Most people know that warts exist, and are quite troublesome, but not everyone knows that there are a number of varieties of warts. While they all have the same options for treatment, it is helpful to be aware of the different types, as well as their probability for occurrence. In being armed with this information, one is better able to recognize them and make an informed decision about the most suitable treatments.
Plantar warts are the kind of warts you are most likely to find on the soles of your feet. Plantar warts get their name from the plantar surface, which is the sole of the foot. When plantar warts appear in clusters, they are known as mosaic warts. But whether a cluster occurs or only one, they frequently appear small while in fact the majority of the wart is grown under the skin. The reason for this is that pressure on the foot from walking and other normal activities causes a large part of the wart to remain inside. In plantar warts there is usually a visible black dot; this is the blood supply to the warts. It can become quite painful to walk when one has plantar warts; the added pressure from wearing shoes often intensifies this discomfort.
Periungual warts are the warts which appear near the nails. These warts can range from aggravating to very painful. Periungual warts should be treated as soon as possible, or they can cause even more damage. Left untreated, the virus that caused the wart can enter the nail and cause the nail to become deformed. It can also cause the nail to develop a fungal infection. While periungual warts are most often found on toenails, they can also occur on the fingernails. Periungual warts should be treated as soon as they occur and are noticeable.
Flat warts are those which usually occur on the face in children, and in shaved areas such as legs and face in adults. They often appear in clusters. Flat warts are inclined to spread if they are not removed; but they may reappear after treatment due to the fact that the virus is still there. Although this particular type can be mistaken for other skin conditions, like any other kind of warts they are very contagious. Flat warts can be spread from contact with the infected person’s skin, or by using towels or other personal items.
Common warts, or seed warts, usually appear on the fingers, toes, and knees. Seed warts are most prevalent in older people. This type of wart is found on the upper body and face. Over-exposure to the sun increases the likelihood of seed warts; heredity also plays a role in getting this particular type of wart. The surrounding blood vessels give this type of wart its black appearance; this visible black spot is the reason why these common warts are frequently referred to as seed warts.
Genital warts are a form of sexually-transmitted disease. Approximately forty million people in the United States are currently infected with genital warts, and the numbers of diagnosed cases are increasing. They are extremely contagious, and they are spread by sexual activity. There are more than thirty different types of warts that are in this category. The Human Papilloma Virus which causes genital warts is the primary factor in causing cervical cancer. It is estimated that nearly four thousand women in the United States will die from this disease in 2007.