Maple Clinic

Warts
Warts are small, rough growths that can appear on the skin of the body. They typically develop by themselves or in clusters and are non-cancerous. They may sometimes itch and cause pain if they are located in a sensitive area. Warts do not appear immediately and it may take weeks or months to fully develop.
Causes of Warts
Warts are primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the body through a cut or scratch in the skin. The virus triggers the production of excess keratin, a hard protein, to emerge in the top layer of the skin. There are more than 100 types of HPV that may contribute to different types of warts. It is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces and usually affects children and teenagers.

You increase the chances of infecting and even spreading warts if you have:

  • A weakened immune system
  • Damaged or broken skin
  • Frequent contact with contaminated areas, for example in swimming pools or locker rooms
  • Scratching warts or biting or sucking fingers with warts
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Types of Warts

Warts can manifest in various forms, each with its distinct characteristics:

Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)

These appear on the hands, fingers, and nails. They are round or oval-shaped and have a rough, raised surface.

Verruca (Plantar Warts)

 These warts occur on the soles of the feet. They can be painful due to pressure while walking, often flat and surrounded by thickened skin.

Flat Warts (Verruca Plana)

These warts tend to be small, smooth, and flat. They usually appear on the face, lower neck, or hands in large amounts.

Treatment Options for Warts

There are those who choose not to take action and simply wait for their warts to disappear (which 65% of warts do within two years). However, it is advisable to seek treatments if you have multiple warts or if they cause an uncomfortable itch.

Chemical treatments

The most widely used method is by using 17% salicylic acid to peel away layers of infected skin. Alternatives like formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and silver nitrate also prove to be effective in eliminating warts.

Cryotherapy (freezing the skin cells)

Using liquid nitrogen, a blister will appear on a wart and, after 7-10 days, the wart will detach. 

Ways to Stop the Spread
If you are concerned about the risk of recurrent warts, it is important to take measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Keep your skin clean and dry to avoid any breaks or cuts, and wear waterproof footwear in public showers, pools, and locker rooms. In addition, avoid physical contact with warts and people who have been infected, as well as do not scratch or pick at any existing warts, as this could cause the virus to spread to other parts of your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will warts go away on their own?

Warts will generally disappear in due course, but it may take several years for the virus to leave the body without treatment.

What’s the difference between warts and callus?

Calluses are characterized by thickened skin lines, which are caused by constant friction or pressure to the skin, particularly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Are warts always an STD?

Genital warts are usually a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). This virus also can cause some types of cancer.

Early treatment is essential for keeping warts under control and preventing them from spreading. Warts may not be dangerous but they can be passed on, so it is important to take precautions. 


To find out more about different kinds of skin conditions and treatment plans, visit Maple Clinic, Malaysia’s most premium and trusted aesthetic clinic which provides an extensive range of aesthetic treatments for skin and hair problems.

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