Worried about warts?
Warts are extremely common. Most are small and painless. Many will resolve on their own. All are benign. But that doesn't mean warts are trivial. In fact, many are unsightly, some do cause pain, and patients with weakened immune systems can have major problems with warts. However, the most common symptom of all is worry, with embarrassment a close second; both are best treated with a simple dose of information.
What are warts?
A wart is a skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV affects only humans; it spreads from person to person by direct contact. With the important exception of the strains that are sexually transmitted (see box), HPV is not very contagious. Most people with warts don't remember coming into contact with another case, possibly because it takes so long for a wart to develop after infection occurs. Still, it's likely that most warts develop after HPV enters the body through a minute break in the skin.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
