8 Types of Warts You Should Be Aware Of

Warts caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can appear anywhere in the body. When the virus enters the body, it triggers cells to grow rapidly on the surface of the skin. As a result, small, raised skin growths may show up on the skin, called warts. It’s estimated that millions of people in the U.S are infected with HPV each year. There are more than 100 different types of the virus. Different types of HPV can cause different types of warts. Each type is often specific to a certain area of the body. They can also come in different sizes, shapes and color. In most cases, warts are harmless and can come and go on their own. But sometimes, several types of warts can cause harm like genital warts.  

Here are 8 types of warts you should be aware of.

Depending on the location, appearance and symptoms, warts are categorized into 8 groups.

1. Common warts

Common warts make up 70% cases of warts. They have a cauliflower-like appearance and often show up anywhere on the body. But the most common places are hands, elbows, fingers and knuckles. Common warts look like thickened bumps called skin-colored papules with rough surface. They are harmless but can cause discomfort when friction occurs.

2. Plantar warts

Plantar warts, also known as foot warts, usually appear on the soles of the feet. Sometimes, they can also show up on the heel and toes. Due to their location, plantar warts usually grow back into the skin. They may also have black dots in the middle called “wart seeds”. Plantar warts are thick callouses and they can be painful when you’re walking.

3. Flat warts

Flat warts or plane warts usually appear in groups on the backs of the hands, on the legs, arms or face. They are flat and smooth warts that often have round shape and flesh color. They can also be yellow and brownish in color. Flat warts are most common in children and can be spread rapidly through activities like shaving.

4. Filiform warts

Filiform warts grow mostly on the face, especially near the eye, nose, or lips. These warts are often flesh-colored and can look like thin long threads. Filiform warts can appear individually and even grow in groups and clusters. When friction happens, filiform warts can cause itching, bleeding and irritation.

5. Mosaic warts

Mosaic warts are a group of plantar warts that develop on the palms of the hands. They occur when plantar warts spread into a cluster of warts. If you have a plantar wart and leave it untreated, mosaic warts may also occur.

6. Subungual warts

Subungual warts are warts under and around the fingernails and toenails. They are raised rigid and often have a cauliflower-like shape. Due to their location and the pressure exerted on them, subungual warts can cause lots of pain. If left untreated, they can grow big and damage the nails.

7. Oral warts

They are raised bumps that appear anywhere on the lips, mouth, tongue and gums. Oral wart can occur as an individual wart or as a cluster. They are rarely painful but can cause discomfort while swallowing and eating. Oral warts are sexually transmitted and can be caused by oral sex. If you have multiple sexual partners, you may increase your chances of infection.

8. Genital warts

Genital warts are warts that occur near or in the genital areas. It’s considered to be the most common STD among humans. Genital warts are cauliflower-shaped, sprinkle and flesh-colored. In some cases, they can itch, burn, bleed or hurt. In women, genital warts often appear on the vulva, vagina and cervix. They can also develop all over or inside the vagina and anus. In men, these warts show up on the scrotum, penis and groin. Genital warts are extremely contagious through sexual intercourse. Besides, a tiny cut or scratch on the skin may also make it infected with the virus.

How to get rid of warts

There are many different ways to remove warts completely. Here are what experts have suggested:

Treating the warts yourself

• Duct tape
• Salicylic acid
• Apple cider vinegar
• Aloe Vera
• Baking soda

Related: 10 Ways to Treat Warts Naturally 

Getting treatment from your doctor

• Medicines like imiquimod and cantharidin
• Surgery
• Cryotherapy
• Chemical peels with tretinoin and glycolic acid

Related: Treating Warts by Using Surgery 

Applying OTC topical antiviral cream

• Apply Vidarox 2-3 times daily on the warts
• Follow this treatment until the warts fall off and completely heal

The drug can relieve symptoms, inactivate the virus and prevent recurring warts.

Related: I Have HPV and I Don’t Lose Hope