Warts are benign skin growths that develop due to HPV (Human Pailloma Virus) infection on the skin. Warts are generally harmless but at times can be bothersome, unsightly and painful.
Common warts (Verruca Vulgaris) : This warts typically appear on the hands, and may range from the size of a pin head to a size of a pea; they can have black dots that look like seeds.
Plantar warts : These warts typically form on the soles of the feet. These warts can be painful when grow inwards.
Warts are caused by certain strains of HPV mostly 2, 4 (for common warts, plantar warts) 6, 11 (causes 90% of genital warts). Importantly, the type of HPV that can progress to cancer (e.g. cervical cancer) does not cause warts.
The virus can enter the skin through small cuts and cause extra cell growth, the outer layer of the skin turns thicker and harder forming a wart. Warts are more likely to infect moist and soft skin or injured skin forming warts.
Warts are contagious because it is formed due to infection by HPV which is contagious. Warts can spread through direct contact, e.g. touching someone else's warts or skin to skin contact or indirect contact eg. sharing towels of people having warts.
Common warts (Verruca Vulgaris) : This warts typically appear on the hands, and may range from the size of a pin head to a size of a pea; they can have black dots that look like seeds.
Plantar warts : These warts typically form on the soles of the feet. These warts can be painful when grow inwards.
Flat warts : These warts can develop anywhere in the body and tend to grow in large numbers like 20 to 100 at a time. They are smaller and smoother compared to other warts.
Filiform warts : These warts look like long threads that stick out, most commonly seen on the face around the mouth, eyes and nose.
Genital warts : These warts affect, the genitals and rectum and equally found in males and females . It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Mozaic warts : These are small about the size of a pin head and typically form on the balls of the feet and under the toes. They rarely hurt while walking.
Butcher's warts : Found on the hands of people those handle raw meet like butchers.
Focal epithelial hyperplasia (heck's disease) : Is the rare condition where warts develop in the oral mucosa.
Pain : Most warts are asymptomatic and not painful but plantar warts can grow inwards into the foot and can be painful while walking.
Infection : Infection can rarely happen if there is a cut and pick in the wart.
Mental issue : Warts in the visible areas and the genitals may be embarrassing and can effect the self esteem and mental health.
Surgical removal is not commonly performed as it can leave a scar. Over the counter (OTC) products that contain salicylic acid dissolves warts one layer at a time and the treatment may need several months to get rid of the warts and has a cure rate of 50-70% only.
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