Warts are common, benign skin growths caused by infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). They form when the virus causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, creating a rough, raised bump on the skin’s surface. Encountering blood on a wart can be surprising and often prompts concern about its nature. Understanding why warts bleed and how to safely manage the situation provides clarity. This information will help navigate basic first aid and recognize signs that require professional medical attention.
The Immediate Answer: Why Warts Bleed
Warts bleed due to their unique biological structure and rapid growth pattern. They are highly vascularized, possessing an increased number of small blood vessels (capillaries) extending directly into the raised growth. These delicate capillaries are recruited by the viral infection to supply nutrients to the rapidly multiplying skin cells. Because these vessels sit so close to the skin’s outermost layer, they are vulnerable to rupture from external forces.
These vessels are often visible as tiny dark specks embedded within the wart’s surface, sometimes called “wart seeds” or thrombosed capillaries. These dark spots are minute blood clots formed within the fragile, broken vessels. Bleeding typically occurs when the wart experiences physical trauma that disturbs the superficial layer, such as repeated friction from clothing or shoes.
Common triggers for bleeding include accidental injury, such as nicking the wart while shaving, or deliberately picking or scratching the surface. Warts located on areas subject to constant pressure or movement, like plantar warts on the foot, are particularly prone to bleeding. Even routine activities can cause the fine capillaries to break open, resulting in a small amount of blood loss.
First Aid and Management
When a wart begins to bleed, the priority is to stop the flow and prevent secondary infection. Apply gentle but firm direct pressure to the area using a clean gauze pad or sterile cloth. Maintain this steady pressure for five to ten minutes without lifting the material to check progress. Most minor bleeding will subside within this timeframe of consistent pressure application.
Once the bleeding has stopped, the area needs to be carefully cleaned to prevent contamination. Wash the wound gently with mild soap and clean, running water to remove debris. Since the skin barrier has been compromised, this cleaning step reduces the risk of bacterial infection. Applying an over-the-counter antiseptic ointment after cleaning offers protection against germs.
Cover the cleaned wound with a sterile adhesive bandage to keep the area protected while the skin heals. Change the dressing daily and ensure the site is kept dry to help the skin recover quickly. Monitoring the site for any signs of worsening inflammation or discharge is recommended during the healing process.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While minor, intermittent bleeding is common, certain symptoms warrant immediate professional evaluation. If the bleeding is profuse, appears excessive, or does not stop after ten to fifteen minutes of continuous pressure, a medical consultation is necessary. Persistent, uncontrolled bleeding suggests a larger or deeper blood vessel may have been compromised.
Signs of a developing infection also signal the need to visit a healthcare provider for treatment. These signs include increased warmth, spreading redness beyond the lesion borders, significant swelling, or the presence of pus or foul-smelling discharge. A fever accompanying a bleeding wart is another serious sign that requires prompt medical attention.
A doctor should also be consulted if the wart undergoes rapid, noticeable changes in its appearance or structure. Any lesion that quickly changes color, grows rapidly, or develops irregular, asymmetrical borders should be thoroughly examined to ensure it is correctly diagnosed. Though uncommon, other dermatological conditions can sometimes be mistaken for warts, and sudden changes may indicate a different underlying issue.