Viral warts
Treatment available at our Madrid clinics at Calle Serrano 143 and La Moraleja
Dermatologists specialising in
Treatment of warts
Warts generally cause no complications other than aesthetic concerns, depending on their location, and may disappear spontaneously over a period of months. However, the Grupo Pedro Jaén Paediatric Dermatology Unit specialists recommend applying a treatment to remove them if they cause pain, are very numerous, are located in areas that affect the child’s appearance or present a high risk of bleeding because they are very exposed to rubbing or pulling.
Recognised reference clinics in Spain
Home > Clinical Dermatology > Paediatric Dermatology > Warts
What sets us apart
Personalised treatment with advanced technology
The Grupo Pedro Jaén specialist unit treats warts based on an accurate diagnosis and a personalised approach, using advanced technology to differentiate these skin anomalies from other conditions. We offer a wide range of therapeutic options, from topical and minimally invasive options to advanced procedures such as laser therapy or cryotherapy, ensuring efficacy and safety in each case. In addition, we offer specialised care for children, creating a comfortable environment and using techniques adapted to minimise discomfort and facilitate the child’s cooperation during treatment.
Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment
Proper diagnosis is key to differentiate warts from other skin conditions and to select the most effective treatment in each case.
Advanced technology for detailed assessment
We use high-precision diagnostic tools, such as the digital dermatoscope, which enables us to examine the wart’s structure in great detail. This helps us to confirm its viral origin and to rule out skin anomalies that can be mistaken for warts, such as seborrhoeic keratoses or fibromas. This detailed analysis avoids unnecessary treatment and ensures more effective therapy.
Treatment plan tailored to each patient
Each patient has a different type and evolution of wart, so we consider factors such as location, number, size and previous treatments before choosing the most appropriate approach. For simple warts, we may opt for topical therapies; for persistent warts, we turn to procedures such as cryotherapy or laser therapy. This personalised approach maximises treatment efficacy, reduces discomfort and minimises the risk of recurrence, ensuring long-lasting results and improved skin health.
Effective and safe therapies
We have a wide range of therapeutic options that combine traditional treatments and advanced technology to remove warts safely and effectively.
Non-invasive options for minor growths
For small or recent warts, we recommend topical treatments with salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid or immunomodulators, which stimulate the immune system to fight the viral infection. These treatments are applied at home with dermatological monitoring to guarantee their effectiveness and avoid unwanted side effects.
Advanced procedures for resistant warts
In recurrent warts or those which are difficult to access, we use cryotherapy, electrocoagulation, bleomycin infiltrations or laser treatments. Cryotherapy involves the application of liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart and destroy the infected tissue. For deeper warts, CO₂ laser or pulsed dye laser therapy offers precise removal with minimal damage to healthy skin. These advanced techniques enable faster recovery, less discomfort and reduce the risk of recurrences, achieving optimal aesthetic and functional results.
Specialised care for children
Warts are very common in childhood and can cause concern for parents. Our paediatric dermatology team has the experience and sensitivity to approach these cases with a specialised approach.
A relaxed atmosphere and child-friendly techniques
From the first contact, we create an environment of trust so that children feel comfortable and their anxiety about the treatment is reduced. We employ techniques that minimise pain and discomfort, such as the use of topical anaesthesia prior to procedures like cryotherapy or laser. In addition, we explain each step in a simple way so that the child understands the process without fear.
Contagion prevention and reduction
Warts are easily transmitted in shared environments, such as swimming pools, schools or during sporting activities. To prevent recurrence, we offer advice to parents on hygiene measures and specific care. In addition, in some cases, we recommend immunomodulatory treatments to boost the body’s response to the human papillomavirus (HPV), reducing the likelihood of warts reappearing in the future.
What they are and how they are treated
Guide to understanding viral warts
Common warts also play a prominent role in pediatric dermatology consultations. They are associated with an infection by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and like molluscum, they are not an exclusive problem for children. However, children suffer from them more frequently, as their age-related behavior favors contagion among children, as well as autoinoculation.
Common warts appear on the skin’s surface and generally match the skin’s tone. The appearance of their surface is very similar to cauliflower, and their touch is rough and uneven. They have small black dots inside, which are thrombosed capillaries. This feature makes it easy to identify the warts.
These lesions can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly located on the fingers, hands, knees, and elbows. They are transmitted by direct contact, do not itch, and are generally painless, except when located on the soles of the feet, which can become uncomfortable and painful when wearing shoes and walking.
Treatments to eliminate viral warts
Warts are not easy to remove, as several treatment sessions are often required, and they have a high recurrence rate. The issue is that a wait-and-see approach is not always recommended or possible, either due to the large number of warts present, the location in delicate areas prone to bleeding from rubbing or pulling, the pain they cause (such as plantar warts), or their aesthetic impact on the patient.
At the Grupo Pedro Jaén Pediatric Dermatology Unit, each case is individually assessed to obtain the best result with minimal discomfort for the patient, considering the characteristics of their lesions, number, location, and age.
Topical treatments
These are applied directly to the wart to destroy it by progressively peeling its surface until it completely disappears. Depending on the case, treatment can last from three to six months and is generally a very safe option with few side effects.
There are also topical medications that enhance the immune response against the virus causing the warts. These are applied directly to the lesion for several hours until they heal and disappear.
Cryotherapy
This involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, applying it directly for a few seconds. Several sessions are usually required, spaced two or three weeks apart.
Injected treatments
These medications interfere with the DNA and RNA synthesis of the HPV particles responsible for the warts. Though they can be applied topically, they are generally injected directly into the lesions under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort for the patient.
