Viral Warts

What are viral warts?

Viral warts are skin growths caused by innoculation of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). These are usually over areas prone to minor trauma e.g. scratches, picking, shaving. These areas include fingers, hands, feet, face, elbows and knees. Warts can also be sexually transmitted and appear on the genital areas.

What is the treatment for viral warts?

Viral warts are infectious and should be treated early before they grow in size or number.

Warts under the nails or deep warts on the soles of the feet are harder to treat.

Small warts can be treated with topical medication (e.g. salicylic acid/fluorouracil, imiquimod).

Liquid nitrogen or application of cantharidin can be done every fortnightly until clearance of the warts. Multiple sessions may be required especially for larger warts or warts on the soles of the feet (plantar warts).

Electrosurgery or treatment with certain lasers e.g. carbon dioxide laser and pulsed dye laser are usually considered for persistent warts. These treatments are more aggressive and only recommend if the warts have not responded to conventional treatments.

Immunotherapy is a novel treatment where an antigen (e.g. MMR vaccine) is injected into the wart to stimulate the body’s immune system to fight against the wart.

Viral warts may sometimes spread or recur, especially if the immune system is suppressed. It is important not to traumatise the skin around the warts to minimise the risk of the warts spreading.