Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Warts are common, noncancerous skin growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They can develop on different areas of the body and may appear as rough, raised, or thickened areas of skin.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and treatment for warts in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience and a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers the location, appearance, number, symptoms, and individual characteristics of each wart when developing an appropriate treatment plan.
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A wart is a common, noncancerous skin growth caused by certain types of HPV.
Warts can develop when the virus enters the skin through a small break or injury. They can occur on different parts of the body and may vary in size, shape, and appearance.
Many warts eventually go away on their own, although this can take months or even years. Treatment may help clear warts sooner and may reduce the chance of spreading them to other areas or to other people.
Warts can have different appearances depending on their type and location.
They may appear as:
Some warts may contain small dark dots that can be visible within the growth.
Not every bump or growth is a wart. Some skin conditions can look similar, which is why evaluation may be appropriate when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Common warts frequently develop on the hands, fingers, and around the nails. They often have a rough, raised surface.
Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet. Pressure from walking can cause them to grow inward and may make them uncomfortable.
Flat warts are smaller and smoother than many other types of warts. They may occur in larger numbers and commonly affect the face, hands, or other areas.
Periungual warts develop around or underneath the fingernails or toenails and may sometimes interfere with normal nail growth.
Different types of warts may require different treatment approaches.
Warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
The virus can enter the skin through a small cut, scrape, or other break in the skin. HPV may spread through direct contact with a wart or through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
Shaving and other activities that create very small breaks in the skin can also make it easier for the virus to enter.
Yes. Warts can spread from one area of the body to another and from one person to another.
Transmission can occur through direct contact with a wart or through contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus.
Avoiding picking, scratching, or cutting a wart may help reduce the risk of spreading it to other areas.
Consider scheduling a dermatology evaluation if a wart:
You should also consider professional evaluation if you are unsure whether a growth is a wart. A dermatologist can determine whether the lesion is consistent with a wart or another skin condition.
Warts can occur in people of every skin tone.
The appearance of a wart can vary depending on the patient's natural skin pigmentation, and inflammation or treatment may sometimes result in temporary changes in skin color.
Dr. Holmes considers skin tone and individual skin characteristics when evaluating warts and other skin growths.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
Most warts can be diagnosed through a dermatologic examination.
Dr. Holmes may consider:
If a growth has an unusual appearance, is changing rapidly, does not respond to treatment, or the diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy may sometimes be recommended to determine whether it is a wart or another skin condition.
Treatment depends on the type, size, number, and location of the wart, as well as your individual circumstances.
Depending on the situation, treatment may include:
Some warts may require more than one treatment session, and warts can sometimes recur after treatment.
Dr. Holmes will evaluate the wart and recommend the most appropriate approach based on its characteristics and your individual needs.
Yes. Many warts eventually disappear without treatment, particularly in people with healthy immune systems.
However, spontaneous resolution can take months or even years.
Treatment may be considered when a wart is painful, bothersome, spreading, persistent, or causing concern.
Warts can sometimes return after treatment.
Treatment removes the visible wart, but it does not necessarily eliminate HPV from the skin. For this reason, recurrence can occur.
If a wart repeatedly returns or does not respond to treatment, a dermatologic evaluation can help determine the next appropriate step.
Not every rough or raised skin growth is a wart.
Other conditions can sometimes resemble warts, including:
If you are unsure what a growth is, a dermatologist can evaluate it and determine whether further assessment is appropriate.
Learn more about Growth Evaluation & Removal →
Warts can also develop in the genital area. Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV and are different from the common warts that typically develop on the hands or feet.
If you have a new growth in the genital area, it is important to have it professionally evaluated rather than assuming that it is a wart.
Genital warts may be diagnosed through examination, and treatment options depend on the location, size, and number of lesions.
Important: HPV vaccination can help prevent many HPV infections that cause genital warts, but vaccination does not treat existing warts.
Because HPV is common and can spread through contact, it may not always be possible to prevent warts completely.
Helpful measures may include:
If you have a wart, avoiding manipulation of the area may also help reduce the chance of spreading the virus to other parts of your body.
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Comprehensive Evaluation
of warts and other skin growths
Individualized Treatment Plans
based on the type, location, and characteristics of each wart
Experience with All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Convenient Location
1737 20th Street NW, Washington, DC
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for warts, skin growths, and other dermatologic concerns. Dr. Holmes considers the appearance, location, symptoms, and individual characteristics of each lesion when determining whether treatment or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's individual skin characteristics when evaluating skin growths and other skin conditions.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you have a persistent, painful, changing, or otherwise concerning growth, a dermatology evaluation can help determine whether it is a wart or another skin condition and whether treatment may be appropriate.
Schedule a Wart Evaluation in Washington, DC