Laser for warts
The vascular laser, applied directly to the lesion, necroses the blood vessels feeding the wart, causing it to disappear. Generally, this is a very effective treatment well-tolerated by pediatric patients.
CO₂ laser can also be used to remove warts, but its application is more complicated in pediatric patients, as it is usually a more uncomfortable therapy. For this reason, it is typically reserved for older individuals.
“Viral warts are not an exclusive problem for children, although children suffer from them the most”
More information
Here are some warnings regarding at-home devices for removing warts, authorship, and references for the information provided on this page:
Caution with home devices for removing warts
Because wart treatment can be tedious, we must warn of the risks of self-diagnosing and self-treating outside of a specialist consultation.
In this regard, caution must be exercised when using at-home devices to seemingly easily and comfortably remove warts. First, it’s crucial to accurately determine whether we are dealing with a mole or a wart.
While a dermatologist can easily distinguish this by simply observing the lesion (diagnosis of viral warts typically requires no further tests), there is a common mistake in referring to any dark spots on the skin as moles and categorizing any raised lesion as a wart, without considering that the classification is not based solely on these factors.
Attempting to remove skin lesions at home, thinking they are simple warts, can mask other types of lesions and worsen the patient’s condition. Even in the case of common warts, the use of these devices by unqualified individuals can increase the risk of wounds, burns, and scarring.
Authorship and references
The content of this page has been prepared by the Communication Department and the Medical Team of Grupo Pedro Jaén, in line with our editorial commitment to ensuring the accuracy and up-to-date nature of the information provided.
References on viral warts:
1. Soenjoyo KR, Chua BWB, Wee LWY, Koh MJA, Ang SB. Treatment of cutaneous viral warts in children: A review. Dermatol Ther. 2020 Nov;33(6):e14034. doi: 10.1111/dth.14034. Epub 2020 Aug 14. PMID: 32683782.
2. Kwok CS, Gibbs S, Bennett C, Holland R, Abbott R. Topical treatments for cutaneous warts. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Sep 12;2012(9):CD001781. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001781.pub3. PMID: 22972052; PMCID: PMC8101088.
3. Witchey DJ, Witchey NB, Roth-Kauffman MM, Kauffman MK. Plantar Warts: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Management. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2018 Feb 1;118(2):92-105. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2018.024. PMID: 29379975.
4. Gerlero P, Hernández-Martín Á. Treatment of Warts in Children: An Update. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2016 Sep;107(7):551-8. English, Spanish. doi: 10.1016/j.ad.2016.04.010. Epub 2016 May 27. PMID: 27241712.
5. Lynch MD, Cliffe J, Morris-Jones R. Management of cutaneous viral warts. BMJ. 2014 May 27;348:g3339. doi: 10.1136/bmj.g3339. PMID: 24865780.
6. Silverberg NB. Pediatric warts: update on interventions. Cutis. 2019 Jan;103(1):26;27;28;29;30;E2;E3;E4. PMID: 30758340.
7. Dall’oglio F, D’Amico V, Nasca MR, Micali G. Treatment of cutaneous warts: an evidence-based review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2012 Apr 1;13(2):73-96. doi: 10.2165/11594610-000000000-00000. PMID: 22292461.
8. Micali G, Dall’Oglio F, Nasca MR, Tedeschi A. Management of cutaneous warts: an evidence-based approach. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5(5):311-7. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200405050-00004. PMID: 15554732.
Where we see patients?
Clinics in Madrid
Grupo Pedro Jaén is a medical group founded more than three decades ago with the aim of providing medical, surgical and aesthetic solutions related to skin health and appearance. Led by Dr Pedro Jaén, the group has a highly specialised medical team that covers every area of care with top-level specialists, carries out extensive training activities, is a leader in medical research, and operates several clinics in Madrid, from which it offers the highest standards of care and clinical excellence to all patients.
Calle Serrano 143
This centre is the main headquarters of Grupo Pedro Jaén. It provides diagnostic and treatment services in skin cancer, clinical and aesthetic dermatology, laser treatments and other related specialties.
Mon - Fri 09:00 - 21:00 / Sat: 09:00 - 14:00
Calle Serrano 143, El Viso neighbourhood, Chamartín district, 28006 Madrid, Spain
La Moraleja
Located in Plaza de La Moraleja, this exclusive centre allows Grupo Pedro Jaén to bring its medical and aesthetic services closer to patients across the entire northern area of Madrid.
Mon - Thu: 09:30 - 20:00 / Fri: 09:30 - 18:00
Calle de la Estafeta 8, ground floor, La Moraleja, 28109 Alcobendas, Madrid
Related units and pages
Laser Unit
An international reference in laser and intense pulsed light treatments, both in clinical and aesthetic dermatology.
Clinical dermatology
Highly specialised dermatologists for each skin condition, offering the most advanced treatments available.
Paediatric dermatology
Specialised care for the full range of dermatological conditions that may affect children.
Information and news
Press room
In the Grupo Pedro Jaén Press Room you can find information, advice and news related to dermatology, aesthetic medicine, trichology and general health. The group’s journals are also shared through an online platform, along with updates on the activity and media appearances of our clinics and healthcare professionals.
How Prostate Conditions Can Affect Male Sexual Health
Learn how prostate conditions affect male sexual health and which treatments are most effective while minimising potential long-term effects.
Will Retinol Be Banned in the European Union?
Some patients ask whether retinol will be banned in the EU. In this article, we explain the restrictions that have actually been established.
Blog
News about Grupo Pedro Jaén. Information and advice on dermatology, aesthetic medicine, trichology, and general health
Media
Information about media appearances by our clinics and medical specialists.
Journal
Archive of all Grupo Pedro Jaén journals, available through an external online platform.