Red Flags & When to Go In Person for 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 hands, feet, or other parts of the body. Many warts are harmless and may go away on their own over time. However, some warts can cause discomfort or spread to other areas. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, provide advice on home care, and guide you on when to seek in-person medical care. It is important to recognize red flags that suggest a wart might need direct examination or treatment by a healthcare professional. This includes changes in appearance, pain, bleeding, or signs of infection. Remember, telemedicine guidance is educational and not a substitute for an in-person medical evaluation when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Wart grows quickly or changes color or shape — see a healthcare provider promptly.
• Wart becomes painful, bleeds, or shows signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus) — seek in-person care.
• Warts interfere with daily activities like walking or using your hands — get evaluated in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of skin growths suspected to be warts.
• Advice on home care and over-the-counter treatments for warts.
• Guidance on preventing spread of warts to self and others.
• Determining if symptoms require in-person medical evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical treatments like cryotherapy or removal procedures.
• Diagnosing unusual or suspicious skin lesions that may not be warts.
• Managing complications such as infection requiring prescription antibiotics.
• Evaluating warts in sensitive or complex areas needing specialist care.

What Are Warts?

Warts are small, usually rough growths on the skin caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere but are most common on the hands, fingers, and feet. Warts are generally harmless but can be unsightly or uncomfortable. They often resolve without treatment but may persist for months or years.

How Are Warts Usually Treated?

Many warts go away on their own, but treatments can speed this up or relieve discomfort. Common treatments include over-the-counter salicylic acid products, cryotherapy (freezing), or other procedures done by a healthcare provider. Avoid picking or scratching warts to reduce spreading or infection risk.

When to Use Telemedicine for Warts

Telemedicine can help you identify if a skin growth looks like a wart and offer advice on home care. It can also guide you on how to prevent spreading warts to others or other parts of your body. If you have questions about your symptoms or treatment options, a telemedicine visit can be a good first step.

Red Flags: When to See a Healthcare Provider In Person

Certain signs mean you should see a healthcare provider face-to-face:

In these cases, direct examination and possibly biopsy or specialized treatment may be needed.

Preventing Warts from Spreading

To reduce the chance of spreading warts:

These steps help protect both you and those around you.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a well-lit area to show the wart clearly during the tele-visit.
• Have a device ready that allows good image quality (smartphone or computer camera).
• Note when you first noticed the wart and any changes over time.
• List any treatments you have already tried and their effects.
• Be ready to describe any symptoms like pain, bleeding, or discomfort.
• Have a family member or friend available to assist if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment advice given during the tele-visit carefully.
• Use recommended over-the-counter products as directed.
• Keep the wart clean and covered to prevent spreading.
• Monitor the wart for any changes or signs of infection.
• Schedule an in-person visit if red flags or worsening symptoms appear.
• Maintain good hygiene to avoid spreading warts to others.

FAQs

Are warts contagious?

Yes, warts can spread from person to person through direct skin contact or indirectly via shared items like towels or shoes. Good hygiene and covering warts help reduce spreading.

Can warts go away without treatment?

Many warts disappear on their own within months or years as the body's immune system fights the virus. Treatment can speed up removal or relieve symptoms.

Is it safe to treat warts at home?

Over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid are often safe and effective for common warts. However, avoid harsh or unproven remedies and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

When should I see a doctor about a wart?

See a healthcare provider if the wart changes rapidly, becomes painful or infected, affects your daily activities, or if you have a weakened immune system. Also seek care if warts appear in sensitive areas.

Can telemedicine replace an in-person visit for warts?

Telemedicine is useful for initial advice and monitoring but cannot replace in-person care when physical treatments or detailed examinations are needed.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any red flags or worsening symptoms, please seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.