Warts are common skin growths resulting from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on various parts of the body. This article addresses common questions about wart leakage, explaining what causes it and outlining appropriate care, including when professional medical attention is needed.
Understanding Warts and Fluid
Warts are benign skin growths caused by different types of the human papillomavirus, which triggers an overproduction of keratin, making the outer layer of skin thick and hard. They typically present as flesh-colored, rough, bumpy growths, sometimes featuring tiny black dots, which are small clotted blood vessels. Warts are solid structures and do not inherently contain clear fluid. Therefore, a wart itself does not typically leak clear fluid.
If a wart appears to leak fluid, it is usually not clear fluid from its internal structure. Instead, any discharge is more likely to be blood from physical trauma. Alternatively, a pus-like discharge can indicate a bacterial infection. While general wounds can produce serous fluid, a clear to yellowish, thin fluid, this is usually associated with an open wound, not an intact wart.
Why Warts May Leak
A wart that leaks fluid is generally a sign of external factors. The most common reason for a wart to bleed is physical trauma. Activities like picking, scratching, shaving over the wart, or friction from clothing or shoes can easily irritate the delicate blood vessels within the wart, leading to bleeding.
Beyond bleeding, a wart might discharge pus, which signifies a bacterial infection. Signs of an infected wart include increased redness, swelling, warmth, and pain around the growth. Bacteria entering through breaks in the skin, often from scratching or picking, can lead to this type of fluid discharge. These fluid discharges are reactions to external irritation or microbial presence, not intrinsic properties of the wart.
Care for a Leaking Wart and When to See a Doctor
Managing a leaking wart at home involves careful hygiene. If a wart is bleeding, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth can help stop the flow. Cleaning the area gently with soap and water and then covering it with a sterile bandage can protect the wart from further irritation and reduce the risk of infection. Avoiding further picking or scratching is important to prevent spreading the virus or exacerbating the irritation.
A doctor should be consulted if the bleeding is persistent or heavy, or if there are signs of infection such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or pus. Any changes in the wart’s appearance, including its size, color, or shape, or if new growths appear, also warrant a medical evaluation. Additionally, if the wart is painful, itchy, interferes with daily activities, or if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, seeing a healthcare provider is advisable.