Warts - The Various Types and How They Are Treated


by Susan Fielding - Date: 2007-03-03 - Word Count: 406 Share This!

Warts are small rough lumps on the skin, and contrary to myth, they are not caused by touching, holding, or kissing a toad. Warts are caused by a viral infection in the outer skin layer called the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). They are a common skin condition that can affect virtually any part of the body.

Warts are most often transmitted from person-to-person contact. They are easy to identify and are most common on the hands and feet, however some can affect the face and other parts of the body. Warts are more common in children than in adults, although they can develop at any age.

Most warts will usually heal themselves within weeks or months, but some warts may take years to go away. This all depends on the immune system of the individual. Most warts are harmless; however they can be quite bothersome. Warts are also unattractive and embarrassing.

There are four main types of warts: common, flat, plantar and genital.

Common warts are rough, grayish brown dome-shaped growths that appear mostly on the hands; however they may appear elsewhere on the body.

Flat warts are usually found on the face, arms, or legs. These warts are named according to their physical description - they are flat on top and can be either pink, light brown or yellow in color.

Plantar warts are warts that appear on the soles, or plantar surface, of your feet. They are irritating and can feel like you have a permanent pebble in your shoe.

Genital warts are single or multiple lumps that appear on or around the genital area and are highly contagious. They have an irregular cauliflower-like surface. Genital warts are the most common symptoms of the Human Papilloma Virus.

Treatments For Warts:

There are various types of treatments available for warts. These treatments depend on the location of the warts, the age of the individual, and how long the warts have been present.

Over the counter treatments typically need several applications, and are only necessary if the warts are problematic. More extensive external warts are frequently treated directly with a variety of topical or surgical treatments. The warts are excised or cut off from the skin at the base.

Most warts are often cleared by the body without any treatment; however they can be treated depending on your individual symptoms and personal preferences. If you have warts that are rapidly multiplying then they should be treated. For the most part, warts are not usually all that serious a problem.


Related Tags: wart, warts, plantar warts, warts removal, warts treatment, genital warts, flat warts, common warts

You can find more information on warts and wart treatments at the Warts resource site.

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