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Warts

Warts

Warts are noncancerous rough bumps that form on the skin. They develop when the human papillomavirus enters a cut or break in the skin and causes an infection.

Warts vary in appearance. They may look: Dome-shaped, Flat, Rough, Skin-coloured, brown, grey, or black.

 

TYPES OF WARTS

  • Hands: These warts are called common warts because they are the most common type.
  • Face: Flat warts affect the face and forehead.
  • Feet: Plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet. These warts look like calluses with tiny black dots in the center. They are often painful and form in clusters.
  • Genitals: Warts that form on the penis, vagina, or rectum are called genital warts. These warts are a type of sexually transmitted infection.
  • Periungual and subungual: These warts form under or around fingernails and toenails.

 

CAUSES

  • When the human papillomavirus (HPV) enters a cut in the skin, it causes a skin infection that forms warts. Warts are very contagious. Direct contact with a wart.
  • Touching something contaminated with the virus, such as towels, doorknobs, and shower floors.
  • Sexual intercourse (genital warts).
  • Nail biting and cuticle picking.
  • Shaving.

 

PREVENTION

  • Avoid shaving over a wart.
  • Break the habit of biting your nails or picking at cuticles.
  • Don’t share towels, washcloths, clothing, nail clippers, razors or other personal items.
  • Don’t touch another person’s wart.
  • use condoms to prevent genital warts.
  • Keep your feet dry to prevent the spread of plantar warts.
  • Try not to scratch, cut or pick at a wart.
  • Wear flip-flops or shoes when using a public locker room, pool area, or shower.