A wart is a skin growth that is often caused by the human papillomavirus. HPV is often able to access a broken area of the skin and infects the top layer, which then grows rapidly. More than 100 strains of human papillomaviruses exist, and while some cause genital warts and cancers, the strains that are responsible for common warts do not cause cancer.
While not dangerous, a wart can still be unsightly. They can grow anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the hands. Common warts are not contagious, but those that are caused by the HPV virus can spread through direct touch with an infected person or his or her razors, clothing and other personal items.
Although usually painless, you may notice that a wart in an area that is regularly subjected to pressure or friction may become irritated and painful. Your dermatologist may be able to diagnose a wart simply by looking at it. It may appear flat and smooth or bumpy and rough. Some have small dark dots throughout; these dots are actually tiny blood vessels that feed the growth. If your doctor has any concerns about the wart, he or she may take a biopsy. This may be necessary if the lesion is irregular, fast growing, unusually large, dark or discolored or bleeds frequently.
Because they can go away on their own, treatment is not necessarily essential. However, you may be interested in treatment if the growth is large, unsightly, painful or spreading. Removal can include at-home salicylic acid treatments or prescription medications. Cryotherapy, laser surgery or other types of surgery can be used. A wart may come and go because the treatment can only remove the overgrown tissues. There is no cure for the underlying virus.
Prevention is the best strategy. Avoid touching other people's personal effects when possible. If you already have a wart, avoid touching the area and then touching another part of your body. Broken skin allows the virus easier access, so treat and protect scratches, cuts, burns and other sores promptly and according to your doctor's recommendations.