What Causes Warts? Reasons Behind These Skin Growths

Warts are skin growths that develop due to strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a viral infection that leads to abnormal skin cell growth.¹ There are several types of warts, including common warts, plantar warts, and flat warts. While warts can be stubborn, many treatment options can help get rid of them, such as over-the-counter treatments, prescription medications, and procedures like cryotherapy.¹ Warts are a common condition, with most people experiencing at least one wart in their lifetime.²

Key Takeaways

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a viral infection that leads to abnormal skin cell growth.
There are several types of warts, including common warts, plantar warts, and flat warts.
Warts can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, prescription medications, and in-office procedures like cryotherapy.
Warts are a common condition, with most people experiencing at least one wart in their lifetime.
Preventing the spread of warts and addressing underlying risk factors are important for managing this skin condition.

Introduction to Warts

Definition and Overview

Warts are small, grainy skin growths that occur due to a viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).³ There are over 100 types of HPV, and different strains can cause different types of warts, such as common warts, plantar warts, and flat warts.

Prevalence and Impact

Warts are a common condition, with most people experiencing at least one wart in their lifetime.³ They can have a significant impact on a person’s physical and emotional well-being.³ Warts are highly contagious and can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated objects, such as towels or shared items.³

What Causes Warts?

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that infects the outer layer of skin.¹ There are over 100 different types of HPV, and certain strains are more likely to cause specific types of warts, such as common warts, plantar warts, and genital warts.²

Modes of Transmission

HPV can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, such as towels, clothing, or shared items.¹ Some strains of HPV are spread through sexual contact, while most are spread by casual skin contact or shared objects.¹

Immune System’s Role

The immune system plays a crucial role in the development and persistence of warts. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have had organ transplants, are more susceptible to developing warts.¹ Genetic makeups and immune systems can also make certain individuals more susceptible to skin warts.²

Not everyone who comes in contact with HPV develops warts.¹ Warts are common among siblings within the same family and children of individuals who had skin warts as children.²

To help prevent common warts, activities such as not touching or picking at warts, avoiding shared hot tubs, showers, or warm baths, and not sharing washcloths or towels are recommended.¹ Preventive measures also include thorough handwashing, cleaning gym equipment before use, and protecting skin from cuts and nicks.²

Additionally, it is advised not to use the same emery board, pumice stone, or nail clipper on warts as on healthy skin and nails, and to avoid biting fingernails or picking at hangnails.¹

Key Factors Affecting Wart Development	Data
Time for Common Warts to Develop	Common warts can take 2 to 6 months to develop.¹
Prevalence of HPV Types	There are more than 100 types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), but only a few cause warts on the hands.¹ More than 100 unique types of HPV have been identified by scientists.²
Susceptibility to Warts	People at higher risk of developing common warts include children, young adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems (like those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients).¹ Children get skin warts more frequently than adults, likely due to their immune systems being less developed.²
Risk Factors for Wart Development	The risk factors for developing common warts also include people with the habit of nail biting or picking at hangnails.¹

Types of Warts

Common Warts

Common warts are the most prevalent type of wart, occurring most often on the fingers, hands, and other areas of the body.¹ These warts often appear on the fingers or hands and can take 2 to 6 months to develop.¹ More than 100 types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) exist, but only a few cause warts on the hands.¹ Common warts are usually harmless and can disappear over time without treatment.¹ Risk factors for developing common warts include children, young adults, and individuals who bite nails or pick at hangnails.¹ Common warts can be transmitted through casual skin contact or shared objects like towels or washcloths.¹ Not everyone who comes in contact with HPV will develop warts, as each person’s immune system responds differently to the virus.¹

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are warts that develop on the soles of the feet, and they can be particularly painful and stubborn to treat.⁴ Plantar warts on the sole of the foot can be caused by HPV types 1 and 2, with varying characteristics such as deep, tender growths or small surface-level warts in clusters.⁴

Flat Warts

Flat warts are smaller, smoother, and flatter than common warts, and they often appear on the face, arms, or legs.⁴ Flat warts are usually small, flesh-colored growths that can grow in groups of 20 to 200 and are commonly found on the face, thighs, or arms.⁴ Kids and teens get more warts than adults due to their immune systems not having built up defenses against the many types of HPV.⁵ Flat warts tend to appear on children’s faces, men’s beard areas, and women’s legs.⁵

