Warts: Understanding Prevalence, Causes, and Treatment

Warts are an extremely common contagious skin infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are estimated to affect approximately 10-20% of the population at any given time, although this prevalence can vary depending on geographic location, age group, and other factors. Warts can occur on any area of the body and are spread through direct contact or by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus. While they are generally harmless and often go away on their own, some warts may be persistent and require medical treatment.