subject: What Are Warts: A Short Explanation [print this page] What Are Warts: A Short Explanation What Are Warts: A Short Explanation
People who have been confronted with these annoying growths may ask themselves what are warts? Out of as many as ten general types, the most common usually occur on the hands or face. The type which most often cause pain are plantars, or growths found usually on the bottom of ones feet. About thirty percent are located near the genitals, which are spread through sexual contact. These infections are benign tumors that are caused by many types of the virus known as human papillomavirus. HPV infections are the source of these bumps on the skin that are most commonly found on the hands, wrists, feet, neck and face. Growth of the protein keratin, occurring on the top layers of the skin, is stimulated by this virus, resulting in rough looking growth compared to a cauliflower. Out of well over one hundred varieties of HPV identified, there are nearly one hundred types of skin infections produced. The most common varieties that affect people number around five or six, depending on who categorizes them. Most are not harmful or painful, but may be removed for cosmetic reasons. They can be passed from person to person through skin contact, especially if its broken, or through infected shoes or towels. While certain people seem to have more resistance to infection, others tend to be more susceptible, due possibly to the workings of the individuals immune system. The common wart most often appears on the hands or face, as a rough looking lump. Though they can grow anywhere. These HPV provoked infections usually disappear on their own eventually. Other types which usually occur on the neck, face or hands are called flat, filiform, or periungal. The flat variety are usually smooth, may exist in groups, and are skin colored. Filiforms are stringy or finger shaped, and most often found around the eyes, mouth, or armpits. Periungals appear in patches around ones cuticles and can be spread easily, possibly damaging ones nails. Plantars, or verrucas, most often grow on the soles of the feet where they may cause a lot of pain. They are lumps that may show some black specks in the center. These are the type most likely for a patient to seek treatment for, since they can make walking difficult. A doctor can remove them, but the problem is that they may grow back after removal. Usually considered separately when the subject of what are warts is raised, the genital variety which is also caused by HPV, only grows around the genitals. These are classified as a sexually transmitted disease and are treated differently than the other varieties of viral infections of the skin. After learning about what warts are the next step is to find out how to remove them. There are many removal options as well as some easy home remedies. You can find information about removal procedures and home removal options by searching online.
