Warts are a common skin concern, and it is understandable to want clear information about what they are and how they can be managed. At OLA Aesthetics, we can give you information about available treatments for warts and what you can expect during the process. We can also help you to prevent warts in the future through comprehensive knowledge about factors that cause them.
A Note From Dr Aleks
Many of my patients feel unsure about what to do when a wart appears or spreads, and there are misconceptions about what warts can mean for skin health. Warts can occur across all age groups and lifestyles and are not a reflection of how you care for your skin. They are simply one of the many ways our body responds to viral exposure.
My approach is to spend time getting to know you and your skin. I will talk to you about your history with this condition, any steps you have taken to treat it already, and any concerns you may have about wart treatments. I will give you transparent advice so you feel informed about your choices, and suggest a treatment plan that fits your situation.
Common Characteristics
- Rough, raised bumps or growths on the skin
- Hard, grainy or cauliflower-like surface
- Tiny black dots within the wart (thrombosed capillaries)
- Flat, smooth lesions (especially on the face or legs)
- Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied (common in plantar warts)
- Clusters of small warts forming a mosaic pattern
- Variations in size, texture and colour depending on wart type and location
Contributing Factors
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure
- Breaks or micro-injuries in the skin
- Weakened or stressed immune system
- Moist environments (pools, gyms, shared surfaces)
- Skin-to-skin contact or shared personal items
- Chronic skin conditions that compromise the barrier
- Frequent shaving (can spread flat warts)
- Age (children and teens are more susceptible)
Understanding Warts
Warts are small, non-cancerous skin growths caused by specific strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear on different areas of the body, and their size, shape and texture depend on the type of wart and its location. Some grow outward as firm, raised bumps, while others stay flat and blend more closely with the surrounding skin.
Warts spread through direct contact with the virus, which can occur through shared surfaces or small openings in the skin. However, not everyone who comes into contact with this virus will develop a wart. Some warts stay the same while others get thicker or increase in number. Your immune response can determine how long a wart persists and whether a treatment is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Warts can spread through direct skin contact or contact with surfaces that carry the virus. Transmission does not always lead to a wart because this depends on factors like skin integrity and individual immune response. Certain hygiene practices may reduce the chance of passing the virus to others or to different areas of your own skin.
Some warts resolve gradually as the immune system recognises and responds to the virus. This process may take up to two years, and the timeframe is different for each person. Waiting to see if the wart resolves can be an option for some patients who are not experiencing discomfort from the skin growth.
Treatment timelines depend on the location, thickness and type of wart. With laser treatments, the area will look different right away, but it may take one or two weeks for the skin to slough off. Skin remodelling will take place over the next several months, improving the appearance of the skin and making it blend in with the surrounding area.
Clinical treatments target the wart tissue or stimulate an immune response in the affected area. Options may involve topical agents, freezing techniques or other methods selected based on the wart’s characteristics. We can use the Fotona laser to treat warts through thermal energy that only affects the tissue in the treatment area.
Some pharmacy products are marketed for wart removal, but they may not be suitable for all wart types or areas of the body. Self-treatment can sometimes lead to skin irritation or incomplete removal. Professional assessment is a good way to determine the nature of the wart and whether clinical management would be more appropriate.
Request Your Private
Consultation at OLA Aesthetics
Warts can take different forms and may persist without assessment, so learning as much as you can about this condition can help you take the next appropriate step. At OLA Aesthetics in West Perth, we provide clinical evaluation and treatment options for a range of skin conditions, including warts. To learn more or arrange an appointment, call us on (08) 6114 0533 or through our online form.





