be decent in a pinch, especially if you can't squeeze in an appointment right away.
"Over-the-counter treatments include salicylic acid topical meds — they can be liquid or in a pad sticker," Dr. Turegano says. "Keeping the warts covered with duct tape is also helpful."
Next, Got Bacne? How to Get Rid of Acne and Breakouts on Your Body
