Warts and verrucas are small lumps on the skin that most people have at some point in their life. They usually go away on their own but may take months or even years.
Check if you have a wart or verruca
Warts feel firm and rough. They can appear on palms, knuckles, knees and fingers.
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Warts are usually skin coloured but may appear darker on black or brown skin.
A GP may be able to freeze a wart or verruca so it falls off a few weeks later. Sometimes it takes a few sessions.
Check with the GP if the NHS pays for this treatment in your area.
If treatment has not worked or you have a wart on your face, the GP might refer you to a skin specialist. Other treatments include minor surgery and treatment with laser or light.
How to stop warts and verrucas spreading
Warts and verrucas are caused by a virus. They can be spread to other people from contaminated surfaces or through close skin contact.
You're more likely to spread a wart or verruca if your skin is wet or damaged.
It can take months for a wart or verruca to appear after contact with the virus.
There are things you can do to help stop warts or verrucas spreading to other people.
Do
wash your hands after touching a wart or verruca
change your socks daily if you have a verruca
cover warts and verrucas with a plaster when swimming
take care not to cut a wart when shaving
Don’t
do not share towels, flannels, socks or shoes if you have a wart or verruca
do not bite your nails or suck fingers with warts on
do not walk barefoot in public places if you have a verruca
do not scratch or pick a wart
Page last reviewed: 25 July 2023
Next review due: 25 July 2026