Warts are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are typically small, raised bumps on the skin that can appear on the hands, feet, and other parts of the body. While warts are generally harmless, they can be unsightly and may cause discomfort or pain. There are several treatments available for warts, including topical medications, freezing, and laser therapy. In some cases, warts may turn black after treatment. Here’s what you need to know about this phenomenon.
When a wart turns black after treatment, it is usually a sign that the treatment is working. The discoloration is a result of the blood supply to the wart being cut off, which causes the tissue to die. This process is known as necrosis, and it is a common response to many wart treatments.
One common treatment for warts that can cause them to turn black is cryotherapy, or freezing. During this procedure, liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart to freeze the tissue, which causes the wart to fall off. After cryotherapy, the wart may initially turn white, and then eventually turn black before falling off. This is because the freezing process causes the blood vessels supplying the wart to constrict, leading to necrosis and discoloration.
Another treatment for warts that can cause them to turn black is cantharidin, a chemical that is applied to the surface of the wart. Cantharidin causes blistering, which separates the wart from the surrounding skin. After the blister dries up, the wart may turn black before falling off.
Other treatments that may cause warts to turn black include salicylic acid, laser therapy, and surgical removal. Salicylic acid is a topical medication that can be applied to the wart to dissolve the tissue. Laser therapy uses a high-intensity beam of light to destroy the wart tissue. Surgical removal involves cutting or scraping the wart off the skin.
It is important to note that while a black wart is usually a sign that the treatment is working, it is not always the case. In some cases, a black wart may be a sign of infection or other complications. If a wart turns black and does not fall off on its own, or if there are other signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge, it is important to seek medical attention.
In addition, some types of skin cancer can look like warts, and may also appear black or dark. If a wart is changing in size, shape, or color, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding or pain, it is important to have it evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out skin cancer.
In summary, when a wart turns black after treatment, it is usually a sign that the treatment is working. The discoloration is a result of the blood supply to the wart being cut off, which causes the tissue to die. However, it is important to monitor the wart and seek medical attention if there are any signs of infection or other complications.
