Warts are typically small, rough tumors that can occur on any area of the
body. They are very common, and are caused by human papillomavirus, otherwise
known as HPV. Warts can be very contagious, and should be treated as soon as
possible. However, they usually disappear on their own, although in some people
they may last for years or recur frequently. There are four main types of warts,
the
common wart,
flat wart,plantar wart, and
genital wart.
Common Wart
The common wart also goes by the name
Verruca Vulgaris. They are known as the common wart because this is the type
that many people contract. Symptoms of common warts include the following:
· Rough Surface
· Tiny
· Commonly found on hands, knees and
elbows, but can grow anywhere.
Common warts can be contracted by touch, and may
occur on skin that is mostly exposed to trauma and friction. For more
information, go to
Vixualdxhealth .
Flat Wart
Flat warts are benign tumors found on the
outer layer of skin. They most commonly occur in children. Symptoms of
flat warts include:
·
Small
· Typically appear on the face, arms, hands and knees. Also
commonly found in the beard area of men.
· Found in clusters, up to 100
in one area
· May itch or burn
· May appear in a line
·
Pink, yellow, or light brown
Flat warts can be treated by:
·
Salicylic-acid preparations
· Over the counter medication
·
Surgical removal
· Laser surgery
· Cauterization
· Duct
tape
Flat warts can be spread by touch, so be careful touching anyone
that may have warts on their body. If contact occurs, wash the hands thoroughly.
They may also spread by shaving. For more information, go to
Mama's Health .
Plantar Wart
Plantar warts are
found on the soles of the feet, also caused by
HPV. They usually develop
where pressure occurs on the foot, such as on the heels and balls of the feet.
Symptoms of
plantar warts include:
· Small and grainy bumps on the sole of the foot
· Hard and flat
· Rough Surface
· Well-defined boundaries
· Grayish or brownish
lumps that have one or more black pinpoints
Planter warts can be caused by exposure to the
HPV virus, especially if the
skin of the foot has a cut or scrape on it. Those who have a weakened immune
system may also be more susceptible to getting
plantar warts. For more
information, go to the
Podiatry Channel .
Genital Wart
Genital warts are found in the genital area of both men and women. They are
very contagious and are considered a sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms of
genital warts include:
· Itching
· Painless bumps
· Discharge
· Bleeding (although rare)
· May occur in more than one area
· May occur more in persons with a
history of STD’s
