Warts are small, noncancerous growths that appear on the skin when it is infected with one of the many viruses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. They are contagious and can be passed by direct skin contact, such as when you pick at your warts and then touch another area of your body, or with things like towels or razors that have touched a wart on your body or on someone elses. Warts can grow anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to appear on the hands or feet. The type of wart depends on where it is and what it looks like.
Common types of warts include:
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Common warts: These are raised or oval growths that usually appear on the hands and have a rough surface. They may look light, dark, or black.
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Flat warts: These are generally found on the face and forehead, and are most common in children.
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Plantar warts: These are found on the soles of the feet and can be painful when walking.
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Genital warts: These appear on the genitals and are sexually transmitted.
Warts can go away on their own after the immune system fights off the virus, but many people choose to remove them because they find them bothersome or embarrassing. Treatment options include over-the-counter medications, topical chemicals, cryotherapy, and surgery.
