Warts are a common skin condition resulting from infection by one or another strain of human papillomavirus (HPV). Many types of warts, especially those usually found on children, disappear on their own. When troublesome, warts can be treated with medications or otherwise removed. Since warts are contagious through direct skin contact, strict personal hygiene can help to prevent their spread. This includes avoidance of shared personal items, such as towels or razors.
Warts appear as small skin growths, flat or slightly raised, on the surface of the skin. They can vary in coloration. Different types of warts appear on different parts of the body and vary in appearance. Some of the most common varieties of warts are:
Common warts, which usually appear on the fingers or toes
Flat warts, common on face, arms or legs
Plantar warts, which grow on the soles of the feet
Filiform warts, which grow on the face or neck
Periungual warts, which grow around or under toenails and fingernails
While most varieties of warts are benign, they may be itchy, painful or embarrassing. In most cases, treatment is permanent and warts do not return.
