Warts are common, harmless skin growths that can be treated by a dermatologist. Warts appear when a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the top layer of the skin. 

There are several different kinds of warts including common warts, plantar (foot/mosaic) warts, and flat warts. All types of warts are caused by HPV. Wart are contagious. They can be transmitted by direct contact or indirectly through contaminated surfaces and objects.

Warts can grow on any part of your body, but are most commonly found on the hands and feet. Their appearance depends on their location. On the tops of the hands and face they protrude, while on pressure areas such as the palms and soles they are often thick and flat.

Warts are often skin-colored and feel rough, but they can be dark (brown or grey-black), flat and smooth. Warts can be diagnosed simply by looking at them but in rare cases a biopsy might be performed to be certain.

Some people are more likely to develop a wart than others. For children, warts sometimes disappear without treatment over a period of several months to years. Warts in adults do not disappear as easily or as quickly as they do in children.

Warts often go away with over-the-counter treatment. However, warts that are bothersome, painful, multiplying rapidly or if you are unable to get rid of the wart at home you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy to seek treatment. There are many treatments for warts, and treatment options depend on the age of the patient as well as the location and type of wart.

Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website if you have questions or concerns about warts, other skin conditions or would like to schedule a skin evaluation.