Warts are common, benign skin growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus enters the skin, often through small cuts or breaks, causing the outer layer to grow rapidly and form a rough, hard bump. While generally harmless, warts can be bothersome or painful depending on their location, which is why many people seek removal. Understanding their structure is important before attempting any action that might cause injury.
The Reason Warts Bleed
Warts frequently bleed when cut or irritated due to their unique structure. Unlike normal skin, a wart is highly vascular, meaning it is supplied by a dense network of tiny blood vessels called capillaries. These capillaries loop upward into the core of the growth to nourish the rapidly dividing wart tissue.
When a wart is cut, scraped, or even picked at, these fragile, superficial capillaries are easily exposed and ruptured, leading to bleeding. The small black specks often visible within a common wart are actually the tips of these thrombosed, or clotted, blood vessels, sometimes misleadingly referred to as “wart seeds.” Because the blood supply is so concentrated and close to the surface, even a minor trauma can result in more bleeding than expected from a similar injury on healthy skin.
Immediate Steps If a Wart is Cut
If a wart begins to bleed after being cut or injured, the first step is to control the bleeding with direct pressure. Apply firm, continuous pressure to the wound using a clean, absorbent material, such as a gauze pad or a clean cloth, for several minutes without peeking. Elevating the injured area above the heart can also help slow the blood flow.
Once the bleeding has stopped, the wound must be cleaned gently with soap and water to prevent bacterial infection. Avoid harsh antiseptics, which can damage the surrounding skin. Cover the injury with a sterile adhesive bandage to keep the area clean and protected. Cutting the wart yourself is strongly discouraged because it risks excessive bleeding and creates a high risk of autoinoculation (spreading the HPV virus to other areas). Seek professional medical attention if the bleeding is heavy and cannot be stopped with pressure, or if there are signs of infection such as increased pain, redness, or pus.
Recommended Wart Removal Methods
Since cutting a wart risks excessive bleeding and spreading the virus, safe removal methods focus on non-surgical destruction of the tissue. Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid are a widely available first-line option. This acid works by slowly dissolving the wart tissue layer by layer and is often applied daily for several weeks or months.
Professional Removal Methods
For more stubborn warts, professional treatments offer greater effectiveness. A healthcare provider can perform cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen to destroy the tissue. Other clinical methods include electrosurgery, which burns away the wart, or prescription topical treatments that stimulate the immune system to fight the virus.