Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough -There are three types of skin growths called warts. All are caused by the human papillomavirus virus (HPV). Most of the time, warts are found on the fingers or nails on the skin’s outer layer. There are actually more than 60 kinds of HPV, and some cause warts on the skin. Warts are caused by direct contact with HPV, which means they are contagious. They can be spread from person to person or by directly touching an object that has been exposed. They can even spread on the person’s own body when in contact. Most of the time warts are harmless and disappear on their own over time.

There are 3 types of warts.

1. Plantar warts: These appear on the feet and are usually skin toned or have a light brown color that appears as a lump on the outer skin.
2. Flat warts: These warts are smoother, flatter, and smaller, and appear on the face. They are more common in teens and children rather than adults. Females commonly have flat warts on the legs.
3. Genital warts: These appear in the pubic area. They are often described looking like small pieces of cauliflower that are very small. They spread rapidly and can cause irritation and itch. HPV is the most commonly spread sexually transmitted disease in North America.

Although most warts are generally harmless, they can be treated to make them go away. It is important to note that genital warts should be checked by a doctor. Warts are persistent and like to stick around, even reoccurring post treatment. Multiple treatments might be needed. There are different treatment methods that may or may not need to be repeated which care as follows:

1. Over the counter or prescribed medication: There are different ointments and gels that can be applied. The warts basically peel off eventually. Your doctor might prescribe an immunotherapy drug to ward off the wart virus.
2. Laser surgery can be performed to burn of the wart with a laser beam.
3. Freezing also called cryotherapy: This can actually be done yourself with a freezing spray or by a doctor. A doctor will use liquid nitrogen. Temperatures can reach negative 100 degrees. A blister will form around the wart and then it will fall off in about two weeks.
4. Cantharidin: This substance is applied to wart to cause a blister to form. Eventually the wart lifts off and falls off.
5. Surgery: This can be done to cut out the wart, typically only after other methods have been unsuccessful.

Because warts can spread, it is important to keep them covered with a bandage. Warts also like moisture, so keep them dry. Do not pick at them. Using condoms during sexual activity is also advised. As always, hand washing is important. Not only do you not want to spread warts to others, but neither do you want them to spread on yourself. Removal is possible so take care of warts at the first sight.

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