What Causes Warts?

Warts often seem to come out of nowhere, without warning, but they are actually triggered by a viral infection in the top layer of the skin. The virus is the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and there are more than 100 different types. It’s so contagious that nearly everyone will develop at least one wart in his or her lifetime.

Warts are most common on the hands, where the HPV virus can enter via a small scratch. Inside the scratch, the virus causes rapid growth of cells that turn into a wart. You can pick up the HPV virus nearly anywhere, from doorknobs and keyboards to handshakes with colleagues. Although the hands are the most common location for warts, they can occur just about anywhere, including the face and legs.

Warts can spread quickly, so it’s important to start treatment as soon as you see one appear. If your wart doesn’t respond to over-the-counter remedies, come to Arlington Dermatology. Our dermatologists can freeze or burn your wart to stop it in its tracks. To make an appointment with one of our dermatologists or to learn more information, visit our website or call 847-392-5440.