Some people notice the growth of skin lumps that were not previously present on the surface of their skin. This may cause anxiety and discomfort. These lumps are known as warts. They are benign growths that do not cause fear when they notice them. But why do they appear and does their presence cause danger? 

What are warts?

Warts, also known as warts, are skin growths that grow on the surface of the skin due to viral infections. It is worth noting that 65% of infections heal spontaneously without treatment. They are also considered a common condition in childhood, especially in children between 12 and 16 years old. 

What are the types of warts?

Below we list the most common types of warts:

• Common warts: This type can affect any part of the body, but it is most common in specific areas, such as the hand and knee, and the surface of the wart is high and rough. 
• اFor plantar warts, also known as plantar warts: This type is especially common in the feet and is rough in texture and accompanied by the appearance of small black dots.
• Genital warts: It appears in the genitals of both men and women, is gray in color, and is transmitted through sexual contact.
• Flat warts: This type can affect several areas of the body, especially the face, feet, and hands, and appears flat and soft to the touch.

What are the symptoms of warts?

Warts do not cause symptoms other than those that appear on the skin. We will review with you the following the most prominent characteristics of warts, despite their different types:

• A small bump raised above the surface of the skin.
• Its average size is between 1 to 10 mm.
• It may appear scattered or in groups.
• It may sometimes cause itching. 

What are the causes of the appearance of warts?

The appearance of warts is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (Human Papillomavirus Infection). There are many types of this virus, some of which are spread through skin contact or contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus, and some are transmitted through sexual contact. 

We add to your information that the response of the immune system to the human papilloma virus varies from one person to another, which is why warts may not appear in some people despite their exposure to the virus, while infections are more common in children and those with weak immune systems. This is due, first and foremost, to the condition and efficiency of the immune system.

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What is the difference between a wart and a boil?

The basic difference between a wart and a boil is that a wart results from a viral infection, while a boil results from a bacterial infection.

When are warts dangerous?

Although most warts are common and benign, their growth may be dangerous in some cases because it indicates that there is something wrong or a problem in the body, the most important of which is a weak immune system. So what are the signs that indicate danger and when should you visit a doctor? 

• If the growth of skin tags is accompanied by a feeling of pain.
• When you notice a change in the color of skin tags.
• If warts spread and topical treatments do not succeed in alleviating or reducing them.

You should also visit a doctor if the person is not sure whether the skin tags are warts or not, and then the doctor should intervene for diagnosis. You should also not neglect consulting a doctor if these skin tags are annoying and interfere with simple daily activities.

How do we prevent the spread of warts?

The spread of warts can be reduced by following the following tips: 

• Avoid touching  the warts directly, whether on another person's skin or on the person's own skin.
• Avoid scratching the warts, as this may lead to the spread of the virus.
• Stop biting nails, because warts grow on cracked and weak skin.
• Be careful to handle the parts where warts appear, especially when shaving or using scissors for personal care.
• Allocate personal tools, such as a towel and scissors, to the infected person and prevent them from being shared with other people. 

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Is there a cream to remove warts?

Yes, these creams contain salicylic acid or lactic acid and are available in pharmacies, as well as ointments and gels. 

You should consult a doctor about the appropriate cream if there are skin tags on your facial skin, as some creams may not be suitable for your facial skin. 

Through this article, you learned the most prominent and important information related to warts, their types, symptoms, and causes.

Frequently asked questions

What do inflamed warts look like?

Inflamed warts appear clearly in the form of a skin swelling that is redder and hotter compared to normal warts. Inflamed warts can be painful to the touch, and often change color to red or purple. They are surrounded by an inflamed or swollen areola, with the possibility of purulent discharge coming out in some cases due to bacterial infection. This inflammation is accompanied by a feeling of itching or a slight pulsation at the site of the wart. It is recommended to see a doctor when symptoms appear to avoid complications.

What virus causes warts?

The virus that causes warts is human papillomavirus, which is a common virus that infects the upper layer of the skin or mucous membranes. The infection is most often transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or through contaminated surfaces. Children and immunocompromised people are considered the most vulnerable to infection. There are many types of HPV, some of which are responsible for the appearance of common skin warts. Other types of warts are found in different places, such as the feet or genital areas.

What does a large number of warts on the body indicate?

A large number of warts on the body indicate a weak immune system or repeated exposure to the wild papilloma virus, which mainly causes warts. When the immune system is unable to effectively fight the virus, warts multiply and spread to multiple areas of the skin. Their abundance may also indicate the presence of habits that increase the possibility of infection, such as sharing personal items or walking barefoot in damp places. In some rare cases, warts are a sign of a deeper health problem that requires medical advice.

Medical sources

Warts – betterhealth

Visual Guide to Warts – webmd