Periungual Warts: Signs, Causes, And How To Treat

Periungual warts are small, rough growths that appear around the nails. These warts are caused by a viral infection, usually from the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions around the nail, leading to the development of periungual warts. While they are not harmful, they can be bothersome and unsightly.

Proper hygiene can help prevent the spread of the virus that causes periungual warts. It is essential to avoid picking or biting at the skin around the nails to reduce the risk of developing these warts. Seeking medical advice is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

What Are the Symptoms of Periungual Warts

Periungual warts are warts that develop around the nails and can cause various symptoms. Patients may notice small, rough bumps near the nail bed or under the nail. These warts can be tender to the touch, causing pain or discomfort, especially when pressure is applied.

In some cases, periungual warts may lead to changes in the nail's appearance, such as thickening or distortion. Additionally, patients may experience nail brittleness or lifting. It is essential to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment of periungual warts to prevent complications and promote healing.

Periungual warts may appear as rough, cauliflower-like growths around the nails.
These warts can cause pain or tenderness, especially when pressure is applied.
In some cases, periungual warts may lead to nail deformities or changes in texture.
They can be flesh-colored, white, or slightly pink in appearance.
Sometimes, periungual warts may cause nail lifting or separation from the nail bed.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Causes of Periungual Warts

Factors that contribute to the development of periungual warts include skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, weakened immune system, nail-biting or picking at cuticles, and frequent exposure to moist environments like swimming pools or communal showers.

The virus can enter the skin through tiny cuts or breaks, leading to the formation of warts around the nails. Proper hygiene practices and avoiding contact with infected individuals can help reduce the risk of developing periungual warts.

Periungual warts can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that infects the skin around the nails, leading to wart formation.
Direct contact with the virus, such as through touching warts on other parts of the body or sharing nail tools, can result in periungual wart development.
People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to periungual warts, as their bodies may struggle to fight off the HPV infection effectively.
Trauma or injury to the skin around the nails can create openings for the HPV virus to enter, increasing the risk of periungual wart growth.
Moist environments like swimming pools or communal showers provide ideal conditions for the HPV virus to thrive, potentially causing periungual warts to develop in individuals who come into contact with contaminated surfaces.

Types Of Periungual Warts

Periungual warts are common skin growths that occur around the nails and can be classified into several types based on their appearance and characteristics.

These include common warts, which are rough and raised with a cauliflower-like texture; filiform warts, characterized by long, narrow projections; flat warts, which are small, smooth, and slightly raised; mosaic warts, forming clusters of smaller warts; and plantar warts, which can also occur around the nails.

Each type may present with varying symptoms and require different treatment approaches, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective management.

Common periungual warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and often present as rough, raised bumps around the nails.
Filiform periungual warts have long, thread-like projections and can be more challenging to treat due to their appearance.
Flat periungual warts are smooth, flat-topped lesions that may occur around the nail bed and are commonly seen in children.
Verruca vulgaris periungual warts are the most common type and can develop on the fingers or toes, causing discomfort and cosmetic concerns.
Subungual periungual warts grow underneath the nail plate and can lead to nail deformities if not treated promptly.

Risk Factors

People with a weakened immune system are also at higher risk of developing periungual warts. Additionally, individuals who frequently use public swimming pools or communal showers are more likely to come into contact with the virus.

Poor hand hygiene practices and sharing personal items like nail clippers can also increase the risk of developing periungual warts. Taking precautions to avoid these risk factors can help reduce the likelihood of developing these pesky warts.

Nail biting or picking at the cuticles can increase the risk of periungual warts due to breaks in the skin.
Constant exposure to moist environments, such as swimming pools or communal showers, may predispose individuals to periungual warts.
Weakened immune system, whether due to medical conditions or medications, can make individuals more susceptible to developing periungual warts.
Sharing personal items like nail clippers or towels with someone who has periungual warts can facilitate the spread of the virus.
Individuals with a history of warts elsewhere on the body are at a higher risk of developing periungual warts.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Diagnosis of Periungual Warts

The appearance of these warts can vary but often present as rough, grainy growths around the nail bed. Dermoscopy, a technique using a magnifying tool called a dermatoscope, may be used to closely examine the wart for characteristic features. In some cases, a skin biopsy might be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Additionally, the healthcare provider may inquire about symptoms and medical history to rule out other conditions. This comprehensive approach helps in determining the presence of periungual warts accurately.

Periungual warts can be diagnosed through visual examination by a healthcare provider.
Dermoscopy may be used to analyze the wart's characteristics under magnification.
A biopsy can be performed in rare cases to confirm the diagnosis of periungual warts.
Skin scraping or a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation may help identify the wart virus.
In some instances, a viral culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test may be conducted.

Treatment for Periungual Warts

These may include over-the-counter topical treatments containing salicylic acid, cryotherapy where the wart is frozen off using liquid nitrogen, laser therapy to destroy the wart tissue, or surgical removal by a healthcare professional.

In some cases, immunotherapy or prescription-strength topical treatments may be recommended. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment approach based on the size, location, and severity of the periungual wart.

Periungual warts, which occur around the nails, can be treated through various methods to effectively eliminate the viral infection.
One common treatment option is the use of over-the-counter topical medications containing salicylic acid, which work by gradually peeling away the layers of the wart.
Cryotherapy, involving freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, is another effective treatment that can be performed by a healthcare provider to destroy the wart tissue.
In some cases, laser therapy may be recommended to target and destroy the wart tissue using a focused beam of light energy.
Surgical removal of periungual warts may be necessary for larger or stubborn warts that do not respond to other treatments.

Find Our Specialists

Book Doctor Appointment