Recognize 3 Signs of Dangerous Warts and How to Treat Them
Warts are often dismissed as a small cosmetic issue, but not all warts are harmless. These skin growths are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and while many remain benign, some can show warning signs that point to more serious health conditions. Recognizing those signs early is key to preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment.
This article explains what warts are, outlines the three main signs that suggest warts may be dangerous, and reviews available treatment options and prevention methods to keep your skin healthy.
What Are Warts?
Warts are small, rough growths on the skin triggered by infection with HPV. The virus usually enters the body through tiny cuts or scratches, allowing it to settle into the skin. While warts can appear on many areas of the body, they are most often found on the hands, feet, face, and around nails.
Different types of warts have slightly different appearances and behaviors:
Common Warts
These are the most frequently seen, usually round with a rough surface. They typically appear on the hands, fingers, elbows, or knees.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts form on the soles of the feet or palms. Because of their location, they can be painful when walking or standing. They often appear white with small black dots in the center.
Flat Warts
Flat warts are smoother and less raised than other types. They are usually pink or light brown and often occur on the thighs, arms, or face.
Periungual Warts
These warts grow around fingernails or toenails. They can affect nail growth and cause nails to become thick, irregular, or brittle.
Genital Warts
Transmitted primarily through sexual contact, genital warts appear as small, brownish or flesh-colored bumps in the genital area. They can be isolated or merge into larger clusters.
Most warts are not harmful, but understanding the differences between normal and abnormal signs helps you know when to seek medical attention.
Three Signs of Dangerous Warts You Should Recognize
Although most warts eventually go away on their own or with simple treatments, certain changes signal that a wart may not be normal. These are the top three warning signs:
1. Warts That Grow Quickly and Spread
Normal warts develop slowly. If you notice a wart that is rapidly increasing in size or spreading to multiple areas, it could be a sign of a more serious HPV infection or, in rare cases, a precancerous condition.
Quickly spreading warts should not be ignored. Early evaluation by a dermatologist is important to rule out dangerous causes.
Treatment options may include:
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Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy infected tissue.
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Surgical removal: Cutting out stubborn or large warts that do not respond to other treatments.
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Topical medications: Prescription creams, often containing salicylic acid or antiviral agents, can gradually remove warts.
2. Warts That Change Color or Shape
Most warts remain brown, grayish, or flesh-colored with a consistent appearance. If a wart starts to darken, turn red or black, or becomes asymmetrical, it may indicate abnormal cell changes. Warts that bleed easily or develop irregular edges also warrant medical review.
Such changes could be linked to aggressive HPV strains or skin cancer. To confirm, doctors may recommend:
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Skin biopsy: Removing a small piece of tissue to test for cancerous changes.
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Laser treatment: Targeting abnormal cells with laser energy when warts are large or resistant to other methods.
Monitoring your skin carefully for these shifts helps catch problems at an early, treatable stage.
3. Painful or Bleeding Warts
Most warts are painless. If you suddenly feel sharp pain, sensitivity, or notice frequent bleeding, the wart may be infected or associated with more severe conditions. Sometimes, pus or oozing accompanies these symptoms, signaling a secondary infection.
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat infection before performing procedures like cryotherapy or surgery. Attempting to cut or treat bleeding warts at home is not recommended, as this can worsen the infection and increase scarring risk.
How to Prevent Warts
While warts are common, prevention is possible with simple habits that reduce exposure to HPV:
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Maintain good skin hygiene: Wash your hands and skin regularly to lower the chance of infection.
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Avoid sharing personal items: Towels, socks, shoes, and nail tools can transmit the virus between people.
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Protect feet in public areas: Wear sandals in gyms, pools, and locker rooms where HPV thrives.
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Strengthen immunity: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep help your body fight off viral infections.
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HPV vaccination: Vaccines protect against certain strains of HPV, including those linked to genital warts and some cancers.
When to See a Doctor
You should contact a healthcare professional if:
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A wart grows quickly or spreads to other areas.
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The wart changes color, shape, or texture.
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Pain, bleeding, or pus develops.
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Treatments at home fail to reduce the wart after several weeks.
Dermatologists can provide tailored solutions, ensure accurate diagnosis, and rule out serious conditions.
Keep Your Skin Healthy by Recognizing Wart Warning Signs
Although most warts are harmless, three red flags—rapid growth, color or shape changes, and pain or bleeding—should never be ignored. Early recognition and proper treatment prevent complications and reduce the risk of long-term skin problems.
Prevention is equally important: good hygiene, avoiding shared items, and considering HPV vaccination all contribute to keeping your skin clear and healthy. If you ever notice unusual changes in a wart, consult a doctor promptly to receive the right care.
Sources
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American Academy of Dermatology: Warts: Diagnosis and Treatment
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Warts