Risk Factors for Wart Development

Children and young adults are at a higher risk of developing common warts, as their immune systems may not have built up a strong defense against the numerous strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).¹ People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have had organ transplants, are more susceptible to developing warts due to their compromised immune function.¹,³

Age and Immune Status

Warts are very common among children and teenagers, with studies showing that up to 33% of children and teenagers have warts.³ The estimated prevalence of warts in adults is much lower, at about 3 to 5%.³ Among school-age children and teenagers, approximately 50% no longer had any warts after one year, and about 70% were wart-free after two years, indicating a relatively high rate of natural resolution in younger individuals.³ People with a weakened immune system, such as those who have had an organ transplant or have serious diseases like cancer or AIDS, are at greater risk of developing warts due to their immune system’s reduced ability to fight off the viruses.³

Habits and Behaviors

Habits and behaviors that can increase the risk of wart development include nail biting, picking at hangnails, and engaging in activities that expose the skin to potential sources of HPV, such as using shared towels or showers.¹ People who have the habit of nail biting or picking at hangnails are more predisposed to developing common warts.¹ Various risk factors for developing warts include working with raw meat, frequent use of communal showers, having family members with warts, being in close contact with individuals who have warts, and having atopic diseases like eczema.³

Maintaining good hygiene and protecting the skin from cuts and abrasions can help reduce the risk of wart transmission and development.

Symptoms of Warts

Warts are characterized by small, fleshy, grainy bumps on the skin that often have a rough texture.¹ Common warts may have tiny black dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels.¹ Warts can cause discomfort, pain, or even bleeding, especially if they are located in areas that experience friction or pressure, such as the hands or feet.¹ The physical appearance and location of the warts can help differentiate between the different types, such as common warts, plantar warts, and flat warts.

Physical Appearance

Warts are small, fleshy, grainy skin growths that often have a rough, uneven texture.¹ Common warts may feature tiny black dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels visible within the wart.¹ The physical characteristics of the wart, such as its size, shape, and location, can help healthcare providers identify the specific type of wart present.

Discomfort and Pain

Warts can cause discomfort, pain, or even bleeding, especially if they are located in areas that experience a lot of friction or pressure, such as the hands or feet.¹ The level of discomfort and pain associated with warts can vary depending on the individual and the specific type and location of the wart.⁶ Seeking prompt treatment can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent further discomfort or complications.

Diagnosis of Warts

Warts are typically diagnosed through a visual inspection by a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or primary care physician.¹ The healthcare provider will examine the physical appearance and characteristics of the skin growth to determine if it is a wart and to identify the specific type of wart.

Visual Inspection

Warts can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, such as skin tags or moles, so a healthcare provider may need to perform additional tests or examinations to differentiate the wart from other skin growths.¹ Proper diagnosis is important to ensure the appropriate treatment plan is implemented and to rule out any underlying skin conditions that may require different management.

Differentiating from Other Skin Conditions

The healthcare provider’s visual inspection of the skin growth’s physical appearance and characteristics is a crucial step in diagnosing warts.¹ This process helps the healthcare provider distinguish warts from other similar-looking skin conditions, ensuring the patient receives the most appropriate treatment for their specific condition.

Treatment Options for Warts

When it comes to treating warts, individuals have several options to consider, ranging from over-the-counter solutions to more advanced medical procedures.⁷

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Over-the-counter wart treatments, such as salicylic acid or cryotherapy (freezing) solutions, can be effective for some individuals in removing warts. Approximately 39 out of 100 people using salicylic acid solutions saw their warts disappear after three to six months of treatment, compared to 25 out of 100 people with a placebo treatment.⁷

Prescription Medications

For more stubborn or recurrent warts, prescription medications, including topical creams or ointments containing retinoids or immune-modulating agents, may be prescribed by healthcare providers.⁸ Additionally, 5-fluoruracil, another treatment, is often used with good results in children and is applied directly to the wart for 12 weeks.⁸

Cryotherapy and Other Procedures

Cryotherapy, in which the wart is frozen off using liquid nitrogen, is a common in-office procedure performed by healthcare providers to remove warts. In cryotherapy, approximately 49 out of 100 people no longer had any warts after three months, whereas only about 13 out of 100 people did not have warts without any treatment.⁷ Other treatment options for warts can include laser therapy, surgical excision, or the use of immune-boosting medications to help the body fight the underlying HPV infection.⁸

