A wart is a viral infection caused by certain types of viruses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) family. Their main characterictic is that of a local growth on the skin that may look like a solid blister or a cauliflower. They are mostly found on the hands or feet but can also appear at other locations of the body such as the face. Most warts are harmless resulting in small cosmetic concern and often disappear within a few months but some can persist for a few years and even reoccur. Although harmless, warts are contagious and can easily affect other persons. They can often be past through areas of broken skin. Other types of warts are malignant and can lead to cancer. The most dangerous type of wart is caused by some types of HPV on the genitals increasing the risk of cervix cancer. Beside genital wart, other types of warts can be identified and classified:
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1) Common Wart (verruca vulgaris)
Common warts can appear at any part of the body but are often found on hands, elbows, knees or legs. They have a rough surface which can easily be felt. Common warts are harmless but can cause some cosmetic problems especially if they appear on the face. Common warts are very contagious and can easily be transmited to another person directly or indirectly. There therapy can involve the use of cream or surgery in the most extreme case. When on visible parts of the body, they can be embarrassing and annoying.
2) Flat wart (Veruca plana)
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Flat warts often affect the hands, face, legs, neck or arms. They often are of reddish-brown color appearing as a small lump on the surface of the skin. Their growth can result in a cluster formation of twenty to hundred warts. Flat warts can be transferred directly or indirectly from one person to another through cuts, cracks, abrasions or other types of skin eruptions. When diagnosed in its early stage, flat warts can be treated effectively. At a later stage if the progression results to the formation of a cluster, it can lead to a malignant tumor or cancer. The appearance of flat warts do not involve pain or any symptoms which often results in many people not seeking medical advice until it has progresssed to a more advance stage. Treatment for flat warts can be done when diagnosed early with over-the-counter products such as silver nitrate, salicylic acid, and other types of cream which usually burn the dead skin allowing the wart to fall. If the warts are large lazer treatment or surgery can often be performed and most recommended.
3) Plantar warts
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Plantar warts are often found on the sole feet. The Main characteristic is a lump usually of grey, brown or yellow color with dark spots. They are often produced by a virus which often affects areas of pressure applied on the feet infecting the epidermis or outer skin layer. The wart can cause a lot of paint and hinder normal activities if located at a pressure point of the foot. They can often be encountered on different surfaces such as swimming pools, shower cubibles, or locker rooms and can enter the skin through break in the skin surface. A plantar wart virus is not highly contagious but can often take months or years to cure by themselves. Although their development can occur regardless of age, they are often noticed on children between the ages of 12 to 16 years of age. - via Adam H Levin
