Yes, warts can get bigger.
Warts typically start small, often around the size of a pinprick, but they have the potential to grow larger over time. This growth can occur due to several factors, including:
- Direct Contact: Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can spread through direct contact. As the virus replicates and infects more skin cells, the wart can increase in size.
- Autoinoculation: Warts can also spread to other areas of the body on the same person through a process called autoinoculation. Scratching or picking at a wart can release viral particles, which can then infect nearby skin, leading to the development of new, potentially larger warts.
- Lack of Treatment: If warts are left untreated, they will likely continue to grow and spread. Early intervention is essential to prevent them from becoming larger and more difficult to manage.
Periungual warts, which occur around or under the nails, are a specific type of wart that can grow larger and become particularly problematic. They may present as rough growths and can distort nail growth.
In summary, it's important to treat warts early to prevent them from increasing in size and spreading to other areas.
