Warts Health Channel

Definition

Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus. They are generally harmless. However, warts can be disfiguring and embarrassing, and occasionally they itch or hurt (particularly on the feet).

The different types of warts include:

• Common warts usually appear on the hands, but can appear anywhere.
• Flat warts are generally found on the face and forehead. They are common in children, less so in teens, and rare in adults.
• Genital warts are usually found on the genitals, in the pubic area, and the area between the thighs, but can appear inside the vagina and anal canal.
• Plantar wartsare found on the soles of the feet.
• Subungual and periungual warts appear under and around the fingernails or toenails

Alternative Names

Plane juvenile warts; Periungual warts; Subungual warts; Plantar warts; Verruca; Verrucae planae juveniles; Filiform warts; Verruca vulgaris

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The typical wart is a raised round or oval growth on the skin with a rough surface. Compared with the surrounding normal skin, warts may appear light, dark, or black (rare). Most adults are familiar with the look of a typical wart and have little trouble recognizing them. Unusual warts with smooth surfaces or flat warts in children may be more difficult for parents to recognize.

Common warts tend to cause no discomfort unless they are in areas of repeated friction or pressure. Plantar warts, for example, can become extremely painful. Large numbers of plantar warts on the foot may cause difficulty running and even walking.