Common Symptoms
- Firm bumps that are usually flesh colored
- Usually on the hands, toes, around the knees, and on the face, but can occur anywhere on the body
- Infrequent under the age of 2
- May occur singly or in groups
Warts are caused by a virus called Human papillomavirus. Infection occurs by direct skin contact. There is no way to effectively prevent warts. Warts will resolve without treatment in 2/3 of cases within 2 years. Treatment may not be necessary but can be considered if there is pain, persistence of the wart or personal preference. Treatment options include over the counter medications containing salicylic acid or in office treatment using cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. You may be referred to dermatology if there are multiple, recurring warts, there is a wart on the face or genital area, or you have large, deep, or painful plantar warts (warts on the soles of the feet).