Warts are caused by viral infections, although they are sometimes accompanied by pus, which is caused by bacteria. Treating a wart with pus usually involves the use of topical or oral antibiotics, and occasionally your health care provider will recommend a combination of the two. Warts are usually left on their own, although they can be removed with a laser or chemical wart remover. A wart with pus is highly contagious, and the infection can easily spread to other people and to different parts of the body.
Warm compresses should be applied to a pus-filled wart to facilitate healing and promote drainage of pus. A wart with pus should never be placed at home in an attempt to drain the pus, as this could worsen the infection and cause it to spread. A warm 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 swelling at the site, redness, pain, and a rise in temperature in the area. Fever, chills, and body aches may also occur if the infection becomes systemic.
The color of the 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. In addition, the pus can be watery or thick and sticky. Again, the consistency or amount of pus is not a reflection of the severity or type of infection.
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 are usually not.
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 may then be applied and the area covered with a sterile bandage. If the wart continues to drain pus, it should be kept covered to prevent the spread of infection, and the health care provider should be notified.