Warts appear as skin-coloured growths on the skin andmucous membranes. They are often 4-5 mm in size and can occur individually orin clusters. They typically have a rough, knobby surface. Common locations forwarts are the hands and feet, but they can occur anywhere. Warts are common in all age groups but are most common among children and teenagers. Approximately one-tenth of all children have warts at any given time.
Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 different HPV strains. The wart virus disrupts the normal skin cell growth, leading to the formation of wart growths. The diagnosis is based on the appearance of the warts and can be confirmed with additional tests. The wart virus can spread directly between individuals or indirectly through objects/environment. It is quite common to self-infect from one body part to another. It often takes several months (usually 4-12) from the time of infection until a wart develops. Covering warts can help prevent transmission. Skin conditions, such as eczema, can increase the risk of developing warts. This is due to a compromised skin barrier that makes it easier for the wart virus to establish itself in the skin.
Over time, the body will develop immunity to the specific HPV strain, and the warts will eventually disappear. This often takes months to years. As a rule of thumb, half of all warts will be gone within a year, and two-thirds within two years. However, there is some variation. Warts usually disappear faster in children than in adults. Since most warts will resolve on their own, treatment is often unnecessary.
However, some warts can be bothersome, cosmetically troublesome, or painful (such as plantar warts on the soles of the feet). In such cases, various treatment options are available, including:
Covering warts with adhesive bandages, socks, or shoes can help prevent transmission.
