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What are Periungual Warts?

J.M. Willhite
J.M. Willhite

Periungual warts are innocuous growths that form in the vicinity of one’s finger- or toenails. Triggered by exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV), periungual warts generally form and disappear without treatment. In most cases, the presence of a periungual wart poses a cosmetic issue that leaves the individual feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed. If treatment is necessary, there are several methods available for wart removal, from over-the-counter (OTC) medication to surgery.

Warts caused by the papillomavirus are easily recognizable. A physician will generally evaluate the wart to check for markers that confirm it's benign. In some cases, if the growth is abnormally shaped or discolored, it may be biopsied to discount other more serious conditions.

The finger is a likely place for a periungual wart to form.
The finger is a likely place for a periungual wart to form.

The papillomavirus that causes periungual warts is extremely contagious. Not only may the infection spread by direct, interpersonal contact, but inanimate objects handled by an infected individual may also carry the virus. Abrasions and breaks in the skin are primary points where the virus may enter the body. Anyone may contract HPV, but immunosuppressed individuals and children are considered at greatest risk for developing periungual warts following infection exposure.

Cryotherapy is the most reliable way to remove periungal warts.
Cryotherapy is the most reliable way to remove periungal warts.

Initially, periungual warts present as very small, flesh-toned, raised lesions with a smooth texture. As the warts mature, they adopt a ragged, rough appearance. When positioned close to the nail, the wart can spread underneath, raising the nail. It is common for some warts to cause discomfort, but if periungual warts become too invasive to the nail bed and surrounding tissues, infection can occur.

Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen often causes blisters to form where the treatment was performed.
Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen often causes blisters to form where the treatment was performed.

Depending on the severity of the wart and the types of issues it may be causing, there are a variety of treatment options available. Many OTC wart removal medications contain salicylic acid, which is an effective wart removal agent. It is important to understand that though its use does eliminate the wart, it does not kill the responsible HPV, and wart recurrence is likely. Problematic periungual warts that do not respond to traditional OTC treatment can necessitate removal by a physician.

Many OTC wart treatments contain salicylic acid.
Many OTC wart treatments contain salicylic acid.

The most common in-office method for wart removal is freezing, known as cryotherapy, which involves applying liquid nitrogen to the wart. Electrodessication and curettage, which necessitates local anesthetic, may be performed to excise large or clustered periungual warts. Utilizing an electrified needle, the procedure does carry some risk for scarring. Warts that do not respond to treatment may require the expertise of a dermatologist to find other treatment alternatives, including topical and oral medication therapies.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

I know that there are different types of HPV that are transmitted differently and have different effects. But out of curiosity, can vaginal HPV warts or warts on penis cause periungual HPV warts through skin contact?

serenesurface

@burcidi-- I agree that a doctor needs to take care of it at this point. But please ask about scarring before agreeing to a treatment method.

I had warts on my fingers when I was young too. I had them burned off at the doctor's office, I don't think there were many wart treatments available then. I have terrible scarring from it and it bothers me to this day.

Since your daughter is small, you also don't want a very painful method. I think it might be good to try prescription wart creams first. If it doesn't work, you can consider treatments like liquid nitrogen.

burcidi

My daughter is seven and she has multiple peringual warts. She has three on her fingers and one on the middle of her hand. She just had one wart initially, but it multiplied. They are getting a little bigger every week.

I have been trying a bunch of home remedies. I've tried apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and salicylic acid on her warts with no luck. We have an appointment with a dermatologist next week. I can't wait for the warts to resolve on their own because they're growing. I'm going to let the doctor take care of it.

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    • The finger is a likely place for a periungual wart to form.
      By: jjoja
      The finger is a likely place for a periungual wart to form.
    • Cryotherapy is the most reliable way to remove periungal warts.
      By: Gordon Lau
      Cryotherapy is the most reliable way to remove periungal warts.
    • Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen often causes blisters to form where the treatment was performed.
      By: F.C.G.
      Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen often causes blisters to form where the treatment was performed.
    • Many OTC wart treatments contain salicylic acid.
      By: Olga Lyubkin
      Many OTC wart treatments contain salicylic acid.
    • Oral mediation may be helpful in treating periungual warts.
      By: Pakhay Oleksandr
      Oral mediation may be helpful in treating periungual warts.