Warts

Warts are caused by an infection with certain strains of HPV. This virus enters the skin through tiny cuts, abrasions, or breaks in the surface. Once inside, it triggers an overgrowth of cells in the outer layer of the skin, leading to the formation of a wart. Different HPV strains are responsible for various types of warts, and each strain has a preference for specific areas of the body.

The following factors increase the risk of developing warts:

1. Skin Injuries: Cuts, scrapes, or wounds provide an entry point for the virus.
2. Weakened Immune System: People with compromised immunity, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with conditions like HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to warts.
3. Moist Environments: Public places such as swimming pools, locker rooms, or communal showers are common locations where HPV can spread.
4. Close Contact: Touching warts directly or sharing personal items like towels, razors, or shoes can facilitate the transmission of the virus.
5. Frequent Nail Biting or Thumb Sucking: These habits can create tiny breaks in the skin, making it easier for the virus to enter.

The symptoms of warts vary depending on their type and location. Common symptoms include:

1. Raised Skin Growths: Warts often appear as small, rough bumps on the skin. Their size can range from a few millimeters to over a centimeter in diameter.
2. Color Variations: They may be flesh-colored, white, pink, or brown, and sometimes have tiny black dots, which are clotted blood vessels.
3. Pain or Tenderness: Plantar warts (on the soles of the feet) can be painful, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
4. Itching or Irritation: Some warts may cause mild discomfort or itching.
5. Flatness or Smooth Texture: Flat warts, often found on the face or back of the hands, are smoother than other types and have a flat appearance.
6. Cluster Formation: Certain types of warts, like mosaic warts, may cluster together in a group, creating a patch-like appearance.

It is important to note that not all skin growths are warts. Conditions such as moles, skin tags, or other benign lesions can resemble warts, Dr. Seena Monjazeb can help provide an accurate diagnosis during an examination.

There are several types of warts, each with unique characteristics and preferred locations on the body. These include:

Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)

• These warts are small, grainy, and rough growths that are often dome-shaped.
• Location: Commonly found on the hands, fingers, and knees.
• Features: May have black dots (“seed warts”) caused by clotted blood vessels.

Plantar Warts

• Hard, thickened patches of skin with a rough surface; sometimes painful.
• Location: Found on the soles of the feet, often in weight-bearing areas.
• Features: They can grow inward due to pressure and may develop in clusters called mosaic warts.

Flat Warts (Verruca Plana)

• Smooth, flat-topped growths that are slightly raised and smaller than other warts.
• Location: Frequently seen on the face, neck, back of the hands, and legs.
• Features: Tend to appear in larger numbers, sometimes in the dozens or hundreds.

Filiform Warts

• Long, thread-like projections that are often flesh-colored.
• Location: Found around the mouth, nose, eyes, or on the neck.
• Features: More common in older individuals and can be cosmetically bothersome.

Genital Warts

• Soft, flesh-colored or gray growths that may be raised or flat.
• Location: Found in the genital or anal areas.
• Features: Transmitted through sexual contact and caused by specific HPV strains.

Periungual Warts

• Thick, irregular growths around the fingernails or toenails.
• Location: Found near the nail bed.
• Features: Can disrupt nail growth and are often painful.