The Facts on Warts:

What Are They?

How Are They Caused?

What Can I Do?

What Are Warts?

Warts are a skin condition in which abnormal skin growths appear. While it can be unsightly, it can also be quite painful, and can prevent you from moving comfortably.

Image of bottom of feet demonstrating plantar wart. 

Warts may appear as a bump with a rough surface, or it may be flat and smooth. Tiny blood vessels grow into the wart and may appear as dark dots in the centre. Typically, the skin lines and creases over the wart are distorted. Warts can appear either alone or in groups.

Common warts appear most often on the hands and can be easily recognized by the rough, cauliflower-like appearance of the surface. They are usually about the size of a pencil eraser.

Plantar warts are located on the bottom of the foot. They look like hard, thick patches of skin with dark specks. Plantar warts can be as large as two inches across but are typically about the size of a pencil eraser. Plantar warts symptoms may be painful or uncomfortable, especially when walking.

What Are Warts Caused By?

The cause of warts is a virus that enters the skin through a cut or abrasion. The virus causes the top layer of skin to grow rapidly, resulting in a wart.

The type of HPV virus that causes warts is contagious, and you can get it through direct contact from sharing personal items such as towels and razors, for example. You can even re-infect yourself by touching the wart and then another part of your body.

Shop Products for Warts

How To Get Rid Of Warts

Because warts can not only be embarrassing but also uncomfortable, you’ll be happy to know there are some simple tips that can help you learn how to prevent warts, and how to help get rid of them:

  • Treat warts with these Dr. Scholl’s® products
  • Avoid contact with warts
  • Good hygiene in public places i.e. pools, showers, etc
  • Proper treatment of cuts can help limit warts from developing
  • Keep warts from spreading by covering them with a bandage

Not a medical diagnosis. For information purposes only. If you have diabetes, poor blood circulation, or fragile skin, or symptoms are severe or persist, consult your podiatrist or physician before using products.