Medically reviewed by Joshua Fox, MD, FAAD and Loretta Pratt, MD · September 2026
Warts are common skin growths caused by a viral infection. While many warts eventually go away on their own, treatment can help remove persistent or bothersome warts and reduce the chance of spreading them.
Understanding what causes warts and the treatment options available can help you decide when to treat them at home and when to see a dermatologist.
What causes warts?
You’ve most likely heard the deep-rooted legend that handling a frog or toad can give you warts. If that sounds ridiculous to you, you are correct. Touching an amphibian does not cause warts.
Warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that can infect the skin. The virus can enter the skin through a cut, scratch or other break in the skin, causing the skin to grow into a rough, raised bump.
There are many types of HPV, and different types can cause different kinds of warts. How a wart looks and where it develops can depend on the type of virus involved and the area of skin affected.
Anyone can get warts, but they are particularly common in children. Warts are usually harmless, but they can be uncomfortable, spread to other areas of the body or affect your appearance.
If you have questions about warts or other skin conditions, a dermatologist can help determine whether a growth is a wart and recommend appropriate treatment.
Types of warts
Warts can appear almost anywhere on the body and may look different depending on where they develop. Some are rough and raised, while others are smoother or grow inward beneath the skin.
Common warts
Common warts, also called verruca vulgaris, are usually skin-colored, rough and raised. They most often appear on the hands, fingers and around the nails, although they can develop elsewhere on the body.
Plantar warts
Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, particularly on areas that bear weight. Pressure from walking can cause them to grow inward rather than outward. They may be painful and can sometimes feel like you have a small stone in your shoe.
Flat warts
Flat warts are smaller and smoother than common warts. They often appear on the face, arms or legs. Children may develop them on the face, while adults may develop them in areas irritated by shaving.
Periungual warts
Periungual warts develop around or under the fingernails and toenails. Because of their location, they can sometimes interfere with nail growth and may be more difficult to treat.
Are warts contagious?
Yes. Warts can spread from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact. They can also spread from one body part to another.
Avoid picking, scratching or biting a wart, which can increase the chance of spreading the virus. Do not share towels, razors, nail clippers or other personal items that may come into contact with a wart.
Keeping warts covered and washing your hands after touching one can also help reduce the risk of spreading them.
Over-the-counter wart treatments
Some warts can be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) products. Treatment may take several weeks and does not work for every wart.
Salicylic acid products
Salicylic acid is one of the most common OTC wart treatments. It is available in liquids, gels and pads and works gradually by removing layers of thickened skin.
Follow the product directions carefully and be patient. It can take several weeks, and sometimes up to 12 weeks, for treatment to work.
OTC freezing kits
OTC freezing products use a cold substance to freeze the wart. They generally do not freeze the skin as deeply as the liquid nitrogen used during professional cryotherapy so that multiple treatments may be needed.
Freezing can cause temporary soreness, blistering or scabbing. Follow the product directions and avoid treating a growth that has not been diagnosed as a wart.
If an OTC treatment does not work, or if a wart is painful, spreading or keeps coming back, a dermatologist can discuss other options.
Professional wart removal options
When OTC treatments do not work or a wart is painful, spreading or difficult to treat, professional wart removal may be an option.
A board-certified dermatologist can examine the growth and recommend treatment based on its type, location and other factors.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. A dermatologist may apply the liquid nitrogen with a spray, probe or cotton-tipped applicator. Some warts require more than one treatment.
Cryotherapy may cause temporary pain, redness, swelling, blistering or soreness as the treated area heals.
Electrosurgery and curettage
Electrosurgery uses electrical energy to destroy the wart, while curettage involves scraping away the growth with a curette. These techniques may sometimes be used together.
A dermatologist can determine whether these treatments are appropriate based on the wart’s size, location and type.
Cantharidin and immunotherapy
Cantharidin is a medication that a dermatologist can apply to some warts. It causes a blister to form beneath the wart, which can help separate the wart from the surrounding skin.
For warts that are difficult to treat, a dermatologist may also consider immunotherapy. This approach stimulates an immune response that may help the body fight the wart.
Treatment depends on factors such as the type and location of the wart, the person’s age, how long the wart has been present and how it has responded to previous treatment.
Warts in children
Warts are particularly common in children and may spread through close contact with other children or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Many warts eventually go away as the body’s immune response develops.
Pediatric dermatology can provide specialized care if a wart is painful, spreading, persistent or causing concern. A dermatologist can consider a child’s age, the location of the wart and other factors when recommending treatment.
When to see a dermatologist for warts
Consider seeing a dermatologist if you’re unsure whether a growth is a wart, particularly if it is painful, bleeding or changing. Professional evaluation may also be helpful if a wart does not improve with OTC treatment, keeps returning or is spreading to other areas.
A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and discuss appropriate wart removal options. This is especially important for growths in sensitive areas or those that are difficult to treat.
Frequently asked questions
Do warts go away on their own?
Some warts go away on their own as the body’s immune system responds to the infection. This can take months or even years. Treatment may help remove a wart sooner or reduce the chance of spreading it.
Can you prevent warts from spreading?
You can reduce the chance of spreading warts by avoiding picking, scratching or biting them. Keep warts covered when possible and wash your hands after touching one. Avoid sharing towels, razors, nail clippers or other personal items that may come into contact with a wart.
Is wart removal painful?
Some wart treatments can cause temporary discomfort. Cryotherapy, for example, may cause stinging or burning during treatment followed by soreness as the area heals. Your dermatologist can explain what to expect from the recommended treatment.
How long does wart treatment take to work?
The amount of time treatment takes depends on the type, size and location of the wart and the treatment used. OTC treatments may take several weeks to work, while professional treatments may require more than one visit. Your dermatologist can recommend an appropriate treatment schedule.