Warts are common skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on various body parts and often resolve naturally, though this may take months or years. Many individuals treat warts to accelerate their disappearance or manage discomfort. Understanding the signs of a resolving, or “dying,” wart provides clarity during treatment or observation.
Visual Cues of a Dying Wart
As a wart begins to die, several visual and tactile changes occur, indicating diminishing viral activity. A noticeable sign is a color change; the wart may gradually turn black, brown, or dark purple. If treated with methods like liquid nitrogen or salicylic acid, it might first appear white. This discoloration signals that the blood vessels supplying the wart are no longer viable.
Concurrently, the wart shrinks and flattens, reducing its raised appearance. Its texture may also change, becoming harder, drier, or crumbly as the tissue loses vitality. Tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels supplying the wart, may disappear or change, indicating the wart is dying. As the wart recedes, any associated pain or discomfort lessens, as nerve endings are no longer irritated.
What Happens After a Wart Dies
Once a wart has died, the body sheds the inactive tissue. The dead wart material naturally flakes off or peels away, revealing new, healthy skin underneath. This gradual shedding process may take days to weeks, depending on the wart’s size and treatment method. The area might appear slightly red or sensitive initially but should heal completely.
Allow the dead tissue to shed on its own. Picking or forcibly removing it can disrupt natural healing and lead to complications. Forcing removal may cause irritation, bleeding, or introduce bacteria, increasing infection risk. Improper removal can also spread HPV, leading to new warts in adjacent areas.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While many warts resolve with home care, certain situations warrant consulting a healthcare professional. If a wart shows no improvement after consistent home treatment, or if it grows larger, spreads, or multiplies, medical evaluation is recommended. Seek advice if the wart becomes painful, bleeds, or shows signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, pus).
If uncertain whether a skin growth is a wart, a doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis. Warts in sensitive areas, like the face or genitals, should always be examined by a healthcare provider. Individuals with weakened immune systems should also seek professional guidance, as their warts may be more persistent and difficult to treat.