Warts are common skin growths that can sometimes change their appearance. These growths result from infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes skin cells to multiply rapidly. While typically flesh-colored, some individuals notice their wart has turned white, which can be a source of curiosity or concern. This change in color often indicates specific processes occurring within the wart or in response to external factors.
Understanding Warts and Their Typical Appearance
They commonly appear as small, rough bumps with a textured surface. Their color usually matches the surrounding skin, appearing flesh-toned, pink, or light brown. Sometimes, tiny black or dark brown dots, which are clotted blood vessels, can be seen within the wart’s core. This typical presentation helps differentiate them from other skin conditions.
Key Reasons Your Wart May Appear White
One common reason a wart might turn white is due to maceration, which is the softening and whitening of skin caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. When a wart is kept consistently wet, perhaps from frequent showering, sweating, or being covered by a bandage, the outermost layer of skin cells can absorb water. This absorption causes the cells to swell and become opaque, resulting in a distinct white appearance. This process is similar to how skin on fingers and toes becomes wrinkled and pale after a long bath.
A white discoloration can also indicate that wart treatment is actively working to destroy or remove infected tissue. For instance, topical treatments containing salicylic acid work by chemically exfoliating the wart, causing the top layers of skin to gradually peel away. As these layers are shed, the treated tissue often turns white before it eventually flakes off.
Cryotherapy, a common professional treatment, involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This extreme cold causes the cells within the wart to rupture and die. Following cryotherapy, the treated area typically turns white, sometimes forming a blister underneath, as the body begins to clear the dead tissue. Other chemical treatments, such as trichloroacetic acid, also induce cell death, leading to a white appearance as the wart tissue necrotizes and prepares to shed.
Finally, a wart might appear white as part of its natural healing process or resolution. As the body’s immune system successfully identifies and combats the human papillomavirus, the wart tissue begins to diminish. During this phase, new, healthy skin cells start to replace the abnormal wart tissue. This emerging healthy skin or the dying wart tissue can sometimes appear lighter or whiter before the wart fully disappears. The white appearance in this context suggests that the wart is regressing and may eventually resolve on its own.
When Professional Medical Advice is Recommended
While a white wart is often benign and related to treatment or moisture, there are circumstances when seeking medical advice is beneficial. If there is uncertainty about whether a growth is truly a wart or if it exhibits unusual characteristics, a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. This is especially important if the growth changes rapidly in size, shape, or color, or if it has irregular borders.
Medical attention is also advisable if the wart causes pain, bleeds frequently, or shows signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus. These symptoms can indicate complications that require professional assessment and treatment. Additionally, if the wart spreads to other areas, multiplies, or does not respond to home treatments after a reasonable period, a doctor can offer stronger or alternative therapies. Individuals with compromised immune systems should always consult a healthcare provider for any new skin concerns, including warts. Warts located on sensitive areas like the face, genitals, or those causing significant discomfort, such as on the sole of the foot, also warrant professional evaluation for appropriate management.