what causes warts on hands

Warts on the hands are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a family of viruses that affects the skin and moist membranes of the body. The virus enters through small cuts in the skin and causes an overgrowth of cells, making the outer layer of the skin turn thick and hard, and a raised, dome-shaped wart eventually forms. There are more than 100 different strains of HPV, but only a few cause warts on the hands. The virus is quite common and can be transmitted by touch or through shared objects, such as towels or razors. It can take a wart as long as two to six months to develop after the skin has been exposed to the virus. While warts are generally harmless, they can be unsightly, bothersome, or painful, and if they are, removal is an option.