Warts are common, benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often cause alarm when they start to bleed, which occurs easily due to the wart’s unique structure containing multiple tiny, easily damaged blood vessels. When a wart is scraped, picked at, or rubbed, these capillaries near the surface can rupture, leading to a surprising amount of blood. Knowing how to handle this situation quickly and safely is important for stopping the flow and preventing the spread of the virus. This guide provides practical steps for managing a bleeding wart, from immediate first aid to recognizing when medical attention is necessary.
Immediate Steps to Control Bleeding
The first step to stop a bleeding wart is to apply firm, steady pressure to the area. Use a clean, absorbent material, such as a sterile gauze pad or a freshly laundered cloth, to cover the wound completely. Maintain continuous pressure for several minutes without lifting the material to check progress, as this interrupts clot formation and can restart the bleeding.
If the blood soaks through the initial material, place a fresh piece of cloth or gauze directly on top of the saturated one and continue to press down. Removing the first layer disrupts the clotting process and prolongs the bleeding. If the wart is on an extremity, such as a hand or a foot, elevate the limb above the level of the heart while maintaining pressure.
Elevating the injured area uses gravity to help slow down the blood flow to the site. Continue this combination of direct pressure and elevation for at least five minutes. If the bleeding persists after this time, continue the pressure for up to 10 to 15 minutes before seeking professional medical advice.
Post-Bleeding Wound Care
Once the bleeding has completely stopped, gently clean the wound to prevent infection and contamination. Use mild soap and lukewarm running water to carefully rinse the area. Avoid scrubbing or harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can damage the delicate healing tissue. Ensure the area is thoroughly rinsed to remove all soap residue, then pat it dry with a clean cloth or sterile gauze.
After cleaning, protect the exposed area with a sterile bandage. Covering the wound keeps it clean from environmental bacteria and acts as a barrier to prevent the human papillomavirus from spreading to other parts of the body or to other people. You can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the surrounding skin, but not directly into the wound, to help keep the area moist and promote healing.
The bandage should be changed daily, or anytime it becomes wet or dirty, to maintain a clean environment for healing. While monitoring the wound, check for any signs of irritation or a potential recurrence of the wart. Continued protection of the site is important until the skin has fully healed over.
Recognizing Serious Complications and Underlying Causes
Warts bleed easily because their structure is rich in tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, which the virus causes to grow upward toward the skin’s surface. These ruptured vessels are sometimes visible as small black or reddish-brown dots within the wart, which are often mistakenly called “seeds.”
While most bleeding from a wart is not serious, specific situations require immediate medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if the bleeding does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of continuous, firm pressure. Seek medical help if you notice signs of a severe infection, such as spreading redness, significant swelling, increasing pain, or the presence of pus. Any rapid change in the wart’s color, shape, or size should also be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure an accurate diagnosis.