What Are Warts And How They Are Caused?
Warts are small, rough growth, cauliflower like solid blisters that usually affect the hands and feet but can also emerge on other areas, like the genitals, face & mouth, around and under the nails, nose, neck, arms and legs. There are over a dozen types of warts. Regardless of the type, warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This virus can take over a 100 forms, and each is capable of causing a unique wart.
While some HPV forms are contagious, others are not, but then there are types that thrive and spread from one body part to another. Being a common dermatologic condition, it is important to accustom and prepare yourself before you have an unwelcoming encounter.
Common Types of Warts and Their Causes:
PLANTAR WARTS: This type of wart is caused by coming into contact with the HPV in its natural habitat, i.e. usually in a wet and warm environment, like gyms, bathrooms and pools. Furthermore, the virus transmits through open wounds, like cuts and lacerations, so avoiding using public bathrooms or pools when injured is preferable. This type of wart is not contagious and usually emerges on and under the feet.
PALMER WARTS: These types of warts are again caused by the HPV virus but instead of feet develop on the hands and are neither painful nor infectious.
FLAT WARTS: The flat type of warts occur commonly on the face, neck, arms and legs, and the virus can transfer by coming into contact with an infected person or using razor blades or towels while having an open skin or wounds.
FILLIFORM WARTS: These warts grow around the nose and mouth and are commonly caused by using a product previously used by an infected person. Since these warts appear on a noticeable location, they can prove to be a nightmare.
PERIUNGUAL WARTS: The periungual warts are most commonly found on the hands, feet, under and around the nails. They usually begin with filliform warts around the mouth and when nails are bitten, the virus spreads to the fingers and all the way down to the hands.
GENITAL WARTS: This is probably the worst and most serious form of this condition because they are a type of STD (sexually transmitted diseases). They can affect your sex life and are spread through physical contact. Sometimes, a person can only get the infection and not warts which means they can spread the virus without even realizing it.
The best way to prevent being infected is implementing a thorough personal hygiene routine and staying away from those affected.