Warts are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are contagious and can spread from person to person or from one part of the body to another. Many people wonder if you can get rid of a wart simply by pulling it out of the skin.
What are warts?
Warts are small, rough bumps on the skin caused by infection with one of over 100 types of HPV. Different types of HPV cause warts in different areas of the body:
- Common warts – Often found on hands and knees
- Plantar warts – Occur on the soles of the feet
- Flat warts – Smooth, flat-topped lesions found on the face, legs, or arms
- Genital warts – Located in the genital area and anal region
Warts are transmitted by direct contact with someone who has HPV. They can also spread from one part of your body to another. For example, you can spread a wart on your hand to another area by touching, scratching, or picking at it.
Can you remove a wart by pulling it out?
It’s not recommended to try removing a wart by pulling it out of the skin. Here are some key reasons why:
- It can be painful – Warts have small blood vessels in them. Trying to yank or dig out a wart will likely cause bleeding and pain.
- It can spread the virus – Picking, cutting, or tearing at a wart can disturb and spread the virus to other areas. This can lead to more warts developing.
- It may not remove the root – Warts can have small “roots” extending into the deeper layers of skin. Trying to pull off just the visible part may not fully remove the wart.
- It can cause scarring – Digging around in your skin with fingernails, pins, or other objects can lead to scarring and skin damage.
While it may seem tempting to try and remove a wart by pulling it out, this can do more harm than good in most cases.
Proper wart removal methods
Instead of attempting “do-it-yourself” wart removal, it’s better to see a dermatologist. They can remove warts safely and effectively using the following medical procedures:
Cryotherapy
This involves freezing off warts using liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold destroys the wart tissue, allowing it to eventually fall off.
Salicylic acid
Applying products containing salicylic acid can gradually dissolve away warts by exfoliating the skin cells until the wart is gone.
Cantharidin
A chemical called cantharidin is applied to warts to blister them away. The dead tissue scabs over and detaches.
Electrocautery
Burning off warts using an electrical current. A local anesthetic is first used to numb the skin.
Laser therapy
Precision laser energy can selectively destroy wart tissue without damaging surrounding skin.
Surgical removal
Cutting away warts with a scalpel or scissors. This may be done if they are large, spread out, or resistant to other treatments.
Home remedies to avoid
You may come across some home remedies for wart removal, but most of these are unsafe and ineffective. Avoid the following:
- Pulling or cutting the wart off using fingernails or tools like tweezers or nail clippers. This usually doesn’t remove the root and causes injury.
- Applying duct tape. There’s no evidence this works.
- Using vinegar. This can burn and irritate skin.
- Rubbing garlic, potatoes, or banana peels on warts. No proof these work and they may cause skin irritation.
- Trying to burn off warts with chemicals like nail polish remover or battery acid. These can dangerously burn, scar and damage skin.
When to see a doctor
You should have a doctor assess any wart, especially if:
- It bleeds, itches, or hurts
- It changes appearance, color, or texture
- New warts are developing rapidly
- Over-the-counter treatments haven’t removed it after 2-3 months
- The wart interferes with daily activities or walking
- You have a weakened immune system that makes warts more persistent
Dermatologists can determine the best course of treatment for stubborn or spreading warts. Seeking professional wart removal helps avoid scarring or spreading the infection.
Preventing warts
You can reduce your risk of contracting warts by:
- Avoiding direct contact with warts or picking/scratching at them
- Keeping your hands clean and not biting fingernails
- Not sharing towels, razors, or other personal items
- Getting the HPV vaccine, which protects against some wart-causing strains
- Promptly treating any new warts that develop
Conclusion
Attempting to pull a wart off by the roots usually does not fully remove it. The wart can remain under the skin and return worse than before. Proper treatment from a dermatologist is recommended to safely destroy warts at the source. With early treatment, most warts can be removed without complications or scarring.