Related concepts:

HPV, Verrucae, Common warts, Genital warts, Condylomata accuminata

Introduction to warts:

Contrary to well-established belief, the underside of a wart is smooth and round, and the entire wart is confined to the epidermis -- the outermost layer of the skin. There are no 'roots'!

Even without roots, warts can be difficult to destroy.

Warts will not leaves scars, though some of the more aggressive wart therapies might.

What are warts?

Warts are infections caused by viruses that are present everywhere, making them among the most common of all childhood skin conditions. The culprit will be one of more than 70 types of human papillomaviruses (HPV). They are spread when the virus touches a part of the skin where the outer protective layer is broken, either by minor trauma or by moisture. This happens most commonly on the fingers, elbows, knees, and the bottoms of the feet. Warts on the bottom of the feet are called plantar warts - named for the plantar surface (sole) of the foot.

Genital warts (condylomata accuminata) should be addressed carefully in children in order to be sure there has been no sexual abuse.

Who gets warts?

Anyone can get warts.

Some people get warts more easily than others. Warts are more common in children than in adults, partly because of their less mature immune systems and partly because they spend more time in wet-floored locker rooms and in active, close play.

Common warts occur in about 1 in 10 children. Genital warts occur in about 1 in 3 sexually active teens.

What are the symptoms of warts?

Warts are firm or fleshy bumps that might become yellowish tan, grayish black, brown, or remain flesh-colored.

Under a magnifying glass, the roughened surface of a wart often looks like a tiny cauliflower. The little black dots sometimes seen are the ends of blood vessels that the wart has recruited to bring it food.

Plantar warts often make running, jumping, and even walking, uncomfortable. The tenderness can change posture and cause strain elsewhere in the body. A little wart can be a big problem. Sometimes filing with an emery board and/or wearing a doughnut bandage can alleviate the discomfort. The warts are usually most tender when they are growing most rapidly. Often, the pain will disappear within a few days even if nothing is done.

Are warts contagious?

Yes. They are spread when the virus touches a part of the skin where the outer protective layer is broken. Warts can spread by direct contact (from yourself or someone else) and by means of fomites.

Genital warts can spread through the birth experience, through innocent contact, or through sexual contact.