Warts on Hands: Causes, Types, and Treatment

Warts on your hands are small, rough bumps caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While they're not harmful, these growths can be uncomfortable and spread to other parts of your body or to other people. Understanding what causes hand warts and how to treat them can help you manage this common skin condition.

Hand warts affect up to 33% of children and teenagers, though they're much less common in adults, occurring in only 3-5% of the adult population. Your hands are particularly vulnerable because they frequently come into contact with surfaces that may harbor the virus.

What Causes Warts on Hands?

Warts develop when specific types of HPV infect the outer layer of your skin. The virus types most commonly responsible for hand warts include HPV-2, HPV-4, HPV-27, and HPV-57. These are different from the HPV types that cause genital warts.

The virus enters your skin through tiny cuts, scrapes, or areas of damaged skin. You can get hand warts by:

• Touching someone else's wart directly

• Sharing towels, razors, or other personal items

• Touching surfaces in warm, moist environments like locker rooms

• Nail biting or picking at hangnails, which creates entry points

Types of Warts That Appear on Hands

Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)

These are the most frequent type found on hands. They appear as raised, rough bumps with a grainy texture. You might notice tiny black dots inside them—these are small blood vessels, not seeds. Common warts typically grow on the backs of your hands, around your fingernails, and on your fingers.

Flat Warts

These warts are smaller and smoother than common warts. They're usually flesh-colored or slightly pink and tend to appear in clusters. Flat warts commonly develop on the backs of your hands and can spread quickly if you scratch or pick at them.

Do Hand Warts Go Away on Their Own?

Many hand warts disappear without treatment. Research shows that about 23% resolve within two months, while 65-78% clear up within two years. Your immune system eventually recognizes and fights off the virus. However, warts are less likely to go away on their own in adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Treatment Options for Hand Warts

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Salicylic acid is the most common treatment you can buy without a prescription. It works by gradually peeling away the layers of the wart. Studies show that salicylic acid has a cure rate of about 73% when used consistently for 6-12 weeks. Apply it daily after soaking your hands in warm water to soften the wart.

Professional Treatments

If over-the-counter options don't work, a dermatologist can offer:

• Cryotherapy (freezing): Liquid nitrogen freezes the wart, causing it to fall off. This treatment has cure rates of 50-70% after three or four sessions.

• Prescription creams: Stronger topical treatments that stimulate your immune system

• Laser treatment or electrocautery: For stubborn warts that don't respond to other methods

How to Prevent Warts from Spreading

Warts are contagious, but you can reduce your risk of spreading them:

• Don't pick or scratch your warts

• Keep your hands clean and dry

• Cover warts with a bandage, especially during activities

• Avoid sharing personal items like towels or nail clippers

• Stop biting your nails or picking at hangnails

When to See a Dermatologist

Contact a dermatologist if your hand warts:

• Hurt, bleed, or show signs of infection

• Don't improve after 12 weeks of home treatment

• Spread rapidly or appear in large numbers

• Interfere with your daily activities

• Change in appearance, especially if you have a weakened immune system

While hand warts are usually harmless, professional evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and treatment. A dermatologist can also rule out other skin conditions that may look similar to warts.