Causes of warts?

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Warts are abnormal, typically painless growths on the skin. Each of the seven types of warts are all caused by viral infections. Known as human papillomaviruses (HPV), this family of viruses comprises more than 100 individual virus variants. In terms of the specific causes of warts, different types of HPV cause different types of warts. Since warts result from viral infections, they are contagious, meaning that people who come into primary or secondary contact with a current infection are likely to get the same type of wart.

The seven types of warts are classified based on where they typically appear on the body. Common warts appear on the hands, while plantar warts appear on the feet. Fingernails and toenails are susceptible to warts known as subungual and periungual, respectively. Warts, or genital warts, appear in the groin area, including the genitals, pubic area, and along the inner thighs. Flat warts typically appear in the facial area, although filiform warts are more common around the nose, eyes, or mouth.

While all warts are caused by a virus, the specific HPV associated with the causes of warts in certain areas is different. Likewise, the treatment and prognosis of different warts vary. Some HPV-related causes of warts on the hands or face, for example, are easily treated topically with over-the-counter remedies or by simply ignoring the wart and allowing the immune system to do its job. The specific infection rarely recurs, although some individuals are more susceptible than others to reinfection from new viral exposure. Only common warts that are unresponsive or excessively large require treatment by a doctor.

Alternatively, HPV related to warts in the genital area requires treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. Although a doctor can remove such warts, the underlying viral infection remains in the body. Therefore, genital warts can keep coming back after each removal. The humidity associated with the affected area and the lack of an available cure for the virus contribute to outbreaks.

Of the many viral causes of warts, there is little that can protect against infection. Reducing nail biting or other habits that create openings for invading viruses can reduce susceptibility. Additionally, good hygiene such as frequent hand washing can also reduce the risk of contracting an HPV that causes warts. Safe sex practices can reduce exposure to HPV variants known to cause the viral infections associated with genital warts.

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