Warts are tumours or growths of the skin caused by infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV). More than 70 HPV subtypes are known. Warts are particularly common in childhood and are spread by direct contact or autoinoculation. This means if a wart is scratched, the viral particles may be spread to another area of skin. It may take as long as twelve months for the wart to first appear.
Treatment can be long and requires commitment by the patient – treatments include over the counter acid preparations which must be used nightly for several months. Freezing therapy which is effective but may require multiple treatments. Other methods of destroying the wart virus include laser ablation, photodynamic therapy and aggressive curette and cautery to the area. Unfortunately there is no 100% effective treatment on the market – however options do exist and they can be explored with your doctor.