Warts are common skin growths resulting from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, leading to the formation of these benign growths. Understanding the typical initial appearance of warts can help individuals identify them early. This article explores the early visual cues of warts and how they differ from other skin conditions.
First Signs of a Wart
A wart first appears as a small, subtle bump on the skin. These initial growths are pinhead to pea-sized, though they can vary. They feel rough or grainy to the touch, and their color matches the surrounding skin, appearing flesh-toned, pale yellow, or sometimes slightly darker.
Warts develop gradually, taking weeks or months to become noticeable. Early warts do not cause discomfort, remaining painless, but some individuals experience mild itchiness or tenderness. The texture may be smooth or a slightly raised, bumpy formation.
Initial Appearance of Different Wart Types
A wart’s appearance varies by type and location on the body. Each variety presents distinct characteristics, even in its early stages. Recognizing these differences aids preliminary identification.
Common warts
Common warts, or verruca vulgaris, frequently emerge on fingers, hands, elbows, and knees. They typically start as small, firm, round or oval bumps with a rough, grainy surface. Tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels, may become visible within the wart, often described as “seeds.”
Plantar warts
Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet, particularly on weight-bearing areas like the heels or balls of the feet. Due to pressure, these warts tend to grow inward, often appearing as flat or slightly raised, rough spots that can be mistaken for calluses. Early plantar warts may also display small black dots and can cause pain or tenderness when pressure is applied, feeling like stepping on a pebble.
Flat warts
Flat warts, also known as verruca plana, are smaller and smoother than common warts. They appear as small, flat-topped papules that can be flesh-colored, pink, brownish, or yellowish. These warts commonly appear in clusters on the face, arms, or legs, and can spread along scratch marks.
Filiform warts
Filiform warts have a distinctive appearance, presenting as small, long, narrow projections that extend from the skin. Often resembling tiny threads or fingers, they are typically found on the face, especially around the eyelids, lips, and neck. Their color can vary, matching the skin tone or appearing yellow, pink, or brown.
Genital warts
Genital warts manifest as small, flesh-colored or whitish bumps that can be soft or firm. They might appear individually or in groups, sometimes resembling a cauliflower-like cluster. These warts occur on or around the genitals and anus. Due to their sensitive location and potential health implications, professional medical diagnosis is important.
Telling Warts Apart from Other Skin Bumps
Distinguishing warts from other benign skin growths is important. Several common skin conditions can resemble warts but possess different characteristics and origins.
Moles
Moles are typically pigmented, often brown or black, and can be flat or slightly raised, usually with a uniform color. Unlike warts, which are caused by a viral infection, moles result from clusters of pigment-producing cells and are not contagious. Moles usually have a soft texture, whereas warts feel rough.
Skin tags
Skin tags are soft, flesh-colored growths that often appear in areas where skin rubs against itself, such as the neck, armpits, or groin. They are typically attached to the skin by a narrow stalk and are soft and pliable. Warts, in contrast, are generally firmer and broader at their base, lacking the stalk-like structure of a skin tag.
Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop due to friction or pressure, commonly found on the feet. Unlike warts, they do not have black dots (clotted blood vessels) and are not caused by a virus. Plantar warts, however, can sometimes be confused with calluses on the feet, but the presence of black dots and disruption of normal skin lines helps differentiate them.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum presents as small, firm, dome-shaped bumps, often with a distinct dimple or indentation in the center. These bumps are caused by a different virus than warts (molluscum contagiosum virus, MCV) and typically have a smooth, pearly appearance, unlike the rougher texture common to many warts.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor if you notice a new skin growth that might be a wart. Medical evaluation is important if the growth is painful, bleeds, or causes itching. Seek advice if the wart changes in appearance, size, or color, or if it spreads rapidly. If you are uncertain about the diagnosis or if the wart is located on the face, genitals, or causes discomfort, a doctor can provide an accurate assessment and care. Individuals with a weakened immune system should also consult a doctor for new skin growths.