A wart is a common skin growth caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus enters the skin, often through small cuts, leading to extra cell growth that forms a hard, thickened area. A change in its color, particularly turning black, is frequently a normal part of its resolution or an indication that treatment has been effective.
Understanding the Color Change
A wart turning black often signifies that the wart tissue is dying, a positive sign indicating resolution or successful treatment. The blackening occurs because the blood supply to the wart has been cut off, or the wart tissue itself is undergoing necrosis. This color change can also be observed as the wart shrinks and dries, becoming flaky before it ultimately falls off.
Common Reasons for Darkening
Several biological and treatment-related factors can cause a wart to turn black. Warts contain tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, which supply them with nutrients. Trauma to the wart, such as accidental bumping or picking, or the natural process of the wart dying, can cause these capillaries to clot or bleed internally. This internal clotting or bleeding then leads to the dark, black appearance under the skin.
Common wart treatments work by damaging the wart tissue or disrupting its blood supply. For instance, cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, or topical applications like salicylic acid, aim to destroy the wart cells. As the wart tissue dies due to these interventions, it often turns black as it prepares to detach from the healthy skin. Some warts can also naturally resolve as the immune system eventually fights off the HPV, and this process can sometimes involve the wart’s blood supply being cut off, causing it to darken before disappearing.
Next Steps and Self-Care
Once a wart has turned black, observe it for signs of improvement, such as shrinking or drying. Maintaining good hygiene by keeping the area clean can help prevent secondary infections. Avoid picking, scratching, or attempting to remove the wart manually. Such actions can lead to infection, scarring, or even spread the virus to other parts of the body.
Patience is also necessary, as the process of a wart falling off after turning black can take time, ranging from days to several weeks. If the wart appears clearly dead and flaky, gentle exfoliation may be considered, but this should be done cautiously and ideally under professional guidance to avoid irritation or damage to the underlying skin.
When to Consult a Doctor
While a black wart is often a sign of resolution, certain situations warrant professional medical advice. You should consult a healthcare provider if the wart area develops signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or the presence of pus. Medical attention is also advised if the wart does not fall off, continues to grow, or appears to spread to other areas even after turning black.
If there is any uncertainty about whether the lesion is indeed a wart, particularly if it changes in size, shape, or color rapidly or irregularly, a doctor’s evaluation is recommended. Warts located in sensitive areas like the face, genitals, or feet (especially if causing pain) should also be assessed by a professional. Individuals with compromised immune systems or those experiencing consistent pain or discomfort from the wart should seek medical consultation.