Discovering a new bump on your skin can be concerning, but in many cases, it’s nothing serious. Warts are among the most common skin growths, affecting millions of people worldwide. While they can look unusual, most warts are harmless and often disappear on their own over time.
Warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters the skin through tiny cuts or scratches. Different HPV strains cause different types of warts, which explains why they can vary greatly in appearance and location.
This guide explains the six most common types of warts, how to recognize them, available treatment options, and when it’s time to see a healthcare professional.
What Causes Warts?
Warts develop when HPV infects the outer layer of the skin, causing skin cells to grow more rapidly than normal.
The virus spreads through:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact
- Sharing towels, razors, or nail clippers
- Walking barefoot in public showers, locker rooms, or swimming pools
- Touching contaminated surfaces
Not everyone exposed to HPV develops warts. Your immune system plays an important role in determining whether the virus causes visible growths.
