Can Telemedicine Treat Warts (Verruca)?

Audience: adult

Warts, also called verrucae, are common skin growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear on the hands, feet, or other parts of the body. Many warts go away on their own over time, but some may cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get advice about warts, including how to recognize them, treatment options, and when to see a healthcare provider in person. Through video or photo consultations, a healthcare professional can often identify warts and suggest over-the-counter treatments or prescription options. However, some cases may require in-person examination or procedures. This guide explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for warts, how to prepare for a tele-visit, warning signs to watch for, and what to expect after your appointment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Wart is painful, bleeding, or oozing — seek in-person care promptly.
• Wart changes color, size, or shape rapidly — get evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• You have a weakened immune system or diabetes and notice a wart — consult a healthcare professional in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of typical warts via video or photos.
• Providing advice on over-the-counter treatments and home care.
• Determining if in-person care is needed based on appearance and symptoms.
• Monitoring response to treatment for uncomplicated cases.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing wart removal procedures such as cryotherapy or laser treatment.
• Diagnosing unusual or suspicious skin growths that may require biopsy.
• Managing warts in people with complex medical conditions needing specialized care.
• Treating warts that are painful, bleeding, or rapidly changing.

What Are Warts (Verruca)?

Warts are small, rough lumps on the skin caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere but are common on the hands and feet. Warts are usually harmless but can spread to other parts of the body or to other people through skin contact.

How Can Telemedicine Help With Warts?

Telemedicine allows you to show your wart to a healthcare provider through video or photos. They can help confirm if it is a wart and discuss treatment options. Many warts can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or home care advice given remotely. Telemedicine can also help you decide if you need to see a specialist in person.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Warts

Some warts may look unusual or be difficult to diagnose without a physical exam. Large, painful, or rapidly changing warts might need in-person evaluation. Procedures like freezing (cryotherapy), laser treatment, or removal require a visit to a clinic. Telemedicine cannot perform these treatments but can guide you to the right care.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your wart is painful, bleeding, growing quickly, or changes color, you should see a healthcare provider in person. Also, if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, professional evaluation is important. Telemedicine can help identify these red flags and advise next steps.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, clean the area gently and take clear photos of the wart from different angles. Make sure your device’s camera works well and you have good lighting. Be ready to describe any symptoms, how long the wart has been present, and any treatments you have tried.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the treatment plan your provider suggests. This may include using topical medicines or monitoring the wart. If advised, schedule an in-person visit for further treatment. Keep track of any changes or new symptoms and report them promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Clean the skin area gently before the visit.
• Take clear, well-lit photos of the wart from multiple angles.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly.
• Prepare to describe symptoms, duration, and any previous treatments.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Use recommended topical medicines as directed.
• Monitor the wart for changes in size, color, or symptoms.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if red flags develop.
• Keep a record of any new symptoms or concerns to report later.

FAQs

Can telemedicine confirm if a skin growth is a wart?

Often, healthcare providers can identify common warts through video or photos during a telemedicine visit. However, if the growth looks unusual or uncertain, an in-person exam may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

What treatments for warts can be recommended through telemedicine?

Providers can suggest over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid and advise on home care. They can also prescribe medications if appropriate. Procedures like freezing or removal need an in-person visit.

Are warts contagious?

Yes, warts can spread through direct skin contact or by touching surfaces that have been in contact with a wart. Good hygiene and avoiding picking at warts can help prevent spreading.

How long does it take for warts to go away?

Warts can sometimes disappear on their own within months to years. Treatment may speed this up, but some warts are stubborn and require repeated care.

When should I see a doctor in person instead of using telemedicine?

Seek in-person care if the wart is painful, bleeding, rapidly growing, changing color, or if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes or immune problems.

Sources

1. Warts — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Warts (Verrucae) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Common Skin Conditions: Warts — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Warts — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telemedicine guidance cannot replace in-person evaluation when needed. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.