Wart

Definition

Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). They are generally harmless. However, warts can be disfiguring and embarrassing, and occasionally they itch or hurt (particularly on the feet).

The different types of warts include:

• Common warts usually appear on the hands, but can appear anywhere.
• Flat warts are generally found on the face and forehead. They are common in children, less common in teens, and rare in adults.
• Genital warts(condyloma) are usually found on the genitals, in the pubic area, and in the area between the thighs, but they can also appear inside the vagina and anal canal. (See: Genital warts for more information)
• Plantar warts are found on the soles of the feet.
• Subungual and periungual warts appear under and around the fingernails or toenails.

Symptoms

• Abnormally dark or light skin surrounding the lesion
• Numerous small, smooth, flat (pinhead sized) lesions on forehead, cheeks, arms, or legs
• Rough growths around or under fingernails or toenails
• Rough, round, or oval lesions on soles of feet -- flat to slightly raised -- painful to pressure
• Small, hard, flat or raised skin lesion or lump

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