February 16, 2025
Plantar Warts, Common Warts, and More: How to Treat Each Type

Warts are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they are generally harmless, they can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, especially when located on weight-bearing areas like the feet. Understanding the different types of warts and the best treatment options for each can help you effectively manage and eliminate them.

In this guide, we’ll explore various types of warts, their causes, and the most effective treatment methods, from home remedies to professional medical procedures.

Understanding the Different Types of Warts

There are several types of warts, each with distinct characteristics and locations on the body. The most common types include:

  • Plantar Warts – Found on the soles of the feet, often painful due to pressure.
  • Common Warts – Rough, raised growths that typically appear on the hands and fingers.
  • Flat Warts – Smooth, small warts that often appear in clusters on the face, arms, or legs.
  • Filiform Warts – Long, thread-like warts that grow around the mouth, nose, or eyes.
  • Periungual Warts – Found around fingernails and toenails, they can be painful and disrupt nail growth.

Each type of wart responds differently to treatments, so understanding which one you have is crucial for effective wart removal.

Plantar Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, usually on high-pressure areas such as the heels or balls of the feet. They are caused by HPV, which enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions. Unlike other warts, plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure of walking, often developing a hard callus on top.

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Symptoms of Plantar Warts

  • A rough, grainy growth on the bottom of the foot
  • A black dot in the center (clotted blood vessels, sometimes called “wart seeds”)
  • Pain or tenderness when walking or standing

How to Treat Plantar Warts

  1. Over-the-Counter Treatments
    • Salicylic acid-based treatments can help break down the wart layer by layer.
    • These require daily application and may take several weeks to be effective.
  2. Cryotherapy (Freezing the Wart)
    • Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze the wart, causing it to fall off over time.
    • It may require multiple sessions for complete wart removal.
  3. Laser Therapy
    • Used for stubborn plantar warts, laser treatment destroys wart tissue using focused light.
    • This method is usually performed by a foot specialist or dermatologist.
  4. Professional Wart Removal in Toronto
    • Those dealing with persistent plantar warts may consider seeking professional care.
    • Clinics specializing in wart removal Toronto offer advanced treatments such as stronger cryotherapy, laser removal, or minor surgical procedures.

Common Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Are Common Warts?

Common warts are rough, raised bumps that typically develop on the hands, fingers, knees, or elbows. These warts have a cauliflower-like appearance and are highly contagious, spreading through direct contact.

Symptoms of Common Warts

  • Small, flesh-colored or grayish growths with a rough texture
  • Black pinpoints inside the wart (clotted blood vessels)
  • Often appear in clusters

How to Treat Common Warts

  1. Salicylic Acid Treatments
    • Available in gels, pads, and liquids, salicylic acid gradually removes the wart.
    • It works best when combined with gentle exfoliation using a pumice stone.
  2. Duct Tape Method
    • Some people swear by covering the wart with duct tape for several days, then removing it and filing the area down.
    • This method is not scientifically proven but may work for minor warts.
  3. Cryotherapy
    • Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy the wart.
    • Multiple sessions may be required.
  4. Electrosurgery & Curettage
    • For stubborn warts, a doctor may use an electrical current to burn the wart before scraping it off.
    • This is typically done under local anesthesia.
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Flat Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Are Flat Warts?

Flat warts are smaller and smoother than common warts and tend to appear in large numbers. They often develop on the face, arms, or legs and are more common in children and teenagers.

Symptoms of Flat Warts

  • Small, flat-topped growths, usually flesh-colored or slightly pink
  • Often appear in clusters of 20–100 warts
  • Can spread easily due to shaving or scratching

How to Treat Flat Warts

  1. Topical Retinoids
    • Retinoid creams help to exfoliate the skin and speed up the removal of flat warts.
  2. Salicylic Acid
    • A gentle application of salicylic acid can gradually remove flat warts over time.
  3. Laser Therapy
    • Used for stubborn cases, laser treatment can destroy wart tissue with minimal scarring.
  4. Prescription Treatments
    • If over-the-counter options fail, a doctor may prescribe stronger topical medications.

Filiform Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Are Filiform Warts?

Filiform warts are long, thread-like growths that commonly appear around the eyes, nose, mouth, or neck. They spread easily through skin contact and are often more noticeable due to their location.

Symptoms of Filiform Warts

  • Thin, elongated warts that grow quickly
  • Usually painless but may cause irritation
  • Commonly found in facial areas

How to Treat Filiform Warts

  1. Cryotherapy
    • Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen is a quick and effective option.
  2. Electrosurgery
    • A doctor can use an electric current to burn off the wart.
  3. Laser Treatment
    • Effective for delicate facial areas, this method minimizes scarring.
  4. Topical Medications
    • Prescription creams may be used for smaller filiform warts.

Periungual Warts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What Are Periungual Warts?

These warts form around the fingernails and toenails, often affecting nail growth. They can be painful and difficult to treat.

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Symptoms of Periungual Warts

  • Rough, irregularly shaped growths near the nails
  • Pain or discomfort when pressure is applied
  • Nail deformities in severe cases

How to Treat Periungual Warts

  1. Salicylic Acid Treatments
    • Applied carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding skin.
  2. Cryotherapy
    • Often used for stubborn periungual warts but may require multiple sessions.
  3. Surgical Removal
    • In severe cases, a doctor may surgically remove the wart under local anesthesia.
  4. Specialized Foot Care Clinics

Preventing Warts: Tips to Avoid Future Outbreaks

  • Keep your skin clean and dry.
  • Avoid sharing towels, razors, or shoes with others.
  • Wear flip-flops in public showers or pools.
  • Don’t pick or scratch existing warts to prevent spreading.
  • Strengthen your immune system with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Warts are a common but treatable skin condition. Whether you’re dealing with plantar warts, common warts, or other types, there are many treatment options available, from home remedies to professional removal procedures. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective, consider seeking expert care at a wart removal Toronto clinic.

With the right approach, you can successfully eliminate warts and prevent them from returning!