Warts are benign skin tumours. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Some cause warts on the skin or mucous membranes, while others are partly responsible for cervical cancer.
The virus is transmitted by direct skin contact and survives well in moist environments (swimming pools, showers and sports locker rooms or wet towels). Often, the virus enters the skin through an entry point. This can be a small wound.
People with reduced immunity (e.g. HIV and chemotherapy) are more susceptible to infection with the virus.
We distinguish between genital and non-genital warts. Genital (condyloma acuminata) occur on the genitals, non-genital elsewhere on the body.
The latter category includes: classic warts (verrucae vulgares) that can occur anywhere on the skin, but mainly on hands (80%), elbows, feet and knees. There are also threadlike (filiform) warts that are more likely to occur on the face. Also in this category we find flat warts (verrucae planae), and warts on the sole of the foot (verrucae plantares).
In children, we often see the so-called mussel or pearl warts crop up. These are caused by a different virus, the molluscum contagiosum virus.
They are therefore not real warts. Take timely action against disfiguring warts and book a consultation with I Care Clinic now.
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