Common Warts

Common warts are a type of skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are one of the most common types of warts and can appear anywhere on the body, but are most often found on the hands, feet, and face.

Causes and Risk Factors

Common warts are caused by the HPV virus, which is highly contagious and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. The risk of developing common warts is higher in people who:

• Have a weakened immune system
• Have skin injuries or cuts
• Share personal care items, such as towels or razors
• Walk barefoot in public areas, such as swimming pools or locker rooms

Symptoms

The symptoms of common warts include:

• A small, rough, or flat growth on the skin
• A wart that is gray, brown, or flesh-colored
• A wart with a cauliflower-like appearance
• Itching, bleeding, or pain in the affected area

Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose common warts by:

• Visual examination of the wart
• Biopsy of the wart to rule out other skin conditions

Treatment Options

Treatment options for common warts include:

• Cryotherapy: freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen
• Cantharidin: applying a blistering agent to the wart
• Salicylic acid: applying a topical treatment to dissolve the wart
• Imiquimod: applying a cream to stimulate the immune system to fight the virus
• Surgical removal: cutting out the wart

Prevention

To prevent common warts, it is recommended to:

• Avoid sharing personal care items
• Wear shoes in public areas
• Keep the skin clean and dry
• Avoid touching or scratching the wart

Complications

If left untreated, common warts can lead to:

• Persistent or recurrent warts
• Skin irritation or inflammation
• Spread of the virus to other parts of the body or to others

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are common warts?
Small, rough growths on the skin caused by a virus.

What causes common warts?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

How are common warts spread?
Through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces.

Where do common warts usually appear?
On hands, fingers, and feet.

Are common warts painful?
Usually not, but can be if irritated.

Can common warts be treated?
Yes, with topical creams, cryotherapy, or surgery.

How long does it take for common warts to go away on their own?
Several months to 2 years.

Can common warts be prevented?
By avoiding skin-to-skin contact and keeping hands clean.

Are common warts contagious?
Yes, through direct contact with the wart.

Do common warts increase cancer risk?
No, most common warts are benign.