Warts: The Stubborn Skin Bumps You Need to Know About
Published: Jul 20, 2024
Warts are pesky skin growths caused by a virus that can pop up anywhere on your body. While they're usually harmless, they can be unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable.
Contents
The Wart Basics
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the top layer of your skin. There are over 200 types of HPV, and different types tend to cause warts in different areas. For example, HPV type 1 often causes warts on the soles of your feet, while types 6 and 11 typically affect the genital area. Warts spread through skin-to-skin contact, and they're more common in children, young adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Types of Warts
There are several types of warts you might encounter. Common warts usually appear on hands and are rough to the touch. Plantar warts grow on the soles of your feet and can be painful when you walk. Flat warts are smoother and often appear in large numbers on the face or legs. Filiform warts are long and thin, typically showing up around the mouth or nose.
To Treat or Not to Treat?
Many warts will go away on their own, especially in children. About two-thirds of warts in kids disappear within two years without treatment. However, you might want to treat warts if they're painful, spreading, or causing you embarrassment. People with weakened immune systems may need treatment to prevent warts from becoming extensive or persistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, warts can spread through direct contact.
Warts can last months to years without treatment.
Avoid touching warts and keep feet covered in public showers.
Some may help, but medical treatments are usually more effective.
Key Takeaways
While warts can be annoying, there are many effective treatments available if you choose not to wait for them to disappear on their own.
If you're concerned about a wart, why not chat with Doctronic to learn more about your treatment options?Related Articles
References
Sterling JC, et al. British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts 2014. Br J Dermatol 2014; 171:696.
Kwok CS, et al. Topical treatments for cutaneous warts. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; :CD001781.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.