It is important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary, and individuals may need to try different options or a combination of therapies to achieve the desired results. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the individual’s specific needs and preferences.⁸

Prevention of Wart Transmission

To help prevent the transmission of warts, it is important to avoid touching or picking at warts, including one’s own warts.¹ Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and not sharing personal items like towels or nail clippers, can reduce the risk of wart transmission.¹ Protecting the skin from cuts, scrapes, and other breaks in the skin can help prevent the entry of the wart-causing HPV virus, as the virus is more likely to infect damaged skin.¹ Using moisturizers to keep the skin healthy and avoiding habits like nail biting or picking at hangnails can also help reduce the risk of wart development and spread.¹

Hygiene and Precautions

Practicing good hygiene is crucial in preventing the transmission of warts. This includes regular handwashing, avoiding the sharing of personal items like towels or nail clippers, and keeping warts clean and dry.¹ Additionally, it’s important to refrain from touching or picking at warts, as this can lead to the spread of the virus to other areas of the body or to other people.¹

Protecting Broken Skin

Protecting the skin from cuts, scrapes, and other breaks is essential in preventing the entry of the wart-causing HPV virus.¹ The virus is more likely to infect damaged skin, so keeping the skin healthy and using moisturizers can help reduce the risk of wart development and spread.¹ Additionally, avoiding habits like nail biting or picking at hangnails can also help minimize the potential for the virus to enter the body.¹

Complications and Concerns

Warts can be a persistent and concerning skin condition, as they can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated⁹. Even after successful treatment, warts may recur due to the underlying Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection that can still be present⁹. This highlights the importance of prompt and comprehensive management of warts to prevent their spread and recurrence.

Wart Spread and Recurrence

One of the primary complications associated with warts is their ability to spread to other parts of the body. If warts are not properly treated, they can expand to surrounding skin or even appear in new locations, potentially leading to a worsening of the condition⁹. Additionally, even after successful treatment, the underlying HPV infection may still be present, increasing the risk of wart recurrence⁹.

Genital Warts and HPV-Related Cancers

Another significant concern with warts is their potential link to genital warts and HPV-related cancers. Certain strains of HPV, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, are associated with an increased risk of developing genital warts, as well as cervical, anal, and penile cancers⁹. Individuals with warts, especially those in the genital area, should be closely monitored by healthcare providers to address any potential HPV-related health concerns.

Prompt treatment of warts and regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor for any signs of spread or recurrence, as well as to address any potential HPV-related health concerns⁹. By staying vigilant and proactively managing warts, individuals can reduce the risk of complications and minimize the long-term impact of this common skin condition.

Living with Warts

Warts can have a significant emotional impact on individuals, particularly if they are visible or located in prominent areas, as they may cause feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment, or anxiety.³ Individuals living with warts may need to make lifestyle adjustments, such as being cautious about physical contact with others, avoiding shared personal items, and seeking treatment to prevent the spread of warts.

Support from healthcare providers, family, and friends can be important for individuals dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of living with warts.³ While most warts are harmless and will go away on their own within a few weeks or months,³ the presence of these skin growths can be distressing, especially for children and teenagers, who experience a higher prevalence of warts compared to adults.³

Adjusting to the lifestyle changes required to manage warts, such as avoiding contact with infected skin, using personal items separately, and maintaining good skin hygiene, can help individuals cope with the practical and emotional aspects of living with this common skin condition.¹⁰ By seeking support and following appropriate treatment and prevention strategies, individuals can minimize the impact of warts on their daily lives and overall well-being.

Warts in Special Populations

Certain groups of individuals are at a higher risk of developing warts and may experience more persistent or recurrent skin growths. These special populations include³children and adolescents as well as those with weakened immune systems, such as individuals living with HIV/AIDS or who have undergone organ transplants.

Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents are more susceptible to developing warts due to their relatively immature immune systems, which may not have built up a strong defense against the numerous strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).³Up to 33% of children and teenagers have warts, making this skin condition very common among this age group.³Studies have shown that about 50% of school-age children and teenagers no longer had any warts after one year, and approximately 70% were wart-free after two years, indicating that their immune systems eventually gained the ability to clear the HPV infection.

Immunocompromised Individuals

¹People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, are at higher risk of developing common warts.³Individuals with compromised immune function, including adults and children who have had organ transplants or serious diseases like cancer or AIDS, are more likely to develop warts and may experience more persistent or recurrent skin growths.

