Diagnosis of Warts

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Warts on the hands and feet are easy to recognise. (Usually raised growths with a hard uneven surface. On your feet, they may have been pushed in by the weight of your body.)

See your GP if they are painful, if they are spreading, or if they donâ€™t seem to be clearing up of their own accord (this can take several months). If you are worried that the warts are unsightly, see your GP about treatment options to help them to clear up more quickly.

Although genital warts can be embarrassing, it is important to have them checked out at your GP surgery or local sexual health (GUM) clinic. This is because genital warts can be caused by a sexually transmitted infection, and in rare cases, can be a sign of cervical cancer. The doctor or nurse that you see will probably take a swab (sample of cells)from the area to check for the infection thatâ€™s causing the warts.

If there are no obvious warts, but infection is suspected (because a partner has warts, for example), the doctor or nurse may apply a solution that turns warts white, making very small or flat warts more visible.