Patient guide to warts

About warts

Warts are a viral skin infection caused by a particular type of HPV virus. The infection causes small, dry skin growths, most often on the hands and feet. Warts are harmless and very common, especially in children.

Warts are typically a few millimetres across, with an irregular, dry, cauliflower-like surface. They can occur singly or in groups. Warts on the soles of the feet can be tender, especially under pressure.

Warts often disappear on their own over months or years.

Warts are small skin growths caused by HPV virus and are often found on the hands and feet.

Treatment of warts

Warts usually disappear on their own and can be difficult to treat. Treatment is therefore not always necessary if they cause no discomfort. In some cases, you may choose only to limit their spread.

Research shows that freezing warts is no more effective than home treatment but can be more painful. Freezing ordinary warts on the hands and feet is therefore not normally recommended.

The most common treatment is daily home treatment with products containing salicylic acid, for example Vortex, combined with scraping or filing the thickened skin. The products are available over the counter, and the pharmacy can advise you about them.

Do not use these products on your feet if you have reduced sensation, for example due to diabetes.

Treatment instructions

Preparation

• Soften the area in warm water for 5–10 minutes.
• Dry the skin thoroughly.
• Protect normal skin around the wart with, for example, zinc paste or petroleum jelly.

Application

• Apply a wart treatment containing salicylic acid directly to the surface of the wart as directed in the patient information leaflet.
• Avoid contact with normal skin.

Mechanical removal

• 1–2 times weekly, the dead, softened skin can be gently scraped or filed off with a scalpel or file.

Length of treatment

Daily treatment for up to 3 months is often needed for a good effect. If the wart gradually gets smaller, continue treatment until it is completely gone.

Precautions for warts

• Cover the warts with plasters or paint them with nail varnish to reduce spread.
• Avoid walking barefoot in shared showers, gyms and swimming pools.
• Wear pool shoes or indoor shoes in shared areas.

Clinically updated 9 March 2026