What is a wart?

Warts are benign small hard growths on the skin, that appear when a virus infects the top layer of the skin (epidermis). The virus that causes warts is called the human papilloma virus (HPV). Warts consist of a nucleus of connective tissue with blood vessels, covered with layers of epithelial tissue (skin layer). Warts are harmless, but very contagious for yourself and others. Warts can grow anywhere on the body and occur singly or in groups. They are most common on hands and foot. Without further treatment, in 80% of cases, warts will disappear within a year or two.

Warts are the most common skin infection and around 10 to 25% of the population suffer from warts. In some countries this percentage rises above 50% of the population. Warts are most common among children and people with a compromised immune system.

The most common warts are the common wart and the verrucas, in 60% to 80% of the cases.