Warts

Warts on the fingers, hands, feet, knees and elbows are referred to as common warts (meaning non-genital warts) and are caused by contact with a strain of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). They are usually small, grainy skin growths sometimes with a cauliflower-like appearance. Warts are rough to the touch and often have tiny black dots (called seeds) which are small, clotted blood vessels. There are over 100 strains of HPV - in fact, the virus is so common that most people will come in contact with one or more strains of it by adulthood. Warts are spread by touching something that has touched an existing wart, and cuts or breaks in the skin might allow for the transmission of the virus more easily. Children and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop warts. By adulthood, most adults will have been exposed to the virus so frequently they will have immunity. Regardless of age, your doctor can recommend treatment options for warts.