Medical Definition:
Warts are small, rough skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are non-cancerous but can spread through direct contact.
Causes:
- Infection with HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Direct skin contact with an infected person or surface
- Using shared items (e.g., towels, razors, shoes)
- Small cuts or weak immune system increase susceptibility
Symptoms:
- Small, rough, and grainy skin growths
- Flesh-colored, white, pink, or tan bumps
- Black dots (“wart seeds”), which are clotted blood vessels
- Can appear on hands, fingers, feet (plantar warts), face, and genitals
