Warts are caused by contact with HPV viruses. Infection occurs particularly easily through:

• communal showers or swimming pools
• minor skin injuries
• direct skin contact
• Moisture & softened skin

Children and people with sensitive immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

INFOBOX:
Warts are contagious but completely harmless. Treatment prevents them from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people.

Depending on the body part and appearance, one distinguishes between:

Common warts (ordinary warts)

• often on fingers and hands
• rough, calloused surface

Plantar warts (verrucas)

• on the sole of the foot
• growing inwards → often painful

Flat nipples

• smooth, flat papules
• often in the face
• especially in children

Mosaic warts

• several small wart patches
• often on the feet

Genital warts

• in the intimate area
• sexually transmitted (separate treatment required)

• keratinized, raised or flat papules
• dot-like black spots (thrombosis of small vessels)
• painful pressure from verrucas
• cosmetic impairment of the face and hands

Clinical assessment

The typical skin appearance is usually sufficient for diagnosis.

Dermoscopy

Helps to distinguish warts from corns, calluses or moles.

In case of unclear findings:

• Removal or biopsy (rarely necessary)

Not every wart requires treatment, but medical treatment is recommended for painful, cosmetically bothersome, or persistent warts.

Treatment options:

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Laser therapy
• Keratolytic solutions (e.g., salicylic acid)
• Curettage (gentle removal)
• Immunomodulating creams

Cryotherapy (freezing)
One of the most effective and frequently used methods:

• liquid nitrogen (-196 °C)
• Rapid freezing → destruction of viral tissue
• usually well tolerated
• Especially suitable for common warts and verrucas.

A blister or scab often forms after treatment; this is normal and a sign of the healing process.

Laser therapy

Ideal for very stubborn or painful warts:

• pinpoint destruction of the wart tissue
• especially suitable for plantar keratinized tissue
• low relapse rate

✔ No barefoot in swimming pools/changing rooms
✔ Keep skin dry
✔ Treat minor injuries
✔ Do not share towels & bathing shoes
✔ Do not manipulate warts → risk of infection

Are warts contagious?
Yes, warts are transmitted by HPV viruses.

Do warts go away on their own?
Partly yes, especially in children, but this can take months to years.

How many treatments will I need?
Usually 5-7 sessions, more for stubborn warts.

Does the treatment hurt?
Cryotherapy may cause a brief burning or stinging sensation, but it is generally well tolerated.

Do warts come back?
Possible, depending on the immune system and virus reactivation.

Warts are harmless, but often bothersome and contagious. With modern, gentle methods such as cryotherapy, laser treatment, and medical solutions, they can now be removed very effectively and permanently. This allows the skin to become smooth, healthy, and free of calluses again.