Warts are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on various body parts, including hands, feet, and the face, often presenting as small, rough bumps. A common observation is a change in color, especially if a wart turns black.
The Process of Warts Turning Black
A wart turning black usually signals a disruption of its blood supply. Warts contain tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, which nourish the growth. When these capillaries are affected, they can clot, leading to small, dark specks visible within the wart. These dark dots are clotted blood vessels.
This process, known as ischemia, deprives the wart tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to necrosis. Treatments like cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), salicylic acid applications, and laser therapy target these blood vessels or destroy the wart tissue. As the tissue dies, it darkens due to trapped blood and cellular breakdown. This discoloration can also occur naturally as a wart matures or if it experiences trauma or irritation, causing internal bleeding.
What Blackening Indicates for Treatment
When a wart turns black following treatment, it is a positive indication that the therapy is working. The blackening signifies that the wart tissue is dying and beginning to break down. This means the treatment has successfully targeted the wart’s cells or its blood supply.
The discoloration suggests that the wart is detaching from the healthy surrounding skin. After cryotherapy, the treated area may form a blister, which can then darken and scab over as the dead tissue separates. With salicylic acid, the wart may gradually peel away in layers, becoming flatter and changing color as it responds to the medication.
Post-Blackening Care and Next Steps
Once a wart turns black, allow the body to naturally shed the dead tissue. Resist the urge to pick, pull, or forcefully remove the wart, as this can cause injury, potential infection, or even spread the virus. The blackened wart will dry up, scab, and fall off on its own over days to weeks, leaving behind healthy skin.
Maintain good hygiene by gently cleaning the treated area with soap and water. If a blister forms or breaks, keep the area clean and consider applying an antiseptic ointment, covering it with a bandage. If you notice signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or pus, seek medical attention. The skin underneath may appear lighter in color after the wart falls off, but it returns to its normal shade over several months. If the wart does not fully disappear or if new warts develop, further treatment may be necessary.