Viral warts - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

📅 Updated: April 2026 ⏱️ 3 min read ✅ Medically reviewed
```html Viral Warts – Comprehensive Medical Guide

Viral Warts – A Complete Patient‑Friendly Guide

Overview

Viral warts are benign skin growths caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus infects the top layer of skin (the epidermis) and triggers rapid cell growth, producing the characteristic raised, rough lesions we call warts. While most warts are harmless, they can be cosmetically bothersome, painful (especially on the soles of the feet), or spread to other body sites.

Who gets them? Everyone can develop warts, but they are most common in children and teenagers. According to the CDC, up to 10 % of school‑aged children have at least one wart at any given time. Adults can also develop warts, particularly on the hands, feet, or genitals.

Prevalence data from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that HPV‑related cutaneous warts affect roughly 7–10 % of the global population each year, making them one of the most common dermatologic conditions seen in primary‑care settings.[1]

Symptoms

Warts vary in appearance depending on the HPV type and body location. Below is a comprehensive list of typical signs:

  • Common (or vulgar) warts: Rough, raised bumps 1–10 mm in diameter, usually on the fingers, hands, or around nails. Surface may look “grainy.”
  • Flat warts (verruca plana): Smooth, flat or slightly raised, flesh‑colored lesions usually 2–5 mm; often appear on the face, neck, wrists, or legs.
  • Plantar warts: Hardened, thickened patches on the soles of the feet; may have a central black dot (thrombosed capillary).
  • Filiform warts: Long, thin, finger‑like projections, most often on the eyelids, lips, or neck.
  • Periungual warts: Grow around or under fingernails/toenails, causing nail distortion.
  • Genital warts (condyloma acuminatum): Soft, cauliflower‑like growths on the genital or anal area; may be painless or cause itching, burning, or bleeding during intercourse.
  • Pain or tenderness: Especially with plantar warts due to pressure from walking.
  • Itching or irritation: Common with warts located in warm, moist areas (e.g., between toes).
  • Bleeding: Minor bleeding may occur if a wart is picked or cut.

Causes and Risk Factors

What causes viral warts?

All warts are caused by infection with HPV. Over 100 HPV genotypes have been identified; only a subset (most commonly types 1, 2, 4, 27, and 57) produce cutaneous warts, while types 6 and

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

Important: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.

📚 Medical References