Warts result from infection by several of the over 200 strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s not always easy to recognize warts. They can appear virtually anywhere on your body and can vary widely in appearance and texture. Some can also cause discomfort or pain.
Dermatologist Dr. Clement Banda of MD Vein & Skin Specialists in Columbia, Maryland, specializes in diagnosing and treating warts. While some warts respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) wart removers, others can be more difficult to treat. Visit us when you’re in doubt about wart treatment.
Here, we explain the six dominant types of warts so they are easier for you to identify and, if necessary, treat.
Rough, raised bumps that resemble bits of cauliflower in shape and texture, common warts typically form on the fingers, hands, knees, and nails. Usually, they’re the same color as your skin, white, or slightly gray. These bumps may also feature tiny black dots, signs of blood vessels that have clotted within the growth.
Watch for these around your eyelids, mouth, neck, or nose. They appear as long, narrow fingers of flesh. These tend to grow quickly, creating cosmetic concerns when they appear. While filiform warts generally don’t hurt, they can become irritated due to their location.
Often appearing in clusters, flat warts are small and smooth when compared to other types. Flesh-colored, pink, or light yellow, flat warts favor the face, forehead, backs of the hands, or the legs. Shaving can spread them on the face and legs, though this type of wart tends to be more common in younger patients into early adulthood.
Dr. Banda should assess warts in the genital or anal area. The strains of HPV responsible for these warts are transmitted through sexual contact. While these strains typically aren’t cancerous, it’s possible to have both low-risk and high-risk HPV infections simultaneously.
Forming around fingernails and toenails, periungual warts can impact nail growth and cause pain. Starting as small bumps, older periungual warts can later become cracked and rough. Nail-biters and cuticle-pickers have a greater risk of developing these warts.
Pressure points at the balls of your feet or the heels are common spots for plantar warts. Often mistaken for calluses or corns, plantar warts can grow inward due to the pressure of walking. If you have the feeling there’s a small stone in all your shoes, you may be dealing with this type of wart.
Plantar warts can be difficult to remove with OTC products, and if you’re diabetic or have circulation issues, visit us if these warts become a problem.
Contact MD Vein & Skin Specialists to learn more about warts or to arrange medical removal. Call or click to book an appointment with us today.
