Warts are non-cancerous but contagious skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infecting the top layer of your skin. Although some warts resolve without treatment, others persist, recur, or spread, especially when irritated. Medical attention is advised if the wart becomes painful, grows in number, or causes cosmetic concern.
At DermAlly, wart removal is performed by dermatologists using clinically proven methods — including cryotherapy (freezing), laser, and electrosurgery. These target the wart while minimising discomfort and protecting the surrounding skin.
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Warts are rough, grainy bumps on the skin. The HPV that causes it enters through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin, triggering the rapid growth of skin cells and forming a raised lesion. These viral warts can appear anywhere, but more commonly on the:
Here’s how to tell the difference:
Skin Growth | Key Features | Cause |
Warts |
| HPV infection through small skin cuts |
Corns/Calluses | Smooth, thickened skin over pressure areas | Repeated friction or pressure |
Moles | Pigmented, round or flat | Cluster of pigment cells |
Skin tags | Soft, skin-coloured flaps | Benign skin overgrowth |
Understanding these differences helps ensure you receive the right treatment. If you’re unsure whether you have a wart or something else, speak to our dermatologists for an assessment and diagnosis.
Warts are highly contagious because HPV, which causes them, spreads easily. Here are some ways you can be infected:
Anyone can develop warts, but some people are more prone to them because of differences in immunity, skin condition, or exposure. You’re more likely to get warts if you:
There are several types of warts, each caused by different HPV strains and appearing on different parts of the body.
These are rough, grainy bumps that usually develop on the hands, fingers, or knees. They may have tiny black dots on the surface and can spread through small cuts or abrasions.
Found on the soles of the feet, plantar warts often grow inward under the skin’s surface because of body weight and pressure from walking. They may feel like hard, callused areas with tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels) and can be painful when walking or standing. Plantar wart removal may be needed if they cause discomfort or limit mobility.
A plantar wart may sometimes be mistaken for a corn, as both appear as thickened skin on the feet. However, they differ in cause and appearance:
If you’re unsure which one you have, let our dermatologists assess the area, confirm the diagnosis, and guide you on the most suitable treatment to remove the wart safely and lower the chance of it coming back. Contact us to book an appointment.
Smooth, flat-topped spots that appear slightly raised from the skin. Also called plane warts, they tend to occur on the face, arms, or legs and often appear in clusters, especially in children and teenagers.
These are slender, thread-like growths that develop around the eyes, mouth, or nose. They’re harmless but can be bothersome or noticeable, so many get them removed for cosmetic reasons.
These warts form around or under the nails, distorting nail growth. They’re often difficult to treat without professional removal.
Genital warts are sexually transmitted and are not typically managed within cosmetic dermatology. If you suspect you have these, you should see a specialist for further evaluation.
Most warts are harmless, but when left untreated, they can lead to complications. These include:
You should see a doctor for wart removal if you notice:
At DermAlly, we provide wart removal treatments and procedures that target the lesion, while minimising recurrence and downtime. Speak to our dermatologists to learn which treatment best suits your skin.
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As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects and risks to consider when you decide to proceed with a wart removal:
After a wart removal, make sure to follow these aftercare tips to ensure the site heals well:
Wound Care and Skin Recovery
Follow-Up and Recurrence
Your dermatologist will guide you through aftercare specific to your treatment method.
Wart removal treatments such as cryotherapy, laser, or electrosurgery involve different types of equipment and expertise, which can affect pricing.
In general, costs start from around $50 for standard cryotherapy and may range up to $500 or more for laser or surgical removal of larger or multiple warts. Consultation fees may be charged separately.
Removal Method / Context | Approximate Price (SGD) | Considerations |
Topical Treatments | As a low-cost option, often used for small, superficial warts. | |
Cryotherapy | $50 per lesion for non-genital warts $80 per lesion for genital warts | Multiple lesions may incur a higher cost. |
Electrosurgery | For more aggressive removal of wart tissue. | |
Laser Wart Removal | Depends on the type of laser used for the procedure. | |
Excision / Surgical Removal | Used for large or resistant warts. |
In Singapore, wart removal should be performed in a Ministry of Health (MOH)-licensed clinic and under the care of dermatologists registered with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). This ensures that your skin condition is properly assessed and that the treatment method recommended to you is appropriate for your skin type, wart type, and overall health.
When comparing clinics, you can consider the following:
At DermAlly, wart removal is performed by dermatologists who combine medical expertise with patient-focused care to improve outcomes.
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Liu specialises in general dermatology, dermatologic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, and women’s dermatology. She previously practised at the National Skin Centre, where she also oversaw the women’s clinic, and has taught future doctors at NUS and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.
Dermatologist
Dr Heng has special interests in eczema, skin cancers, dermatologic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and lasers. She was part of the dermatologic surgery and laser team at the National Skin Centre, and continues as a Visiting Consultant. She has also taught at NUS, Duke-NUS, and NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.
At DermAlly, wart removal is an in-clinic procedure performed by dermatologists and tailored to the type and location of your wart. Treatments may include cryotherapy, laser, immunotherapy, or minor surgery.
If you’ve been dealing with a wart that’s painful, spreading, or simply not going away, our dermatologists can assess it and guide you toward the most appropriate treatment. We’ll explain what to expect, how to care for the area after, and how to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Some warts may go away on their own as your immune system fights the virus, but this can take months or even years. Many persist or spread, especially if they’re irritated or on areas exposed to friction. If a wart becomes painful, enlarges, or multiplies, it’s best to see a dermatologist for removal.
Yes, warts are contagious skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus spreads through direct contact with a wart or indirectly via shared surfaces like towels, razors, or gym equipment. Warts can also spread to other parts of your body if you scratch or pick at them.
Most wart removal procedures cause only mild, brief discomfort. Cryotherapy or laser treatments may sting or feel warm, but these sensations last only a few seconds. Local anaesthesia is often used for surgical or electrosurgical methods, so you’ll remain comfortable during treatment.
Warts are caused by a viral infection (HPV), while corns develop from repeated friction or pressure on the skin. Warts often have a rough surface with black dots and are painful when squeezed from the sides. Corns have a hard centre, appear smooth, and hurt with direct pressure. Warts are contagious; corns are not.
Warts may recur even after successful removal because the HPV virus can remain in nearby skin. Following aftercare instructions, avoiding skin picking, and keeping your hands and feet clean help reduce recurrence. Dermatologist-guided treatments like immunotherapy can also lower the risk of warts returning.
It’s not advisable to remove a wart at home. DIY methods such as cutting, burning, or filing can cause infection, scarring, or spread of the virus. Over-the-counter treatments may help for small warts, but persistent or painful ones should be managed by a dermatologist, who can remove them safely and prevent complications.
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