When HPV enters the skin through small cuts or abrasions and leads to an excess of skin cells, warts form. Although the virus is often controlled by the immune system, it can persist and cause wart growth in certain people, particularly youngsters or those with compromised immune systems.

Wart Types

Knowing the type of wart aids in selecting the best course of action:

• Common warts are rough, elevated lumps that frequently appear on the hands and fingers.
• Plantar warts can cause pain when walking and are found on the soles of the feet.
• Flat warts are smooth, marginally elevated lesions that typically develop on the legs or face.
• Long, narrow growths called filiform warts typically appear on the face or neck.
• Sexual contact can spread genital warts, which need specific attention.
• Around fingernails and toenails, periungual warts can develop; they are frequently unresponsive to therapy.

The Spread of Warts

Due to their high contagiousness, warts can spread by:

• Contact between the skin
• Sharing personal belongings (shoes, towels, and razors)
• Going barefoot in public swimming pools or showers
• Picking or scratching at a wart might transfer the infection to surrounding skin.

Measures to Avoid Warts

• Keep your hands away from other people’s warts.
• Don’t pick or itch warts that are already there.
• Reduce the amount of HPV that survives on skin by keeping hands and feet dry.
• Wear shoes in public areas such as locker rooms and swimming pools.
• Don’t share shoes, socks, or towels.
• Improve immunological function with enough rest, water, and diet