Before you explore the different kinds of warts that exist, it's probably a good idea to become familiar with the condition at hand. A wart is typically a small growth that feels rough to the touch. The hands, feet, and genitals are common parts of the body that exhibit the presence of warts – all of which are the results of the human papillomavirus (better known as HPV).
Out of the many different strains of HPV – this same virus is responsible for the development of all warts that appear on the body, including oral, genital, common (fingers and hands), and plantar (feet) infections. The viral infection is rather contagious – spreading through skin-to-skin contact and sometimes through infected objects, such as towels, clothing, and shoes. While some warts are known to vanish after a few months – others remain for years. All HPV infections possess the ability to reoccur at will.
To get an idea of the kind of warts the human papillomavirus is capable of, consider the following:
Common Warts
This non-cancerous growth of the skin is a visual distraction that often has people hiding its existence. HPV facilitates abnormal cell growth that takes place on the outer layer of the skin. While this kind of wart is harmless and often vanish on their own – quick treatment is usually the first thing an individual thinks of so they may prevent the spread of the virus to other parts of their body or to those they come in contact with. Unfortunately, the warts that typically attack the fingers and hands are quite common and could turn into a persistent issue. It is not unusual to face another outbreak despite following treatment measures.
Genital Warts
As a common sexually transmitted disease, genital warts develop in the moist environment associated with the genitals. Some warts in this category are small and flesh-colored, while others grow in clusters and can form a cauliflower-like appearance. Women suffer genital warts in the vulva, walls of the vagina, on the cervix, and around the anus. Routine pap smears are suggested to prevent the kind of HPV attack that can lead to cervical cancer. Men experience genital warts on the tip or shaft of their penis, as well as around the anus. Oral sex with an infected partner can also cause the virus to spread into the mouth and throat.
Flat Wart
The small, smooth appearance of this wart is often flattened and hard to detect when located on various parts of the body. Most frequently, these tan or flesh-colored growths develop on the neck, face, hands, knees, and wrists. It is not uncommon to suffer a large attack of flat warts at one time.
Plantar Wart
On the soles of the feet (especially where pressure points are found), plantar warts can develop into a hard, painful lump. A collection of black specks may decorate the center of this wart. When a group of plantar-like growths gather in a group, this is generally referred to as a mosaic wart, which can also form on hands.
Filiform or Digitate Wart
This type of wart exhibits a thread- or finger-like appearance that is most commonly found on the face. The eyelid and lip region are frequent targets of this kind of HPV infection.
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