Healthcare providers may need to take a more proactive approach to the management of warts in these special populations, including the use of more aggressive treatment options or strategies to support the immune system and help the body fight the underlying HPV infection.³Warts are almost always harmless for individuals with a healthy immune system, but may be more challenging to remove for those with weakened immune systems.

Future Prospects and Research

As researchers continue to explore innovative solutions for addressing the common skin condition of warts, two key areas of focus have emerged: the development of vaccines and the exploration of emerging treatment options.³

Vaccine Development

Researchers are actively exploring the development of vaccines that could potentially prevent or treat warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).¹¹ These efforts aim to harness the power of the immune system to provide a more proactive approach to managing this persistent skin condition.¹¹

Emerging Treatments

In addition to vaccine research, scientists are investigating a range of emerging treatment options for warts, including novel topical medications, immunotherapies, and laser or light-based therapies.¹¹ These innovative approaches hold the promise of providing more effective and less invasive alternatives to current treatment options, potentially improving the management and outcomes for individuals affected by warts.¹¹

Ongoing research and advancements in the understanding of HPV and the immune system’s role in wart development may lead to improved prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies for this common skin condition, offering hope for a future with more effective and accessible solutions.³¹¹

Conclusion

Warts are a common skin condition caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a highly contagious viral infection that leads to the abnormal growth of skin cells.³¹² While warts can be stubborn and recurrent, there are various treatment options available, from over-the-counter remedies to prescription medications and in-office procedures, that can help individuals manage and remove these skin growths.

Preventing the transmission of warts and addressing any underlying health concerns or risk factors are important steps in managing this condition and minimizing the physical and emotional impact it can have on an individual’s life.¹² Ongoing research and advancements in the field of wart treatment and prevention hold promise for improved management strategies and a better understanding of this common skin condition.

Warts are a prevalent and often harmless skin condition, but they can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to manage and prevent the spread of warts, ultimately improving their overall skin health and well-being.³¹²

FAQ

What are warts?

Warts are small, grainy skin growths that occur due to a viral infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

What causes warts?

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that infects the outer layer of skin. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and certain strains are more likely to cause specific types of warts.

How do warts spread?

Warts are highly contagious and can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated objects, such as towels or shared items.

What are the different types of warts?

The main types of warts include common warts, plantar warts, and flat warts. Each type is caused by a specific strain of HPV and has distinct characteristics.

Who is at risk of developing warts?

Children and young adults are at a higher risk of developing common warts, as their immune systems may not have built up a strong defense against the numerous strains of HPV. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have had organ transplants, are also more susceptible to developing warts.

What are the symptoms of warts?

Warts are characterized by small, fleshy, grainy bumps on the skin that often have a rough texture. They may also have tiny black dots, which are actually clotted blood vessels. Warts can cause discomfort, pain, or even bleeding, especially if they are located in areas that experience friction or pressure.

How are warts diagnosed?

Warts are typically diagnosed through a visual inspection by a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or primary care physician. The healthcare provider will examine the physical appearance and characteristics of the skin growth to determine if it is a wart and to identify the specific type of wart.

What are the treatment options for warts?

There are several treatment options for warts, including over-the-counter wart treatments, prescription medications, and in-office procedures like cryotherapy (freezing). The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of the wart.

How can warts be prevented?

Practicing good hygiene, avoiding touching or picking at warts, and protecting the skin from cuts and abrasions can help reduce the risk of wart transmission and development.

What are the potential complications of warts?

Warts can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated, and they may recur even after successful treatment. Certain strains of HPV can also cause genital warts, which are associated with an increased risk of HPV-related cancers.

How can living with warts impact a person’s life?

Warts can have a significant emotional impact on individuals, particularly if they are visible or located in prominent areas, as they may cause feelings of self-consciousness, embarrassment, or anxiety. Individuals living with warts may need to make lifestyle adjustments, such as being cautious about physical contact with others and avoiding shared personal items.

Are there any special considerations for warts in certain populations?

Children and adolescents are more susceptible to developing warts due to their relatively immature immune systems. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have had organ transplants, are also at a higher risk of developing warts and may experience more persistent or recurrent warts.

What are the future prospects for wart treatment and prevention?

Researchers are actively exploring the development of vaccines that could potentially prevent or treat warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Additionally, emerging treatment options, such as novel topical medications, immunotherapies, and laser or light-based therapies, are being investigated to provide more effective and less invasive alternatives to current treatment options.