Viral Warts: Treatment, Concerns, and Prevention Tips

There are five warts that have appeared on the right hand?

About 2 to 3 months ago, a growth appeared on the flesh of my right middle finger.
At first, I thought it was something similar to a corn on my mother's foot, but it kept growing larger and developed some dark spots.
Then, I noticed a similar growth on my right big toe, which made me more convinced that it was a corn on my hand! Subsequently, I started to see similar growths on my left big toe, the left side of my right middle finger nail, both sides of my ring finger nail, and the left side of my index finger nail (which seemed to have just started appearing).
It wasn't until last Wednesday (September 21) that I saw a doctor and learned that these were called viral warts.
The doctor immediately treated me with liquid nitrogen, which was very painful.
Afterward, the doctor told me that it would fall off in a few days, but I was worried that it might be contagious.
When I got home, I even called the hospital to ask the doctor, who confirmed that it could be contagious.
I was really scared and even cried (looking back, it seems a bit silly).

Finally, I have a question (after all this time...
sorry for the long story).
The doctor said it would fall off in about 4 to 5 days, and my mother mentioned that her corns fell off in 2 to 3 days, but now it's almost been a week, and there are no signs of it falling off.
Also, if I touch other areas with the infected finger, could new warts develop? For example, could I develop warts if I use my right hand for masturbation? The night I had the treatment, I called a helpline, and they suggested that I cover it with a bandage.
Is that effective? If I touch it, could it spread? I'm worried that after finally treating this, it might come back or new ones might appear in other places.

Gu Yue Sheng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/09/28

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology

It usually takes two to three weeks to fall off.
It's not that easily transmissible; otherwise, your left hand and face would have already been affected.
Stop overthinking.

Reply Date: 2005/09/28

More Info

Viral warts, also known as verrucae, are benign growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on various parts of the body, including the hands and feet, and are often mistaken for other skin conditions, such as corns or calluses. Your experience with the growths on your fingers and toes, which you initially thought were similar to your mother's corns, is quite common. The appearance of black spots within the wart is typically due to small blood vessels that have formed within the wart, which is a characteristic feature of viral warts.

The treatment you received, cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen treatment), is a standard method for removing warts. It works by freezing the wart, causing it to blister and eventually fall off. It's important to note that while cryotherapy is effective, it may take some time for the wart to completely disappear. The timeline for this can vary from person to person; while some may see results in a few days, others may take longer, sometimes up to a couple of weeks. If you haven't seen any improvement after a week, it may be worth following up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Regarding your concerns about transmission, warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with the wart or indirectly through surfaces that have come into contact with the virus. This means that if you touch your wart and then touch another part of your body, there is a possibility of spreading the virus. To minimize this risk, it's advisable to avoid touching the wart and to keep it covered with a bandage or tape, as suggested by the helpline you contacted. This can help prevent accidental contact and reduce the chance of spreading the virus to other areas of your body or to others.

As for your worry about recurrence or new warts developing, it is indeed possible for new warts to appear, especially if the virus remains in your system. The immune system plays a crucial role in controlling HPV, and some individuals may be more susceptible to developing warts than others. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items like towels or razors, and not picking at warts can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus or developing new warts.

In terms of prevention, here are some tips:
1. Avoid direct contact: Try not to touch warts, whether they are yours or someone else's. If you must touch them, wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

2. Keep feet dry: Warts thrive in moist environments, so keeping your feet dry and wearing breathable footwear can help prevent plantar warts.

3. Use protective footwear: In communal areas like pools or locker rooms, wear flip-flops or water shoes to protect your feet from potential exposure to the virus.

4. Boost your immune system: A healthy immune system can help fight off infections, including HPV. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can contribute to overall immune health.

If you notice any new growths or changes in your skin, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can provide guidance on further treatment options if necessary and help address any concerns you may have about the condition.

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