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Periungual warts, triggered by the human papillomavirus, emerge around the nail beds of fingers and toes. Explore additional images showcasing various skin conditions.
©iStockphoto.com/Vladimir MaravicWarts are universally disliked. Toads are often shunned because of them, and wicked witches are depicted with warts prominently on their noses. While plantar warts can be concealed with footwear, a wart on your hand might make you feel like it’s the center of attention.
Warts can form on any part of the skin, but their location influences their appearance, including size, color, and texture. There are five main types of warts: common, plantar, flat, filiform, and periungual. Periungual warts, which grow near the nail bed, belong to the common wart category and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) [source: Mayo Clinic]. These warts are distinctive as they develop around the nails on both hands and feet.
If the virus affecting the nail area remains untreated, it may cause the nail to separate from the skin. Aside from the risk of losing a nail, periungual warts closely resemble warts found elsewhere on the body. They are elevated, uneven, and resemble cauliflower in texture. The affected area often changes color compared to the surrounding skin, and like other warts, periungual warts are non-cancerous and can be treated effectively.
Warts are highly contagious during their active phase and can easily spread to other body parts if precautions aren’t taken. Preventing warts involves several steps, including maintaining clean fingers and toes and avoiding nail-biting, as HPV can enter through broken skin [source: WebMD]. While the virus spreads through direct contact with others, it’s more common to spread periungual warts from one part of your body to another than to another person.
The causes of periungual warts differ, and individuals infected with HPV or similar viruses may experience varying symptoms. On the following page, discover how to avoid environments and behaviors that encourage wart growth and transmission.
Causes of Periungual Warts
The HPV strain responsible for warts is extremely contagious and can spread through direct contact with others or from one part of an infected person’s body to another. To prevent warts, regularly clean your nails, dry your feet thoroughly, and wear protective footwear in public showers.
The hands and feet are particularly vulnerable to HPV due to their frequent contact with various surfaces that may harbor the virus. HPV can infiltrate the body through cuts or scrapes, making nail-biting a significant factor in wart development on the hands. Biting your nails can damage the surrounding skin, creating an entry point for the virus [source: American Academy of Dermatology]. When the virus infects this area, it can cause abnormal cell growth under and around the nail bed, leading to irregular nail growth, raised nails, and permanent deformities. Early treatment is crucial to prevent such long-term damage.
Because warts are caused by a virus, removing the wart doesn’t guarantee it won’t return if the virus remains active. Some individuals may carry the virus without showing symptoms, making it difficult to avoid exposure. This underscores the importance of hygiene and sanitation. Experts also believe that stress, in addition to physical contact, can contribute to wart formation [source: Associated Press].
Even with preventive measures, periungual warts can still develop. Treatment options include a mix of home remedies and professional medical procedures. Continue reading for more information.
Dermatologists emphasize that maintaining clean nails is the best way to prevent infections. Trim your nails into a square shape, smooth rough edges with a fine emery board, and avoid cutting cuticles. Toenails should be trimmed regularly and kept short. If nails are hard to cut, lactic acid cream or urea can soften them. Any signs of infection, such as nail changes or discomfort, should be addressed by a dermatologist [source: American Academy of Dermatology].
Treating Periungual Warts
Periungual warts can be treated in various ways. While they may sometimes vanish without intervention, painful, unsightly, or spreading warts often require removal. Over-the-counter treatments like salicylic acid or specialized wart removers can be effective. These products come with detailed instructions to identify and eliminate suspicious growths. However, the strong chemicals in wart removers can be challenging to apply consistently, especially when keeping fingers and toes clean and covered with medication.
Household items can also play a role in DIY treatments for hard-to-reach areas. For instance, suffocating the wart with electrical tape or a similar strong adhesive can be effective [source: WebMD]. Choose a non-breathable tape (not cloth-based) and apply it to the wart for six days, removing it for one day each week. Replace the tape daily for best results.
If home remedies fail, consult a doctor. Treatments like cryotherapy, injections, or laser and electric needle procedures target the infected area, causing the wart to die and fall off. However, these methods may cause scarring, as the surrounding skin can also be damaged during the process [source: American Osteopathic College of Dermatology].
Surgical removal is a last-resort option for persistent or unusually large warts that don’t respond to other treatments. While it has minor side effects, it’s effective for stubborn cases. Doctors may also prescribe immunotherapy creams, which boost the body’s ability to fight the virus, often used for genital warts [source: Taylor MicroTechnology, Inc.].
Pamper your feet with simple remedies from your medicine cabinet and kitchen. Apply aloe vera gel to the wart using a cotton ball, securing it with a bandage. Reapply fresh aloe every three hours for optimal results.
