Everything You Need to Know About Common Warts

Everything You Need to Know About Common Warts

Warts are a common skin condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. Caused by a viral infection, these small, rough bumps can appear on different parts of the body, typically on the hands and fingers. There are different types of warts, and most of them are usually harmless. However, their appearance and prolonged presence can be frustrating. Keep reading to learn how to identify a wart, what causes it, its symptoms and more.

Warts are a common skin condition that many people experience at some point in their lives. Caused by a viral infection, these small, rough bumps can appear on different parts of the body, typically on the hands and fingers. There are different types of warts, and most of them are usually harmless. However, their appearance and prolonged presence can be frustrating. Keep reading to learn how to identify a wart, what causes it, its symptoms and more.

Typical Appearance and Key Signs

Warts usually start without any symptoms, and you might not even notice them at first. They form slowly as the virus penetrates the top layer of your skin, and it can take a few weeks or even months before they appear on the skin. By the time you notice a wart, it has likely been growing under the surface for some time. You might then notice one or more small growths on your skin.

Depending on the type, warts can look a little different. However, some common wart symptoms to watch for include the following:

1. Shape and texture

They can be flat, round, rough, smooth or even have a cauliflower-like surface. Some warts stick out like little threads.

2. Colour

Certain warts might be the same colour as your skin, while others may show up in shades of white, yellow, brown, black, pink or grey.

3. Black dots

Some warts have tiny dark spots on them. These are clotted blood vessels and are sometimes called wart seeds.

While some people get just one wart, others may develop a few or even clusters of them.