Warts can appear anywhere on your body, but when they show up on your fingers, they can be both unsightly and bothersome. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to remove them. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and while they may go away on their own, it can take months or even years. Over-the-counter and home remedies can help speed up the process or help the wart fall off in layers over time. Here's what you need to know about warts on your fingers and how to remove them.

What Are Warts?

Warts are small, hard, and bumpy growths that typically appear on the skin. They are contagious and spread by contact with infected surfaces. Although warts can develop anywhere on the body, they are most common on the hands, fingers, feet, and face.

HPV has more than 100 different strains, and only a few cause warts. Below are the common types of warts that can occur on the fingers and hands:

1. Common Warts

Common warts are often found on the backs of your hands and fingers. These warts have a rough, scaly texture and can be flesh-toned, pink, grey, or even white. Common warts can vary in size and may sometimes feature tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels.

2. Butchers’ Warts

Butchers’ warts resemble common warts but are typically found in people who handle raw meat or fish. These warts may develop from exposure to animal products, though it’s unclear whether the virus originates in animals.

3. Flat Warts

Flat warts are smooth, flat-top warts that usually appear in clusters. They are small, ranging from the size of a pinhead to larger spots, and are usually flesh-toned or slightly yellowish-brown.

4. Palmar Warts

Palmar warts appear on the palms of your hands. They are caused by a viral infection and can sometimes be painful, particularly if they develop in clusters.

5. Periungual and Subungual Warts

These warts occur around the nails (periungual) or under the nails (subungual). These warts can cause discomfort and may affect the nail's appearance. Left untreated, they can lead to permanent damage.

How to Remove Warts from Your Fingers and Hands

There are multiple treatment options for removing warts on the hands and fingers. While warts can sometimes resolve on their own, the process can take years, so many people prefer to pursue at-home remedies or consult a doctor. Below are 12 ways to remove warts:

At-Home Wart Removal Remedies

1. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used wart treatments. It’s available in various forms, such as gels, liquids, and adhesive pads. It works by softening the wart, allowing it to be removed gradually. Before applying, soak the wart in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the skin. Then, apply the salicylic acid as directed. Repeat for several weeks until the wart disappears.

2. Duct Tape Occlusion

Duct tape may sound unconventional, but it can be effective in removing warts. Apply duct tape to the wart for 3-6 days. Remove the tape, file down the wart with a pumice stone, and leave it exposed to air for about 12 hours. Repeat until the wart is gone.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, due to its acidic properties, can help dissolve the wart. Mix two parts apple cider vinegar with one part water, soak a cotton ball in the mixture, and tape it onto the wart overnight. Repeat this process nightly until the wart falls off.

4. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another mild acid that can help remove warts. Dilute the lemon juice before applying it to the wart using a cotton ball or pad. Apply it nightly for a few weeks until the wart disappears.

5. Garlic Extract

Garlic has natural antiviral properties. Crush a garlic clove and place it directly onto the wart, covering it with a bandage. Reapply daily until the wart is gone. Be sure to file down the wart with a pumice stone beforehand to enhance the treatment.

6. Clear Nail Polish

Painting clear nail polish on a wart may help suffocate it by blocking oxygen. Apply the nail polish every other day for about two weeks to see if it helps.

7. Liquid Butane Spray

Liquid butane spray is available over-the-counter and is used to freeze the wart off. This method can be painful, and it may not always be as effective as professional cryotherapy.

Professional Wart Removal Treatments

If you have many warts, or your wart is painful or persistent, consider seeing a doctor for professional treatment.

1. Immunotherapy

In immunotherapy, your doctor may inject antigens such as Candida into the wart to trigger an immune response that helps the body fight off the wart.

2. Electrodessication and Curettage

This method involves using electrical currents to kill the wart’s blood supply and then removing the tissue with a curette. It’s typically done under local anesthesia.

3. Cantharidin

Cantharidin is a chemical applied to the wart to cause blistering underneath the skin. After a few hours, the blister is removed, and the wart is eliminated. This treatment can cause discomfort.

4. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. It can cause the wart to fall off, but it may take several treatments to completely remove it.

5. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy uses a pulsed dye laser to burn the blood vessels feeding the wart, causing it to shrivel up and fall off. Scarring may occur with this method.

Preventing Warts

To avoid warts, practice good hygiene and follow these steps:

• Avoid touching warts on others or on yourself.

• Cover cuts and scrapes to protect them from infection.

• Wash your hands regularly.

• Avoid biting your nails or picking at hangnails.

• Wear shoes in public showers and pool areas to avoid picking up HPV.

• Treat any existing warts promptly to prevent spreading.

When to See a Doctor

If you have multiple warts, or if the wart is painful, spreading, or does not respond to home treatments, seek medical attention. Persistent warts can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition, and a healthcare provider can help provide the best treatment plan for your needs.

Conclusion

Warts on your fingers can be annoying, but with the right treatment, they can be effectively removed. Whether you choose to go the at-home route with natural remedies or seek professional care, timely treatment can prevent the spread of warts and ease any discomfort they may cause. Always remember to consult a doctor if you have concerns about your warts or if they don’t improve with treatment.

Sources:

• Healthline.com

• Mayo Clinic

• WebMD