From the Guidelines
Skin warts are caused by infection of keratinocytes by human papillomavirus (HPV) 1. When HPV enters the body through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin, it causes an excess growth of cells on the outer layer of skin, resulting in the formation of warts. There are over 150 genotypically different types of HPV, with classification based on defined variation of the viral DNA, and the majority of common warts are caused by HPV types 1,2,4,27 or 57, and plane warts by HPV types 3 or 10 1. Some key points to consider about skin warts include:
- They are contagious and can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus
- People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing warts
- The virus can remain dormant in the body for months before warts appear, and some people may be carriers without ever developing visible warts
- Most warts are harmless and often resolve on their own over time as the immune system fights off the virus, though treatment options like salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or prescription medications can help remove persistent warts more quickly 1. It's worth noting that while there are various treatment options available, the choice of treatment should be based on the individual patient's needs and the specific type of wart they have.
From the Research
Cause of Skin Warts
- Skin warts are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV) 2, 3, 4, 5
- HPV infects the top layer of the skin and penetrates epithelial cells, leading to the formation of warts 5
- Warts can be transmitted by close skin-to-skin contact, and areas of skin that are broken or cut are more susceptible to infection 5
- Warts can also be transmitted from contaminated objects or surfaces 5
Types of HPV Associated with Skin Warts
- Several studies have investigated the prevalence and diversity of HPV types in different types of skin warts, including common, plantar, and flat warts 2
- Different HPV types have been detected in skin warts, but the etiological link remains unconfirmed in some cases 2
- HPV biotype 27 has been identified as a cause of plantar warts in some cases 4
Transmission and Risk Factors
- Close skin-to-skin contact is a common mode of transmission for HPV and skin warts 5
- Broken or cut skin is more susceptible to HPV infection 5
- Contaminated objects or surfaces can also transmit HPV and cause skin warts 5
- Children are more susceptible to warts because their bodies are less likely to have built immunity to the virus 5