Is that a Wart?

Verrucae, otherwise know as the common wart, are the second most common dermatological complaint after acne. Usually caused by a benign skin virus, warts can plant themselves on virtually any part of the body. At any one time 10% of people have a wart and about 25% of people will have one during their life time. This makes warts a big problem.

Warts are caused by the now house hold virus, Human papilloma virus or HPV. HPV is transmitted through direct contact with the virus. The HPV virus replicates itself in the skin cells causing an irregular thickening in the effected area(s).

Are you wondering if the strange growth on your finger is in fact a wart? Some warts, in fact, look very un-wart like. Common warts are typically rough, elevated with rounded surfaces. They appear most often on the extremities; however, they can be located in other areas. These warts are most common in children and young adults. Filiform warts are single, thin, threadlike projections that commonly occur around the face and neck. Periungual warts are rough, irregularly shaped, and have elevated surfaces. These types of warts are most common around the edges of the finger and toe nails. In an extreme case they may be under the nail and lift it off the nail bed which can be extremely painful. Flat warts can be in multiple groups up the several hundred. They appear as slightly raised lesions with smooth, flat or slightly rounded surfaces. They are most commonly found on the face, neck, chest, knees, palms, wrists and forearms. These warts typically occur in children but can appear in adults as well. Flat warts often appear in a line because they are spread by scratching or shaving. Plantar warts are flat or slightly elevated single or clusters of warts. They are usually found at the pressure points on the feet. Digitate warts are fingerlike, horny projections that arise from a pea-shaped base and usually occur at or near the hairline. Condyloma acuminatum or moist warts are typically small pink to red moist and soft. They may be alone or in a cauliflower arrangement on the penis, scrotum, vulva, or anus. This type of warts are usually transmitted through sexual contact but can be transmitted by other means.

As you can see the typical wart is anything but typical. If you're in question about weather what you have is a wart of not, consult your doctor or dermatologist.