Understanding Skin Warts: Causes, Contagion & Types

Cause

Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a DNA virus with >150 genotypes. Specific types infect cutaneous or mucosal epithelium.

Transmission

• Direct skin-to-skin contact.
• Indirect via fomites (towels, floors, razors) — virus survives in moist environments.
• Autoinoculation (spreading to other body sites by scratching).
• Incubation: 1–6 months (up to years).

Common Types

Treatment

Observation (many resolve spontaneously), salicylic acid, cryotherapy, cantharidin, immunotherapy (candida antigen), laser, excision. HPV vaccines (9-valent) prevent genital warts and related cancers.

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Type	HPV Types	Appearance	Common Sites
Common wart (verruca vulgaris)	2, 4, 27, 57	Rough, hyperkeratotic papule	Hands, fingers, knees
Plantar wart	1, 2, 4	Endophytic, painful on weight-bearing	Soles of feet
Flat wart (verruca plana)	3, 10, 28	Small, smooth, flat-topped	Face, legs, backs of hands
Filiform wart	1, 2, 4, 27	Thread-like projections	Face, neck, eyelids
Genital wart (condyloma acuminata)	6, 11 (low-risk)	Soft, cauliflower-like	Anogenital region