Wart

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

A wart is generally a small, rough tumor, typically on hands and feet, that can resemble a cauliflower or a solid blister. Warts are common, and are caused by a viral infection, specifically by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious when in contact with the skin of another. It is also possible to get warts from using towels or other objects. They typically disappear after a few months but can last for years and can reoccur. A few papilloma viruses are known to cause cervical cancer.

The typical wart is a raised round or oval growth on the skin with a rough surface. Compared with the surrounding normal skin, warts may appear light, dark, or black (rare). Most adults are familiar with the look of a typical wart and have little trouble recognizing it. Unusual warts with smooth surfaces or flat warts in children may be more difficult for parents to recognize.

Some warts will disappear without treatment, although it can sometimes take a couple of years. Treated or not, warts that go away often reappear. All warts can spread from one part of the body to another. Unsightly or painful warts can be treated. Warts around and under the nails are much more difficult to cure than warts in other places.

Avoiding direct skin contact with a wart on someone can contribute to preventing the infection.

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

A range of different types of wart have been identified, which differ in shape and site affected, as well as the type of human papillomavirus involved.^[1] These include:

• Common wart (Verruca vulgaris): A raised wart with roughened surface, most common on hands and knees.
• Flat wart (Verruca plana): A small, smooth flattened wart, tan or flesh colored, which can occur in large numbers; most common on the face, neck, hands, wrists and knees.
• Filiform or digitate wart: A thread- or finger-like wart, most common on the face, especially near the eyelids and lips.
• Plantar wart (verruca, Verruca pedis): A hard sometimes painful lump, often with multiple black specks in the center; usually only found on pressure points on the soles of the feet.
• Mosaic wart: A group of tightly clustered plantar-type warts, commonly on the hands or soles of the feet.
• Genital wart (venereal wart, condyloma acuminatum, verruca acuminata): A wart on either the urethral meatus or in the cervical, vaginal, or anal region.

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Some populations are more likely to get warts after exposure to HPV. At-risk groups include:

• Children
• Young adults
• Elderly people
• People with compromised immune systems (such as HIV/AIDS positive individuals or organ transplant recipients)

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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• Spread of warts
• Return of warts that disappeared
• Minor scar formation if the wart is removed
• Formation of keloids after removal

Warts are generally harmless growths that often go away on their own within 2 years. They can be contagious, but transmission from person to person is uncommon. Warts may be unsightly or cause discomfort, especially on the feet.

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