Warts are very common skin growths caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

They are harmless but can be uncomfortable, catch on clothing, or cause distress because of their appearance.

Warts occur more often in children and young adults, and those on the soles of the feet are commonly known as verrucae. Not everyone exposed to the virus develops warts, and having warts is not related to hygiene.

At Dr. Sylvia - The Skin GP, we provide assessment of warts to confirm the diagnosis and advise on appropriate management. Many warts resolve naturally over time without treatment; however, treatment may be recommended where warts are painful, persistent, spreading, or causing difficulty with daily activities.

Cryosurgery (freezing treatment) is offered for suitable warts and verrucae, using controlled medical freezing to encourage clearance of the lesion.

More than one treatment session is often required, as response varies between individuals. Treatment is usually quick and performed in the clinic without the need for injections or sutures. Following cryosurgery, it is common to experience temporary redness, blistering, or scabbing at the treatment site, which typically settles as the skin heals. As with all treatments, response can vary, and some lesions may require more than one session or may recur over time.