Warts
Overview: Warts are small, harmless lumps of skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most warts will go away without treatment in time.¹
Symptoms: The characteristics of a wart depend on the type, but can include a small, raised bump on the skin. The average size can range from one to 10 millimetres. Types include common warts (on hands/knuckles), plantar warts (on the soles of feet), and flat warts (on the face and hands).
Causes: Warts are lumpy growths in the skin caused by infection with human papilloma viruses (HPV), of which there are more than 100 known types. The wart virus is thought to be transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated surfaces, for example floors.³
Lifestyle options: Wash your hands if they come into direct contact with your wart. Never pick, scratch or bite a wart. Do not share any medicines or remedies used to treat your wart. About 65% of warts clear up by themselves within two years without any medical intervention.⁴
How your pharmacist can help
During this consult, your Complete Care pharmacist can help you choose the most effective over-the-counter (OTC) treatment based on the type, size and location of the wart. They can advise on how to safely apply treatments, manage expectations for removal time and identify when a GP or Nurse Practitioner referral for removal is necessary.