Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin. Most of the time warts are harmless. They are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Some warts are spread through sex.
Warts may affect your appearance and can be embarrassing. Warts may itch or hurt (particularly on the feet). All warts can potentially spread from one part of your body to another. Warts can also be spread from person to person. Most warts are raised with a rough surface. They may be round or oval.
- The spot where the wart is may be lighter or darker than the other skin. Rarely, warts are black.
- Some warts have smooth or flat surfaces.
- Some warts may cause pain.
Different types of warts include:
- Common warts – often appear on the hands, but can grow anywhere. Flat warts are generally found on the face and forehead. They are most common in children.
- Genital warts – usually found on the genitals, in the pubic area, and in the area between the thighs. They can also appear inside the vagina and the anal canal.
- Plantar warts – found on the soles of the feet. They can be very painful. Many of them on the foot may cause problems walking or running.
- Subungual and periungual warts – appear under and around the fingernails or toenails.
Call your health care provider if:
- You have signs of infection (red streaking, pus, discharge, or fever) or bleeding.
- You have a lot of bleeding from the wart or bleeding does not stop when you apply light pressure.
- The wart does not respond to self-care and you want it removed.
- The wart causes pain.
- You have anal or genital warts.
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system (for example, HIV) and have developed warts.
- There is any change in the color or appearance of the wart.
The three most commonly used treatments are:
- Salicylic acid.
- Freezing treatment.
- Covering with duct tape.
Contact us for more information at (561) 123-1234