Warts
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What are warts?
Warts, or Verruca, are an overgrowth of skin cells caused by a reaction to a minor, local viral infection. Warts can appear on any body area, but especially the hands, feet, and genitals. Warts most commonly occur during adolescence and early adult life, although all ages are susceptible. Warts are contagious. They can be transmitted from one person to another, from contact with a contaminated surface, or from sexual contact. A person must be susceptible to the wart virus and must have an opening in the outer layer of skin to allow the virus to enter.
Types of warts
There are many different types of warts, and they differ from one another by their appearance and their location.
Common warts may develop anywhere on the body but usually occur on the back of the hand, fingers, and on the knees. Common warts usually have a crusted, knobby appearance.
Planter warts grow on the soles of feet. These warts are flat because of pressure and may resemble a shiny, yellowish callus. They are painful to walk on.
Genital warts occur in the genital and anal areas of the body. These warts are usually softer. They may vary from small projections to large cauliflower-like clusters. Genital warts are contagious and may spread most often through sexual contact. Symptoms appear anywhere from 1-20 months; the average is 4 months after contact with the infected person. If you have genitals warts, seek medical attention as soon as possible to have them treated and prevent their spread.
A Pap test may be needed for women, since genital warts have been associated with a cervical condition, which requires medical treatment. (This subject is discussed in another brochure, Sexually Transmitted Infections.)
Sexual contact may spread the warts to sexual partners. Use latex condoms or dental dams to decrease risk of transmission.
Digitiate, or filiform warts, usually occur on the face, neck, or sometimes the scalp.
Flat warts are smooth flat or highly raised. They appear on the face, back of the hand, and shins. They may also crop up in a line along scratches.
How does the student health service treat warts?
Genital warts should be checked by a health care provider. For all other warts, there is no urgent need to remove them if they do not bother you. A wart may disappear spontaneously without treatment, but this may take a long time. Getting rid of warts can be very difficult and often requires repeated treatment. However, if a wart is painful or unpleasant, there are several modes of treatment that may be tried.
Treatment usually consists of removing the wart by either chemical cauterization or freezing. The decision to use a certain treatment depends on the area involved and the size of the wart. Often treatment may not be completely successful the first time and treatment may need to be repeated. Rutgers University Health Services-NB/P provides treatment for various types of warts.
If you have any questions, please contact a Rutgers University Health Center.