Types of Warts: How to Identify and Treat the Most Common Variants

Not all warts are the same. There are different types of warts, and each one has its own shape, location, and sometimes even a unique cause. That’s why identifying the kind of wart you have is super important — it helps you choose the right treatment and deal with it more effectively.

Warts, those small, often annoying skin growths, are more common than you might think. Most of us will have at least one at some point in our lives. They can show up anywhere on the body and might look different depending on the type.

But what causes them? It all starts with a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus enters the skin through tiny cuts or scratches and causes the skin cells to grow a bit faster than usual, leading to the formation of a wart.

In the sections below, we’ll walk through the most common types of warts, how to spot them, and what you can do to treat them.

Common Types of Warts and How to Identify Them

Warts can show up in many shapes, sizes, and locations, and knowing what kind you’re dealing with helps you treat them the right way. Let’s break down the most common types of warts and what sets each one apart.

1. Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)

Common warts are the warts you’ll probably see the most.

• What they look like: Rough, raised bumps with a grainy surface.
• Where they appear: Usually on the hands, fingers, knees, or elbows.
• Who gets them: Anyone can get them, but kids warts are especially common because children often get small cuts or scrapes that allow the virus in. Nail-biting or picking can make it worse and spread the warts to other areas.
• Caused by: HPV types 2 and 4.

They’re usually harmless but can spread if scratched or picked.

2. Plantar Warts

Plantar warts grow on the bottom of your feet, and walking on them can make them hurt.

• What they look like: Flat and tough with a thick, callus-like surface. You may notice black dots (clotted blood vessels) in the center.
• Where they appear: On your heels, soles, or the balls of your feet.
• Why they hurt: The pressure from walking pushes them inward.
• Caused by: Often HPV type 1.

A related type is called mosaic warts, which are small (like pinheads), white, and tend to grow in clusters under the toes or on the balls of your feet. They usually don’t hurt, but can cover larger areas.

3. Flat Warts

Flat warts are smaller and smoother than other wart types, and they often go unnoticed at first.

• What they look like: Flat-topped, round or oval, and usually skin-colored or slightly pink.
• Where they appear: Common on the face, neck, arms, and legs.
• How many show up: Often 20 to 100 at once in a group.
• Caused by: HPV types 3, 10, and 28.

Flat warts spread easily through shaving or scratching, so it’s best not to touch them.

4. Filiform Warts

Filiform Warts are easy to spot because they grow fast and look quite different.

• What they look like: Long, thin, thread-like projections that stick out from the skin.
• Where they appear: Usually around the eyes, mouth, and nose.
• Caused by: HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27, and 29.

Because they grow in visible areas, people often want them removed quickly.

5. Periungual and Subungual Warts

These kinds of warts affect the area around your nails and can be hard to treat.

• What they look like: Rough, thick growths that push against or grow under the nail.
• Where they appear: Around (periungual) or under (subungual) fingernails and toenails.
• Who’s at risk: Nail-biters or those who pick at their cuticles.

Periungual warts can cause nail deformities and might require medical treatment.

6. Genital Warts

A more sensitive kind, these warts are caused by sexually transmitted HPV.

• What they look like: Small, flesh-colored or grey growths, sometimes appearing in clusters like cauliflower.
• Where they appear: On the genitals, anus, or surrounding skin.
• How they spread: Through skin-to-skin sexual contact.
• Caused by: HPV types 6 and 11 — responsible for about 90% of cases.

Genital warts should always be checked and treated by a healthcare provider.

7. Other Wart Types You Might Hear About

• Butcher’s Warts: Found on the hands of people who handle raw meat. Caused by HPV type 7, these warts are common in cold, moist environments.
• Focal Epithelial Hyperplasia (Heck’s Disease): A rare condition where soft, white or pinkish warts develop inside the mouth. Linked to HPV types 13 and 32.

Each of these different types of warts is caused by a specific strain of HPV, and knowing the difference helps in choosing the right treatment.

How to Treat Different Types of Warts

While most warts go away on their own, some stick around or cause discomfort, and that’s when treatment becomes necessary. Here’s how you can handle different types of warts, whether at home or with help from a doctor.

1. At-Home Treatments

If the wart isn’t bothering you too much, you might want to try a few simple remedies first:

• Salicylic Acid: This is one of the most common over-the-counter treatments. It works by peeling away layers of the wart over time. Be patient, it can take a few weeks.
• Freezing Kits: Similar to what a doctor might do, these kits use cold sprays to freeze the wart. You can find them at most drugstores.
• Wart Patches and Creams: These contain active ingredients like salicylic acid and are easy to apply. They help soften the wart and protect it while it heals.

Tip: Soaking the wart in warm water before applying treatments can help the medicine absorb better.

2. Medical Treatments

If home treatments aren’t working — or the wart is in a sensitive spot — your doctor can help with more advanced options:

• Cryotherapy (Freezing): A healthcare provider applies liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart. It may take a few sessions, but it’s usually effective.
• Laser Treatment: A laser is used to burn the wart tissue. This is often used for stubborn or hard-to-reach warts.
• Minor Surgery: For some types of warts, especially large or painful ones, a doctor might numb the area and cut the wart out.
• Immunotherapy or Prescription Medications: These boost your immune system or use topical creams to fight the wart-causing virus, especially useful for hard-to-treat warts.

3. When to See a Doctor

Sometimes, it’s best not to wait it out. You should consult a doctor if:

• The wart is painful, growing fast, or hasn’t improved after weeks of treatment
• It’s located on your face, genitals, or under/around your nails (these areas need special care)
• You’re not sure if it’s actually a wart — it’s always better to get a proper diagnosis

Most kinds of warts are harmless, but getting the right treatment early can save you time, discomfort, and the risk of spreading them to others. Furthermore, for those exploring potential new treatment options, warts clinical trials are currently ongoing. Consider enrolling to get early access to emerging therapies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, warts are common, often harmless skin growths, but identifying their type helps in choosing the best treatment. Whether using home remedies or medical help, early care can ease discomfort and prevent the spread. For persistent cases, clinical trials may offer new hope. Don’t wait—take steps to treat and protect yourself.