Warts are benign skin growths caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) — a very common virus most people encounter at some point.
HPV enters through tiny cuts or softened, wet skin — think swimming pool decks, shared showers, nail-biting, or shaving nicks. Warm, moist public surfaces are classic pickup spots.
Common warts (rough, on hands), plantar warts (soles, can be tender when walking), flat warts (smoother, face or legs) and filiform warts (thread-like, around the face) are the everyday varieties.
Warts can spread by direct contact and by picking — which moves the virus to new skin. Covering warts, not sharing towels, and wearing slippers in communal showers are sensible limits.
Many warts disappear on their own within months to a couple of years as immunity catches up. Pharmacy freezing/acid treatments and dermatologist procedures exist for stubborn or bothersome ones. Facial, genital, painful or rapidly changing warts deserve a doctor's eye.
This article is educational and general. Your situation has its own context — for symptoms that are severe, sudden, persistent or worrying, consult a qualified medical practitioner.
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