Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can appear anywhere on the skin, often on the hands, feet, or face. They are typically small, raised bumps that can be skin-colored, brown, or gray. While warts are usually harmless and go away on their own over time, they can sometimes turn black or brown if they become irritated or damaged.
When a wart is damaged or irritated, the blood vessels within the wart can rupture, causing bleeding and discoloration. The blood may collect and clot within the wart, turning it dark brown or black. This is known as a thrombosed wart and can be a sign that the wart is dying. The dark color is caused by the buildup of dead tissue and blood within the wart.
It’s important to note that not all warts that turn black or brown are dying. Warts can also become discolored due to other factors, such as exposure to dirt or other environmental contaminants. In some cases, warts may also turn white or yellow if they are infected with bacteria or fungi.
If you have a wart that has turned black or brown, it’s important to monitor it closely and seek medical attention if it becomes painful, starts to bleed excessively, or shows signs of infection. A healthcare provider can examine the wart and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include topical or oral medications, freezing, or surgical removal.
In summary, while warts can appear in a variety of colors, a wart that turns black or brown may be a sign that it is dying. This can happen if the wart becomes damaged or irritated and the blood vessels within it rupture, causing bleeding and discoloration. However, not all warts that turn black or brown are dying, and it’s important to monitor any changes in your warts and seek medical attention if necessary.