Warts are small, usually benign (non-cancerous) growths on the skin caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). They result from an abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells triggered by the virus. Warts can appear anywhere on the body and vary in shape, size, and texture, often presenting as raised, rough, or flat lesions
Types of Warts and Affected Body Parts
- Common warts: Rough, raised bumps typically found on the hands but can grow anywhere. They range in size from a pinprick to a pencil eraser and may have tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels). Caused mainly by HPV types 2 or 4
- Plantar warts: Hard, flat growths on the soles of the feet, often painful, sometimes growing deep into the skin. They may have small black dots and can affect walking. Caused by HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27, and 57
- Mosaic warts: Clusters of smaller plantar-type warts, usually on the balls of the feet or under toes. Caused by HPV type 2
- Flat warts: Smooth, flat, and smaller than other warts, often occurring in groups on the face, back of hands, neck, or legs. More common in children and teens. Caused by HPV types 3, 10, and 28
- Filiform warts: Threadlike growths that typically appear around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Caused by HPV types 1, 2, 4, 27, and 29
- Genital warts: Small, hard, rough growths usually flesh-colored or whitish-gray, appearing in the pubic area, genitals, anus, vagina, or mouth. They often form clusters and may look like cauliflower. Usually caused by HPV types 6 and 11. These warts are sexually transmitted and may cause itching, discomfort, or mild pain
- Periungual warts: Thick, cauliflower-like growths around fingernails or toenails, potentially leading to infections. Common in people who bite nails or have frequent hand exposure to moisture
- Mucosal papillomas: Warts occurring on mucous membranes, such as inside the mouth or vagina, often white in color
Summary
Warts are viral skin growths caused by HPV that can affect many body parts, including:
- Hands (common warts, flat warts)
- Feet soles (plantar and mosaic warts)
- Face, eyelids, nose, mouth (flat and filiform warts)
- Genital and anal regions (genital warts)
- Around nails (periungual warts)
- Mucous membranes (mucosal papillomas)
They may be painless or cause discomfort, especially when on pressure areas like the feet. Warts can spread by direct contact and sometimes resolve spontaneously, but treatments are available to remove them if needed
