Warts

Warts are extra skin growths on your body that occur due to an infection caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). Warts can grow anywhere on your body but it can be mostly seen on your hands, face, feet, genitals and rectal area. Fortunately, Warts are not cancerous. They appear as small bumpy mounds, look lighter or darker than your skin color and in rare cases may be black in color. Warts are usually harmless and often disappear on their own.

How do you get warts?
Warts are highly infectious and can be spread from person to person easily. Here are some of the common ways in which you can get Warts.

If you have any skin damage, the virus can enter easily and infect you. For example, children who pick their fingernails tend to get Warts quite often.
You may get Warts by sharing things like towels or other objects with a person who has Warts.
Having sex with an infected person can get you infected too.

Warts tend to grow very slowly. In fact you may notice them only after 2–9 months following infection. They can easily spread to other parts of your body, especially if you pick or rub them. Some people develop Warts more easily than others, just as some people are easily prone to the common cold. Individuals with a weak Immune System are also more likely to get infected.

Types of Warts - Warts are of various types:

Common warts

Commonly seen on your hands, fingers and near your fingernails.
They appear as small grainy bumps.
Often called wart “seeds” as they often contain tiny black spots, which are clotted blood vessels
They are usually painless.
More commonly found in children.

Plantar (foot) warts

Usually occur on the soles of your feet.
Like common warts, they also have black spots on the surface.
Since they are on the soles of your feet, you might find it uncomfortable and painful while walking.

Flat warts

Usually occur on your face, neck or legs.
They are about the size of a pinhead and smoother than the other types of Warts.
More common in children.

Genital warts

One of the most common Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
May occur on the genitals, pubic area, inside the Vagina and in the anal canal.

Preventing warts
You can prevent Warts by taking some preventive measures:

Avoid direct contact with the person who has Warts.
Do not share towels or other personal items with anyone who has Warts.
If you have any cuts or wounds on your skin, wash it with soap to clean the area.
Wash your hands well if you touch any Warts.
Using condoms while having sex may reduce, but may not necessarily eliminate the risk of developing Warts.

Treating warts Warts are unlikely to cause any harm and often disappear on their own. However you should see your doctor if it becomes bothersome and causes discomfort (see Box).

There are many over-the-counter medications available. Under any circumstances, your doctor is the best person to advise you depending on the type of Warts you have.

See your doctor if

There is any change in the appearance of warts

It becomes painful

Its bleeding, swollen and/or oozing pus

It is rapidly spreading to other parts of your body

It develops on your genitals

Quiz

General

Utility & Tools

Pregnancy and Parenting

Interactives

Sitemap