What is a wart?

Non-cancerous skin growths that appear when a virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the top layer of the skin.

Appearance:

Warts are usually skin-colored and rough. May also appear dark, flat or smooth.

Are warts contagious?

Warts may be transmitted through physical contact. Additionally, warts can arise after touching something that was previously in contact with a wart.

Who can get warts?

Anyone can get warts. However, some people are more prone to getting them. Examples: Children and teens, people who bite their nails, and people with a weakened immune system.

Common Types of Warts:

Verruca vulgaris

• Can grow anywhere on the body but most commonly grow on the fingers, around the nails and on the backs of the hands
• Sometimes have tiny black dots (which are actually blood vessels)
• Feel rough and bumpy

Plantar warts

• Grow on the soles of the feet.
• Appear flat and grow inward due to the pressure from walking
• Can be sore especially when standing or walking

Flat warts

• Can grow anywhere
• Children often get them on their face, men get them in the beard area and women usually get them on their legs
• Smaller and smoother but can grow in numbers from 20 to 100 at a time.

Filiform warts

• Rapidly grow around the mouth, eyes, and nose
• Appear like long threads or thin extensions that stick out

Treatment

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Salicylic acid
• Imiquimod cream
• Trichloroacetic acid
• Duct tape!