Q. Small warts are spreading on my face and neck. Please help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skin warts result from an infection of the top layer the skin, which is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than hundred types of HPV, among which, only a few cause warts.

Always consult a doctor before you try to remove warts at home. Some of the options include:
- Garlic can should be crushed and applied to the wart and should be covered with a bandage. Repeat this every day. Allium sativum found in
garlic has antiviral properties.
- Apply lemon juice diluted with water on the wart. The citric acid in the lemon juice helps destroy the virus.
- It is believed that the enzymes present in pineapple juice, when applied on the wart, may burn it off.
You can also use apple cider vinegar, salicylic acid, and milk of dandelion on the wart.

The following treatment options are available:
- Surgical removal - The wart is snipped using a scalpel.
- Cryosurgery - Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the wart several times for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Electrocauterization - Electrosurgery and curettage are used to burn and scrap the wart off.

Yes, they are. As warts are caused by HPV, they can spread in the following ways:
- Coming in contact with an infected person.
If warts touch a cut or scratch on your skin.
- Sexual contact.
- If a person with a wart in the finger touches your genitals.
If you scratch a wart on one part of the body and then touch some other part.
- Sharing an infected person’s towel or razor.

You can prevent warts from spreading by:
- Washing your hands frequently and properly.
- Stay away from people with warts.
- Keeping a cut clean and dry.
- Avoid scratching or shaving over the wart.
- Use disinfectants on surfaces that have come in contact with warts.

Facial warts are usually filiform or flat. Flat warts are approximately 2 to 4 mm in diameter and are slightly elevated. Filiform warts have finger-like projections on the surface that extend 1 to 2 mm from the skin.

Surgical excision and electrocauterization are the fastest ways to get rid of warts.

The following tips can be used to prevent facial warts:
- Clean and disinfect your hand properly before touching your face.
- Avoid scratching a wart on other parts of your body and then touching your face.
- Avoid sharing towels and razors.

Most of the wart removal gels, liquid, and ointment contain salicylic acid. It works by exfoliating the skin until the wart goes off. It has to be applied daily until the wart disappears.

Warts can heal on their own, even if left untreated. But, it may take months to years for it to heal.

The wart turning black is a sign that the cells are dying. It usually means that the wart will dry out and fall within 1 to 2 weeks.