How to prepare for a video visit about Warts (Verruca)

Audience: adult

Warts, also known as verrucae, are common skin growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear as small, rough bumps on the skin and can occur anywhere on the body. Many warts go away on their own, but some may persist or cause discomfort. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your wart, discuss treatment options, and learn how to prevent spreading it to others. To get the most from your telemedicine visit, it helps to prepare by gathering information about your symptoms and having a clear view of the affected area. Remember, telemedicine can provide guidance and education but may not replace the need for in-person care if your condition is severe or unusual.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Wart is painful, bleeding, or oozing — seek urgent in-person care.
• Rapid growth or change in color or shape of the wart — consult a healthcare provider promptly.
• Warts appearing in sensitive areas such as the face, genitals, or around nails — require professional evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of common warts via video.
• Education about warts and prevention of spread.
• Discussion of over-the-counter treatment options and home care advice.
• Follow-up on treatment progress for uncomplicated cases.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Procedures such as wart removal or biopsy.
• Assessment of warts with suspicious changes needing physical examination.
• Management of warts in immunocompromised individuals requiring specialized care.
• Treatment of warts in sensitive or complex body areas that require direct care.

What Are Warts (Verrucae)?

Warts are small, noncancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on the hands, feet, face, or other parts of the body. Warts often have a rough texture and may be skin-colored, white, or brownish. They are usually harmless but can be bothersome or spread to other areas.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, your healthcare provider can look at your wart, ask about your symptoms, and help you understand your condition. They can discuss treatment options such as over-the-counter remedies, prescription medications, or procedures that may require an office visit. Telemedicine also offers advice on preventing the spread of warts to others or to different parts of your body.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To prepare for your appointment, find a well-lit area where you can show the wart clearly on camera. Have a list of your symptoms, including when the wart appeared, if it has changed, and any treatments you have tried. Also, note any pain, bleeding, or changes in the wart's appearance. This information helps your provider give you the best advice.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some warts may need a physical exam or treatment that cannot be done remotely. If your wart is painful, rapidly growing, bleeding, or changing color, or if you have a weakened immune system, your provider may recommend an in-person visit. Also, warts on sensitive areas like the face or genitals often require direct care.

Preventing Spread and Recurrence

Warts can spread through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. To reduce spread, avoid picking or scratching warts, keep them covered if possible, and practice good hand hygiene. Your provider can offer additional tips during your visit.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a well-lit, private space for your video visit.
• Have a device with a camera ready to show the affected area clearly.
• Prepare a list of symptoms: when the wart appeared, any changes, pain, or bleeding.
• List any treatments you have already tried.
• Have your medical history handy, including immune system status.
• Be ready to describe any other skin conditions or concerns.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or advice given by your provider.
• Use any recommended medications or remedies as directed.
• Keep the wart clean and avoid picking or scratching it.
• Monitor the wart for changes or worsening symptoms.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if advised or if symptoms change.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or complications develop.

FAQs

What causes warts?

Warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that infect the top layer of skin. The virus enters through small cuts or breaks in the skin.

Are warts contagious?

Yes, warts can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching surfaces that have been in contact with a wart. Good hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items can help prevent spread.

Can warts go away on their own?

Many warts disappear without treatment over months or years as the immune system fights the virus. However, some warts persist and may require treatment.

What treatments are available for warts?

Treatments include over-the-counter salicylic acid products, cryotherapy (freezing), prescription medications, and minor procedures. Some treatments require in-person visits.

When should I see a healthcare provider in person?

If the wart is painful, bleeding, changing in appearance, or located in sensitive areas, or if you have a weakened immune system, you should seek in-person care.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your health or your symptoms worsen, please seek evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.