Warts

A wart is usually a small, rough skin growth caused by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. Warts are noncancerous, but they are contagious and can spread from one part of the body to another or from person to person. They vary in size, shape, and location. Some are flat and smooth, while others are raised, rough, or have a cauliflower-like appearance. Warts can appear anywhere on the body, though they are most commonly found on the hands, feet, and face.

Warts are caused by infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 different types of HPV, but only some are responsible for causing skin warts. The virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, scratches, or breaks in the surface. Once inside, the virus uses your own cells to make copies of itself, and it triggers growth of skin cells, leading to the characteristic bump or lesion.

Warts are contagious. They can spread by direct skin-to-skin contact, such as shaking hands with someone who has a wart. They may also spread indirectly through shared objects or surfaces, like towels, gym mats, or shower floors. In some cases, warts can spread on the same person when scratched or picked, a process known as autoinoculation.

The appearance of a wart depends on its type and location. Common symptoms include:

• Raised bumps that may feel rough or grainy
• Flesh-colored, pink, or brown lesions that blend into surrounding skin
• Tiny black dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels inside the wart
• Clusters of small growths, particularly with flat warts
• Pain or tenderness, especially when warts develop on the soles of the feet (plantar warts)

Most warts are painless, but plantar warts may make standing, walking, or exercising uncomfortable because of the pressure on the bottom of the foot.

There are several different types of warts, each with distinct features:

• Common warts – Usually found on fingers, hands, or around nails. They are rough, dome-shaped, and may contain dark specks.
• Plantar warts – Appear on the soles of the feet. They grow inward due to pressure from walking and often cause pain when stepping.
• Flat warts – Smaller, smoother, and flatter than common warts. They often occur on the face, arms, or legs and may appear in clusters.
• Filiform warts – Long, narrow growths that appear around the mouth, eyes, or nose.
• Periungual warts – Found under or around the fingernails and toenails, which can make nail growth irregular or uncomfortable.

Not everyone exposed to HPV will develop warts. Several factors increase the risk:

• Age – Children and teenagers are more likely to develop warts because their immune systems are still developing.
• Weakened immune system – People with weakened immunity, whether from illness, medications, or chronic conditions, are more susceptible.
• Frequent skin trauma – Cuts, scrapes, and even habits like nail biting or picking at hangnails increase the likelihood of infection.
• Environment – Walking barefoot in public places such as locker rooms, swimming pools, or communal showers raises the risk of plantar warts.
• Close contact – Sharing towels, razors, or personal items with someone who has warts can spread the virus.

Warts can affect anyone at any age, but they are especially common in school-aged children. Because children are more likely to come into close contact with peers and have frequent minor cuts or scrapes, they are a high-risk group. Adults with weakened immune systems, whether from medical conditions or immune-suppressing medications, are also at higher risk.

Athletes, particularly swimmers, wrestlers, and gymnasts, may be more prone to warts because of frequent skin contact and exposure to shared surfaces. Individuals who work with their hands, such as healthcare workers, landscapers, or food handlers, may also be more likely to encounter the virus.