• 12 Aug, 2026
• SendClinic
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Warts: Causes, Types & Treatment Options | SendClinic

When a Strange Bump Shows Up on Your Skin

You notice a small, rough bump on your finger. Maybe it showed up weeks ago and you ignored it, hoping it would go away. Now it’s still there — and maybe a friend or family member has one too. Chances are, you’re dealing with a wart. Warts are one of the most common skin conditions in the world, and while they’re rarely dangerous, they can be bothersome, embarrassing, or even painful depending on where they appear.

The good news is that warts are very well understood. Doctors know what causes them, how they spread, and — most importantly — how to treat them. Whether you’ve had warts before or this is your first time, understanding the basics can help you make smart choices about your skin health.

What Causes Warts?

Warts are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus, or HPV. There are more than 100 different strains of HPV, and many of them can cause warts on the skin. The virus gets into your body through tiny cuts or breaks in your skin. Once inside, it causes skin cells to grow faster than normal, which creates that familiar raised bump.

HPV is spread through direct contact — touching a wart on someone else’s skin, or touching a surface the virus has landed on, like a shower floor or shared towel. You can even spread warts to other parts of your own body by touching an existing wart and then touching another area of skin. People with weakened immune systems or skin that gets cuts and scrapes often are more likely to develop warts after exposure to the virus.

It’s important to know that not everyone who comes into contact with HPV will get a wart. Your immune system plays a big role. Some people fight off the virus quickly, while others develop warts more easily. Children and teenagers tend to get warts more often than adults, though warts can happen at any age.

Common Types of Warts

Not all warts look the same. The type of wart that forms often depends on which strain of HPV is involved and where on the body the infection occurs. Knowing the type you have can help you and your provider choose the right treatment.

• Common warts: These usually appear on the fingers, hands, and knees. They feel rough and grainy and often have a rounded top. They may look grayish or skin-colored.
• Plantar warts: These grow on the bottom of the feet. Unlike most warts, they grow inward because of the pressure from walking. They can be painful, almost like having a small stone stuck in your shoe.
• Flat warts: These are smaller and smoother than other types. They often appear in groups on the face, arms, or legs. Children get them more often than adults.
• Filiform warts: These are long, narrow warts that often appear around the eyes, nose, or mouth. They can grow quickly and may look a bit like a small flap of skin.
• Periungual warts: These grow under and around the fingernails or toenails. They can be painful and may affect nail growth if left untreated.

Genital warts are also caused by HPV, but they are a different condition treated very differently from skin warts. If you notice any unusual growths in the genital area, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider right away.

Will a Wart Go Away on Its Own?

Many warts do go away without treatment, but it can take time — sometimes months, sometimes years. Your immune system gradually learns to recognize the HPV virus and fights it off. In children especially, warts often disappear on their own within a couple of years. In adults, the process can take longer.

The problem is that while you’re waiting, warts can spread to other parts of your body or to people you’re in close contact with. Some warts, especially plantar warts, can become painful and make everyday activities like walking uncomfortable. And some people simply want the wart gone for personal or cosmetic reasons — which is completely understandable.

If a wart is hurting, spreading, changing in appearance, or just bothering you, it’s a good idea to look into treatment options rather than waiting it out.

Treatment Options for Warts

There are several ways to treat warts, ranging from over-the-counter products to procedures done by a healthcare provider. The right choice depends on the type of wart, where it is, and how your body has responded to treatment before.

• Salicylic acid: This is one of the most common over-the-counter treatments. It comes as a gel, liquid, or patch. It works by slowly removing layers of the wart over several weeks. It works best when used consistently and often after soaking the wart in warm water.
• Cryotherapy (freezing): A provider applies liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. The frozen tissue eventually falls off. This is one of the most widely used in-office treatments and may require more than one session.
• Prescription treatments: A provider may recommend stronger creams, acids, or other medications that aren’t available over the counter.
• Minor procedures: In some cases, a provider may use minor surgery, laser treatment, or other techniques to remove a stubborn wart.

Warts can be stubborn. Even with treatment, they sometimes come back because the virus can remain in the skin. Patience and consistency are key. It also helps to avoid picking at warts, keep the area clean and dry, and wash your hands often to prevent spreading the virus.

When to See a Provider

Most warts are harmless, but there are times when you should talk to a healthcare provider. Seek care if a wart is painful, grows quickly, changes color or shape, bleeds, or appears on your face or genitals. You should also see a provider if home treatments haven’t worked after several weeks of consistent use, or if you have a weakened immune system due to another health condition.

Getting help doesn’t have to mean a long wait at a clinic. SendClinic offers convenient video and phone visits with licensed providers who can evaluate your skin concern, discuss your options, and help you figure out the best next step — all from the comfort of your home. No insurance is needed, and appointments are fast and affordable.

Whether you’re dealing with a wart that won’t quit or just want a professional opinion, reaching out to a provider through SendClinic is a simple, stress-free way to get the guidance you need without the hassle of a traditional office visit.

Taking Care of Your Skin

Warts are common, contagious, and often frustrating — but they are also very treatable. With the right information and a little persistence, most people are able to clear up their warts and prevent new ones from forming. Simple habits like washing your hands regularly, wearing sandals in public showers, and avoiding touching or picking at warts can go a long way in reducing your risk.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it deserves good care. Don’t let a wart linger longer than it should. With today’s treatment options and the ease of telehealth care, getting help has never been simpler. You’ve got this.

References

• Kwok, Chun Shing, et al. “Topical treatments for cutaneous warts.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012.
• Leung, Alexander K.C., et al. “Warts (Non-Genital).” American Family Physician. 2011.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Human Papillomavirus (HPV).” CDC.gov. 2024.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Common Warts.” MayoClinic.org. 2023.
• Sterling, Jane C., et al. “Guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts.” British Journal of Dermatology. 2001.