What Does A Wart Look Like?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear in different regions of the body and have a range of appearances depending on the type of wart. A variety of triggers can prompt their development. Warts are often harmless and painless, though they can be unsightly and cause embarrassment.

Warts are generally contagious, so it is important to take the correct steps to minimise spreading them to other parts of your body and to other people. This can be done by following a few simple steps including good hygiene such as handwashing, drying your skin after getting wet or sweaty, covering the area, not picking the warts, and using footwear in shared areas such as public changing rooms.

Most warts require treatment to make them go away as they tend to evade the immune system. At Capital Podiatry, we can assist in the improvement and prevention of warts with a variety of techniques and methods.

Five Types Of Warts

Warts can be categorised into five types. This grouping is related to their appearance and location on the body, which can be very different to each other. Warts can be tiny or large, smooth or textured, coloured or not, and grow inwards or outwards.

These five types of warts include:

Common Warts

This type of wart is generally not considered serious and typically improves without assistance. Common warts often involve the following:

• Grainy appearance with a rounded surface.
• Thick, hard, and rough texture.
• May have a slightly grey colour and/or small black spots.
• Varying size – some can be 1mm, others can be 1cm or more.
• Occur singularly or in a cluster.
• Usually located on knees and the backs of fingers and toes.
• Spread through direct contact.
• Generally not painful.

Flat Warts

These are also known as juvenile warts as they are common in children. They tend to occur in an area on the skin that has sustained a cut or scrape. Flat warts often involve the following:

• Often not obvious to see.
• Small, flat top and round or oval in shape.
• Flesh coloured but may have slight yellow, brown, or pink tones.
• Occur usually in large clusters.
• Often located on the arms, thighs, and face.
• Usually not painful.
• Spread through direct contact.

Periungual Warts

This type of wart usually appears near finger and toenails and can be a result of nail biting. They can be slow to treat or go away by themselves.

• Rough, shiny texture and often have a cauliflower-like appearance.
• Can begin as a pinprick but continue to grow.
• Often involves growth under or around a nail, causing splits in the skin and interruption to nail growth.
• Can be painful.
• Spread through direct contact.

Filiform Warts

These warts are fast to develop. They are usually not painful, though they can appear in sensitive areas such as a skin fold, which may cause discomfort. Filiform warts often involve the following:

• Small flaps or strands of skin, which extend away from the body.
• Skin coloured.
• Often located around the nose or mouth and may appear under the chin and on the neck.

Plantar Warts

These warts occur on the feet. They are generally not serious, however, they can be for people with compromised immune systems or diabetes.

Plantar warts can be painful and impact functionality because of their location. Due to the increased, prolonged pressure generally exerted on the foot region, these warts can gain a dipped, calloused appearance.

Plantar warts often involve the following:

• Grainy, rough, fleshy texture.
• Thick and hard.
• Usually have little black spots.
• Often located on the balls and heels of feet, or at the base of the toes.
• Grow inwards.
• May develop in a mosaic-like cluster.
• Can be uncomfortable, tender, or painful when weightbearing.
• May feel like stepping on a small pebble.
• Can be categorised into two sorts: myrmecial-type plantar warts and mosaic-type plantar warts.

What Treatment Options Are Used For Warts On The Feet?

Because warts are contagious, can spread, and are often persistent, you should seek treatment swiftly. This is particularly relevant if they appear on sensitive areas such as the face or genitals, if the colour changes, if they are painful, bleeding, scabbing, or leaking pus, or if your immune system is compromised or you have diabetes.

There are topical, prescription-only medications, over the counter creams, and natural remedies available that can have varying success. There are also electric removal and freezing options.

At Capital Podiatry, we employ cutting-edge technology to treat warts below the knee. This involves therapy known as Swift Microwave Therapy. It involves a thirty-minute session, which is generally done three times. There are no dressings or anaesthetics required.

Capital Podiatry Can Help You Say Goodbye To Warts On Your Lower Limbs

Our podiatrists Canberra are experienced and trained in the treatment of warts. We will work with you to stop them, discussing with you the options and providing guidance regarding reducing your risk of developing more warts.

Give us a call to make an appointment for an initial review and to begin personalised treatment.

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