Warts are abnormal growths on the skin that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is the same virus that causes genital warts and cervical cancer; although there are over 100 different strains of the virus, so common warts may be caused by different strains than genital warts.

Types of Warts

The physical characteristics of warts may very depending on the location on the body. In his article, “Warts (Common Warts),” published by MedicineNet.com, Alan Rockoff, M.D. describes several types of warts. Flat warts, also called plane warts, may be found as groups of warts anywhere on the body, such as the face and legs. Dome-shaped warts may appear on the fingers, toes, and knees. Periungal warts may be found around or under the nails. Plantar warts grow on the bottom of the feet and may not be visible as they are often covered by layers of calloused skin. “Filiform warts,” says Rockoff, “typically appear as a single long stalk, often on the face.”


Causes of Warts (Common Warts)

The human papillomavirus spreads like other viruses – through direct contact with someone who is infected, or by touching an object that someone else contaminated with the virus. According to the February 16, 2010 Mayo Clinic article, “Common warts,” areas of the skin that are cracked or broken are more likely to be susceptible to the virus. Nail biting can lead to the development of warts around the nails. The absence of warts does not mean that one does not have HPV, however. The Mayo Clinic points out that, “It can take a wart as long as two to six months to develop after exposure to the virus.”

Warts can spread HPV to other people and to other parts of the body. New warts may form as old ones clear up.

Getting Rid of Warts

Common warts generally clear up after two years, but some find that warts may be painful and will try home remedies or discuss removal with a physician. Other-the-counter (OTC) medications containing salicylic acid may be all that is needed to get rid of the wart.

The doctor may choose one of several types of treatments for wart removal. Nitrogen may be used to freeze the wart, although multiple treatments may be necessary before the wart goes away for good. Cantharidin may be applied to the wart to cause a blister that raises the wart so the doctor can more easily remove it. Surgery may be done to cut the wart out of the skin.

The human papillomavirus can be persistent and may remain in the body for two or more years. There are many treatments for warts, but not all will work for everyone. In some cases, multiple treatments will be necessary before common warts are gone for good.

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