Types of Warts

Warts are benign rough bumps that form on the skin. They develop when the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters a cut or break in the skin and causes an infection. Anyone can get warts but, children are more prone to warts because they get a lot of cuts. People with autoimmune diseases or weakened immune systems are also susceptible to the virus that causes warts.

Symptoms of Warts

• Small, flesh, and grainy bumps
• Rough to the touch
• Sprinkled with small and black pinpoints and sometimes it has clotted blood vessels

Seek medical help if:

• The growths are painful or change in appearance
• You have tried treating warts, but they persist, spread, or recur
• The growths are bothersome and interfere with activities
• You are not sure whether the growths are warts
• You are an adult and numerous warts begin to appear because it indicates the immune system is malfunctioning

Causes of Warts

Common warts are caused by the human papillomavirus. The virus is quite common and has more than 150 types, but only a few cause warts on your hands. Most strains are spread by casual skin contact or through shared objects, such as towels or washcloths. Biting your nails also can cause warts to spread on your fingertips and around your nails.

What are the Types of Warts?

1. Common warts. They grow on your fingers and toes but can appear elsewhere. Common warts have a rough, grainy, and rounded top. They are grayer than the surrounding skin.
2. Plantar warts. They grow on the soles of the feet. Plantar warts grow into your skin, not out of it unlike other types of warts. You can easily determine plantar warts if it appears to be a small hole in the bottom of your foot that is surrounded by hardened skin. Plantar warts can make walking uncomfortable.
3. Flat warts. They are typical in the face, thighs, or arms. Flat warts have a flat top that appears as if they have been scrapped. Flat warts can be pink, brownish, or slightly yellow.
4. Filiform warts. They grow around your mouth or nose and sometimes on your neck or under your chin. They are small and shaped like a tiny flap or tag of skin. Filiform warts are a similar color to your skin.
5. Periungual warts. They grow under and around the toenails and fingernails. They can be painful and affect nail growth.

How to Diagnose Warts?

Your doctor can diagnose a common wart by examining it or scraping off the top layer of the wart to check for signs of dark, pinpoint dots, or clotted blood vessels. Your doctor may also remove a small section of the wart for laboratory analysis to determine the diagnosis.

Treatment for Warts

Warts can go away without treatment but it will take lengthier periods. The typical treatment for warts is salicylic acid, minor surgery, and laser treatment. You can also use Beauty and Skincare products to alleviate the marks and bulging.