Warts are common, benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). While usually harmless, they can be unsightly, uncomfortable, or contagious. Understanding the six main types helps you identify them correctly—and choose the safest, most effective treatment.
⚠️ Important: Never try to remove warts on your face, genitals, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation without medical guidance.
🔍 1. Common Warts (Verruca Vulgaris)
- Where: Hands, fingers, elbows, knees
- Appearance: Rough, raised, cauliflower-like; grayish-brown with tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels)
- Who gets them: Children and teens most often
- Contagious?: Yes—spreads by touch or shared objects (towels, razors)
✅ Home Care:
- Salicylic acid (17% liquid or patch): Apply daily after soaking; file dead skin gently.
- Duct tape occlusion: Cover wart with duct tape for 6 days, remove, soak, file, leave uncovered overnight, reapply. Repeat for up to 2 months.
- Keep dry: Moisture encourages spread.
🦶 2. Plantar Warts (Verruca Plantaris)
- Where: Soles of feet (often heels or balls of feet)
- Appearance: Flat, hard, thickened skin with black dots; may grow in clusters (“mosaic warts”)
- Pain: Feels like a stone in your shoe—painful when squeezed or walked on
- Note: Often mistaken for corns—but corns lack black dots and hurt when pressed directly (warts hurt when squeezed from sides)
✅ Home Care:
