Wart

A wart (medical term verruca) is a benign skin growth caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts often appear on the hands and feet and can be contagious.

Types

• common wart (verruca vulgaris): on hands, fingers, knees
• plantar wart: on the sole, grows inwards, painful when walking
• flat wart (verruca plana): small, smooth, often in groups
• mosaic warts: groups of small warts on hands or feet
• genital warts: sexually transmitted

Causes and infection

Warts are transmitted through direct skin contact or via contaminated surfaces – especially in swimming pools, changing rooms and sports halls. Small cracks in the skin, sweaty feet and a weakened immune system make infection easier.

Symptoms

• small, rough, horny raised skin
• black dots (small blood vessels)
• plantar warts are often painful when walking

Treatment

• salicylic acid and freezing sprays from the pharmacy
• podiatric treatment for plantar warts
• stronger freezing with liquid nitrogen by a doctor
• laser therapy, electrocoagulation or surgical removal for stubborn warts

Prevention

• always wear flip-flops in public pools and changing rooms
• keep feet dry and wear breathable shoes
• do not scratch warts open

More in our guide Warts on the foot.