As a virus spread by contact, warts are fairly common.
The virus causing warts is human papillomavirus, or known better as HPV.
This is the same virus that may lead to cervical cancer; however, having a wart does not mean you have cancer or will get cancer.
A large amount of the population has experienced one type of wart or another.
Although there are different types of warts, they are all similar.
Warts are caused by cells grouping together and may have a dark center where blood vessels have clotted.
They are spread easily through sharing of towels or similar objects, a cut in the skin or through an open wound.
If you have a wart, use preventive measures to assure it is not spread to another individual.
Although warts are not dangerous, they can be irritating and even painful.
Learning about the different types of warts and treating them is a great start.
Also, practicing good hygiene such as not sharing towels and washing your hands, is the best way to avoid warts.
There are four common types of warts and although they have similarities, each has distinctive characteristics.
The most common type of wart a raised group of cells which resemble cauliflower bunches.
They are normally skin toned, but may be somewhat darker.
Hands and fingers are the location they are typically found.
If you have broken skin, such as a hangnail or callous, you may well develop a wart if you have exposed to the virus.
As irresistible as it may be, avoid picking the wart.
The second type is the flat wart.
Flat warts may be found anywhere on the body, especially the face.
They seldom hurt, but for vanity reasons are the most feared.
Children often have flat wart on their face, and adults tend to have them where hair normally grows.
Treatment options vary, but facial warts need to be inspected and removed by a licensed physician or dermatologist.
Flat warts range in numbers, varying from very few to hundreds.
Although not attractive, these warts are harmless.
The most painful wart is the plantar wart.
They appear on the bottoms of the feet and are painful when walking or standing.
They generally are not raised like the common wart, but are flatter due to the pressure they receive.
Plantar warts, like other warts, may disappear on their own; however, if they are painful for you, it is best to have them removed.
Transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner, the genital warts may cause more problems than the other types.
These warts are flesh colored, grow in groups resembling cauliflower heads and may be painful.
They can be found on the genitalia or around the anus.
Having genital warts puts an individual at risk for non-menstrual bleeding during or after intercourse, painful intercourse, severe itching and discomfort.
Genital warts, like all sexually transmitted diseases, may be avoided by practicing safe sex with your partner.
Although unflattering and a nuisance, warts are nothing to fear.
With research and possibly a trip to the doctor of pharmacy, you can easily treat your warts.
Remember, however, warts tend to reoccur and treatment time varies per individual and circumstance.