Warts are small, rough, and raised growths on the skin that appear as a result of a viral infection. The most common type of wart is the common wart, which usually appears on the fingers or hands and is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Causes of Warts

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, which can be spread through contact with an infected individual or object.

The virus can enter the body through tiny cuts or scrapes, and then the wart develops on the outer layer of the skin, resulting in its rough, bumpy appearance.

Symptoms of Warts

The symptoms of warts can include the following:.

Small, raised bumps on the skin.
Rough surface texture.
Color ranging from gray to brown.
Pain or discomfort.
Spread of the wart to other areas of the body or to other people.

Treatment for Warts

There are a variety of treatments available for warts, including:.

Over-the-counter medications such as salicylic acid, which can be applied to the wart to help dissolve it.
Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart off with liquid nitrogen.
Electrocautery, which involves burning off the wart with an electric current.
Surgery, which involves removing the wart with a scalpel or laser.

Prevention of Warts

There are several things you can do to prevent warts, including:.

Avoid touching other people’s warts.
Avoid sharing towels, razors, or other personal items with someone who has a wart.
Avoid walking barefoot in public places like pools or gyms.
Cover up any cuts or scrapes on your skin to prevent the virus from entering your body.
Keep your hands clean and dry to prevent the spread of the virus.

When to See a Doctor

If you have a wart that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, is causing pain or discomfort, or is spreading rapidly, you should see a doctor. A dermatologist can evaluate your wart and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Conclusion

Warts are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus. They can be treated with a variety of methods, and there are several things you can do to prevent them.

If you’re concerned about a wart, you should see a doctor to discuss your treatment options.