Warts are common skin growths that can appear on various parts of the body. While generally harmless, a bleeding wart can be a cause for concern. Understanding the nature of these growths helps explain why they might bleed.
Understanding Warts
Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through small cuts or breaks in the skin barrier. This infection triggers an excess growth of skin cells, leading to wart formation.
Warts can vary in appearance, ranging from rough, raised bumps to flat, smooth lesions. They commonly appear on the fingers, hands, feet, and face, though they can develop almost anywhere on the body. While many warts eventually resolve on their own, often within months or a few years, some can persist.
The Vascular Nature of Warts
A primary reason warts bleed is their unique vascular structure. Warts are fed by numerous tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, which grow into the wart from the underlying skin. These capillaries supply the wart with the nutrients and oxygen it needs to grow.
These blood vessels often extend very close to the surface of the wart. When a wart is cut, scraped, or traumatized, these superficial capillaries are easily ruptured. The density and superficial placement of these vessels contribute to significant bleeding, even from minor injuries. In some warts, especially plantar warts, these clotted blood vessels can appear as small black or dark dots, sometimes mistakenly referred to as “wart seeds.”
Common Triggers for Bleeding
Even minor trauma can cause a wart to bleed due to its highly vascular nature. Friction is a common trigger; warts located in areas subjected to rubbing, such as on the hands, feet, or areas covered by tight clothing or shoes, can easily become irritated and bleed. For instance, plantar warts on the sole of the foot are frequently subjected to pressure and friction from walking, making them prone to bleeding.
Accidental bumping, scraping, or scratching a wart can also rupture superficial capillaries. Picking at a wart often results in bleeding and can increase the risk of spreading the virus. Shaving over a wart can also cut into the lesion and cause it to bleed.
Managing a Bleeding Wart and When to Seek Help
If a wart begins to bleed, apply direct, firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze for several minutes to stop the flow of blood. Elevating the affected area, if possible, can also help reduce bleeding. Once bleeding stops, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, and cover it with a clean bandage to protect it from further irritation and infection.
While most bleeding warts can be managed at home, there are instances when medical attention is advisable. You should seek professional help if the bleeding is prolonged, excessive, or does not stop after applying pressure. If there are signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or significant pain around the wart, a healthcare provider should be consulted. A doctor should also evaluate warts that are persistently painful, change in appearance, or if you have a weakened immune system or diabetes.