If a wart is uncomfortable or affecting how you feel about your skin, Northway Clinic can help. Our friendly dermatology team offers careful assessment and personalised treatment at our private London clinic.
What are warts?
Warts are small, rough growths that develop in the outer layer of your skin.
They can appear on different parts of the body, although they’re particularly common on the hands and feet. A wart on the sole of your foot is known as a verruca.
Warts are usually harmless, but they may feel uncomfortable or affect your confidence. If you’re unsure about a growth, our dermatology team can examine it and help put your mind at ease.
Types of warts
These growths can look different depending on where they develop. Common types include:
- Common warts – firm, raised growths with a rough surface, often found on the hands or fingers
- Verrucas – warts that develop on the soles of the feet
- Plane warts – small, smooth growths that are flatter than common warts and may appear in groups
- Filiform warts – thin growths that can develop around the face or neck
- Periungual warts – rough areas that form around a fingernail or toenail and may affect how the nail grows
Your dermatologist will explain which type you have and what this means for treatment.
Signs of warts
Warts vary in appearance depending on their type and where they develop.
You may notice:
- A small, firm lump on the skin
- A rough or uneven surface
- Skin-coloured, white or darker tissue
- Tiny black dots caused by small blood vessels
- Several warts growing close together
- Tenderness, particularly if a verruca develops on a part of your foot you stand or walk on
Most warts are harmless. However, some other skin concerns can look similar, so it’s important to get them checked if the area bleeds or changes in appearance.
If you’re unsure what the growth is, our dermatology team can take a closer look and provide personalised support.
What causes warts?
Warts develop when certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infect the outer layer of your skin.
The virus can enter through a small break in your skin and spread through close contact with an infected person or surface. You’re more likely to get infected if your skin is wet or damaged.
Picking at a wart or shaving over it may transfer the virus to nearby skin. It can take several weeks or months for a wart to become visible after you come into contact with HPV.
Why choose Northway Clinic for your wart treatment?
At Northway Clinic, we know that even a harmless skin growth can be frustrating. Our dermatology team will take time to understand your concerns and explain your options clearly. We’ll make sure you feel informed and comfortable throughout your care.
By choosing our private London clinic, you’ll benefit from:
- Experienced dermatology specialists
- Prompt access to appointments
- Treatment tailored to your skin
- Clear information about costs and aftercare
- A welcoming setting where you can feel at ease
You’ll have time to ask questions, helping you make an informed decision about your care.
Private wart treatment at Northway Clinic
During your consultation, our dermatologist will examine the affected area to confirm it’s a wart. They’ll also check if treatment is right for you, explain the process clearly and give you time to ask questions before going ahead.
We use cryotherapy to treat warts at Northway Clinic. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart tissue. Your dermatologist carefully applies the liquid nitrogen to the growth, which may cause a brief stinging or burning sensation.
Afterwards, the skin can feel sore, and a blister or scab may develop as the area heals.
Some warts need more than one cryotherapy session. Your dermatologist will let you know how many sessions you’ll need, and they’ll also give you personalised aftercare advice to help you look after the treated skin at home.
Skip the phone queues: book your private wart treatment online
If your consultation is covered by private medical insurance, please contact us via phone or email.
Find personalised dermatology support in London
If a wart is bothering you or affecting your confidence, our friendly dermatology team is here to help. We’ll take the time to understand your concerns and talk you through the next step, so you can feel comfortable and well supported.
Book a consultation at Northway Clinic to find out if cryotherapy could be suitable for you.
Warts frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can warts go away without treatment?
Warts can sometimes disappear on their own as your immune system clears the virus. However, this may take months or even years. You may prefer treatment if the growth is painful or affecting your confidence.
Are warts contagious?
Yes, the virus that causes warts can pass through close skin contact or shared surfaces. Avoid picking the area and wash your hands after touching it. Don’t share personal items such as towels.
Is cryotherapy painful?
You may feel a short, stinging or burning sensation while the liquid nitrogen is applied. The area can feel tender afterwards and may form a blister or scab. We’ll explain what to expect and give you advice on caring for your skin at home.
Can a wart come back after cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy removes the treated tissue, but the virus may remain in the surrounding skin. This means the growth can sometimes return or another may develop nearby. You may need further sessions. Your dermatologist will explain what they recommend for you.
