Skin & Complexion
Benign, contagious skin growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus.
Physician-led assessment · individualized care · Vancouver clinic
Understanding Warts
Maybe there's a rough little bump on your finger that's been there for months, or a tender spot on the sole of your foot that hurts when you walk. Warts are really common, especially in kids and young adults, and they can be treated.
Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which gets in through tiny breaks in the skin. Because they're viral, they can spread to nearby skin or to other people, and they can sometimes come back after treatment, since the aim is to clear the virus as well as the bump. Not everyone who's exposed gets them, as everyone's immune response is a little different. Most warts are harmless and many clear on their own in time. If a growth bleeds, changes quickly, looks like an open sore or isn't responding to the usual treatments, we'll take a closer look, as a few other skin conditions can look like a stubborn wart.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Warts are caused by human papillomavirus, of which there are many types. The virus enters through small breaks in the skin and is spread by direct contact with a wart or with surfaces such as floors around pools and communal showers. Warts can also spread from one part of the body to another. Not everyone exposed develops warts, as susceptibility varies with immune response and skin condition.
Signs and Symptoms
Warts vary by type and location, but common features include:
Assessment
At your appointment, our physicians can usually recognize a wart by its look and location, and sometimes gently pare the surface to show the tiny clotted blood vessels typical of warts. If a growth looks unusual, isn't responding to treatment or could be something else, we take a closer look and may suggest a biopsy. Then we put together a plan that fits where your warts are, how much they bother you, your timing and your budget.
Cosmetic consultations are complimentary.
Prevention and Ongoing Care
Keeping warts covered, not picking or shaving over them, and wearing sandals in shared showers and pool areas all help limit spread. Keeping the skin moisturized and free of small cracks makes it harder for the virus to get in. Our team can recommend products from our online shop that suit your skin.
Treatment Options
These are some of the options connected to this concern. The appropriate plan depends on assessment, suitability, and your goals.
Many warts clear on their own over time, and treatment speeds that up, eases discomfort and helps stop them spreading. Our physicians treat selected benign skin lesions in clinic, so depending on the wart's type, size and location, care may include topical treatments or removal with our minor skin-lesion treatment, using tools such as the Secret PRO Surgi handpiece where it suits. Because the virus can linger, some warts need more than one session.
For the fuller picture, explore the treatment pages above or discuss the options during a consultation.
Medical Assessment
See a doctor if a suspected wart bleeds easily, grows or changes quickly, looks like an open sore, is painful, or isn't responding to treatment, as these may point to a different diagnosis. Warts in people with weakened immune systems, warts on the face, and any genital or anal growths should also be seen by a doctor before you try treating them yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Warts are caused by a virus and can spread through direct contact, from surfaces such as pool decks and shared showers, and from one area of your body to another. Covering warts and not sharing personal items helps limit spread.
Many warts clear without treatment, though this can take months to years. They can return because the virus may stay in the skin after a visible wart is treated, so some people need more than one course. Treatment helps them clear sooner and eases discomfort.
Treatment depends on the wart's type, size and location, and may be topical or done in the clinic. The number of sessions and the cost depend on how many warts you have and where they are, and we go through both at your consultation.
Physician Assessment
An assessment can help clarify what may be contributing, which options may be appropriate, and what a reasonable next step could look like for you.
Visit Our Clinic
Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic combines medical assessment, individualized planning, physician oversight, and a broad range of treatment options in its Vancouver clinic.
Bring your questions, treatment history, and goals. Your provider can help you understand appropriate options, expected recovery, and realistic outcomes.
Make an Appointment
Use our consultation form below and the clinic can guide you toward the appropriate starting point.
