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What Are the Common Causes of a Wart with Pus?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

Warts are caused by viral infections, though they sometimes are accompanied by pus, which is caused by bacteria. Treating a wart with pus usually involves the use of topical or oral antibiotics, and occasionally, the health care provider will recommend a combination of both. Warts are usually left alone, though they can be removed with a laser or with a chemical wart remover. Warts containing pus are highly contagious, and the infection can easily spread to other people and to different parts of the body.

Hot compresses should be applied to a wart with pus to facilitate healing and to promote the drainage of pus. A wart with pus should never be lanced at home in an attempt to drain the pus, because this could worsen the infection and cause it to spread. A hot compress can be applied several times a day, however, a clean compress should be used each time to avoid reintroducing bacteria to the area. Symptoms of a wart with pus can also include inflammation at the site, redness, pain, and an increase in temperature over the area. Fever, chills, and body aches can also occur if the infection becomes systemic.

Warts themselves are usually caused by viral infections.
Warts themselves are usually caused by viral infections.

The color of pus can vary and can range from a light straw color to dark brown, or even black. Red or pink pus is caused by the combination of blood and pus, however, this does not indicate a more serious infection than pus without blood. Also, pus can be watery in consistency, or thick and sticky. Again, the consistency or amount of pus is not a reflection of the seriousness or type of infection.

Topical antibiotics are usually employed to treat a wart with pus.
Topical antibiotics are usually employed to treat a wart with pus.

Warts are generally harmless and occasionally go away on their own. Even after removal, they can sometimes grow back, but this is not common. Common locations for warts to appear are the hands, feet, and sometimes the face. Genital warts are common around the perianal area and are sexually transmitted, while warts on other parts of the body generally are not.

Though warts themselves are caused by viruses, any pus that may be present is caused by an additional bacterial infection.
Though warts themselves are caused by viruses, any pus that may be present is caused by an additional bacterial infection.

If a wart with pus begins to drain on its own, the area should be gently washed with mild soap and warm water. An over-the-counter antibiotic ointment can then be applied, and the area covered with a sterile bandage. If the wart continues to drain pus, it should be kept covered to avoid spreading the infection, and the health care provider should be notified.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

Some types of warts are more prone to developing pus than others. For example, plantar warts are more likely to develop pus than regular warts.

Genital warts caused by STDs develop pus as well, especially those caused by herpes. Herpes is viral, but I think it's normal for herpes blisters to become full of pus. It doesn't necessarily mean that it's infected. It's a stage that the blister goes through. First it's red, then it swells and fills with pus and then the pus drains and the blister dries up.

fBoyle

@SarahGen-- I'm not a doctor but I don't think it's a good idea to treat the wart while it's infected. It might cause the virus to spread. If that happens, more warts will pop up. This actually happened to me.

I had one wart, it became infected and I popped the blister. It was a stupid idea. I got three more warts around the original one.

Just use antibiotic cream and allow the pus to drain on its own. Wash that hand frequently with soap and water. If it looks like it's getting worse, it's a good idea to see a doctor. Having it drained by a doctor will decrease the chances of the virus spreading.

SarahGen

I had never seen an infected wart before today. My son had a wart on his hand and now it's infected. It's clearly filled with pus.

Is it okay to use wart treatment on a wart with pus?

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    • Warts themselves are usually caused by viral infections.
      By: Tiler84
      Warts themselves are usually caused by viral infections.
    • Topical antibiotics are usually employed to treat a wart with pus.
      By: picsfive
      Topical antibiotics are usually employed to treat a wart with pus.
    • Though warts themselves are caused by viruses, any pus that may be present is caused by an additional bacterial infection.
      By: 3dmentat
      Though warts themselves are caused by viruses, any pus that may be present is caused by an additional bacterial infection.
    • Warts can be removed by using liquid nitrogen.
      By: Gordon Lau
      Warts can be removed by using liquid nitrogen.
    • Condoms may not necessarily protect against genital warts.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Condoms may not necessarily protect against genital warts.