Warts are small growths or bumps on the skin caused by a virus. Warts are most common in children and young adults, but older adults can have them also. They can grow on all parts of the body. They are commonly seen on the face, hands, feet, genitals, and rectal area.
The virus that causes warts is called the human papillomavirus (HPV). Some people get warts more easily than other people. There are over 100 types of HPV viruses. Warts can spread to other parts of your body. They may be passed to another person when that person touches the warts. Warts on the genital area can be spread to another person during sexual intercourse. You can also get warts from objects that were used by someone who has warts. Some people get warts more easily than other people.
Warts are skin-colored and feel rough to touch. They often cause a painless bump on the skin. Common warts appear on fingers, near or under nails, and backs of hands. They are often seen around the nails and cuticles in people who bite their nails or pick at hangnails. It may take up to 3 months from the time you are infected with the virus until it appears on your skin.
Warts on the soles of the feet are called plantar warts. They may grow directly into the sole of the foot or they may stick out from the surface of the foot.
Flat warts grow on many areas of the body. In children they are most common on the face. In adults they are often found in the bearded area on men's faces and on the legs in women. Irritation from shaving may be the reason for this. They tend to be smaller and smoother than other warts and grow in clusters of 20 to 100 at a time.
Genital warts occur on the genitals, such as the vagina or penis, and in the area around the anus. Sometimes you may not be able to see the warts and they may cause no symptoms. Symptoms they may cause include pain, itching, and burning. Genital warts can be sexually transmitted. Genital warts can be a more serious problem than warts on the skin. They need to be checked by your health care provider.
Your health care provider will examine your skin and the wart. Some tests, such as a Pap test in women, can help detect genital infection by HPV.
Your health care provider may use a number of treatments to remove warts. Warts can be frozen, burned, surgically removed, treated with chemicals or drugs, or removed with a laser. Some warts can be hard to get rid of completely. More than 1 treatment may be needed.
You can buy nonprescription products to treat most warts that are not genital warts. These products contain acids that you put on the wart twice a day for several weeks. Gradually, the dead skin of the wart will peel off. Use caution because these acids can irritate normal skin. Do not use these products if you are pregnant unless your provider says it is OK.
Another option is using duct tape. Cover a wart with duct tape for 6 days. Then remove the tape and soak the wart in water. Next, gently rub the wart with a pumice stone or emery board. Put the duct tape back on the area in 12 hours. Repeat this process for up to 2 months, or until the wart is gone.
If you think you have genital warts, contact your provider right away. Your sexual partner may need to be seen also. Avoid sexual contact until you are treated.
If nongenital warts do not interfere with walking or running or do not cause social problems or embarrassment, it may be best to leave them alone. In most cases your immune system will slowly get rid of the infection, but it may take many months.
Warts that are not genital are usually not serious and may disappear on their own in 2 to 3 years. Some warts last a lifetime. Genital warts are more serious and are related to the development of cervical cancer and other types of cancer. Genital warts need to be treated by your health care provider.
Treatment of warts can remove the warts, but it may not get rid of the virus. Because of this, warts may come back.
To reduce the risk of spreading warts:
Protect yourself by knowing your sexual partner's health history.
For more information about warts, call the American Academy of Dermatology at 888-462-3376 or visit their Web site at http://www.aad.org.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File SKN4873F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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